N-CSR 1 d846330dncsr.htm MET INVESTORS SERIES TRUST FORM N-CSR Met Investors Series Trust Form N-CSR

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-3618

 

 

METROPOLITAN SERIES FUND

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

One Financial Center

Boston, MA 02111

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

 

(Name and Address of Agent for Service) Copy to:

 

Michael P. Lawlor David C. Mahaffey, Esq.

c/o MetLife Advisers, LLC

One Financial Center

Boston, MA 02111

Sullivan & Worcester LLP

1666 K Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20006

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 617-578-4036

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

Date of reporting period: January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014

 

 

 


Item 1: Report to Shareholders.

The following is a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”):


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Managed By Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio returned -3.10%, -3.34%, and -3.19%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index1, returned -3.87%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Those investing in world equity markets from a base in the U.S. will probably feel quite mixed about 2014. On the one hand, the U.S. market delivered excellent returns as, despite occasional setbacks, belief in the economic recovery continued to grow. Such was the generally favorable mood that the Federal Reserve took the decision to first reduce, and then eventually halt, its bond buying program. The positive tone, combined with other factors such as continuing low interest rates, helped the U.S. stock market to reach record highs during the period.

However, strength in the U.S. extended to the dollar, which rose strongly against all other major currencies in 2014, hampering the returns earned from international markets. With the exception of Canada, which eked out a marginal gain, all international regions (Europe ex-United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Developed Asia Pacific, Emerging Markets and the U.K.) delivered negative returns in U.S. dollar terms during the year.

If we consider market results in local currencies, the picture was somewhat rosier, with most major investment markets delivering positive returns over the period as a whole. This outcome could be attributed to several factors including increasing investor confidence, some signs of improvement in the economic backdrop, and the continuation of loose monetary policy in many developed countries.

The year saw greater optimism over prospects for the U.K., where economic data suggested that growth was improving. Although some areas of weakness remained and equity markets were virtually flat, even in local currency terms, the tone on the whole was favorable. European markets also saw growing investor confidence through the year, but economic recovery remained weak in the Eurozone, with data from Germany and France particularly disappointing. The European Central Bank eventually announced further supportive measures in an attempt to generate a sustained upturn, but resurgent concerns at the end of the year about a possible Greek exit from the Eurozone did nothing to help market sentiment.

In Japan, the government moved to implement the third of Prime Minister Abe’s ‘three arrows’, aimed at structural reform and creating a basis for the fragile economic recovery to gather pace. However, the pace of change was slower than many had hoped and, towards the end of the period, Abe called a snap election two years ahead of schedule, in a bid to secure a stronger mandate to enact his policies. He was returned to power with a substantial majority, giving him the authority to resume his economic plan.

Although there were several flashpoints around the world, notably in the Middle East and Ukraine, and these situations created uncertainty in terms of global security, they had a limited impact on major investment markets for most of the year. However, a sharp fall in the oil price in the latter part of the period and the resulting weakness in the Russian currency were of greater concern to investors and caused an increase in volatility.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

Due to the bottom-up nature of the Portfolio, the majority of relative performance was driven by stock selection. Specifically, stock selection in Emerging Markets, Developed Asia, and Europe helped relative performance while stock selection in the U.K. detracted.

In terms of contributors, the Portfolio was helped by holdings in a range of sectors, including Industrials and Financials. Within the Industrials sector, aerospace holdings Ryanair (Ireland), the European low cost airline and Embraer (Brazil), the airplane manufacturer, were contributors. While lower oil prices are beneficial to those involved with air travel, Ryanair’s performance is largely attributable to good demand growth and robust ticket pricing on the back of the company’s new focus on customer service.

Financials holdings that were helpful to the Portfolio included property and casualty insurance company Fairfax Financial (Canada) and the stock exchange group Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (Hong Kong). The launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Connect scheme in November 2014 established mutual stock market access between mainland China and Hong Kong, and represents a significant step towards China opening up its financial system to the rest of the world, via Hong Kong.

Elsewhere, the Portfolio’s overweight position in Information Technology (“IT”) was helpful and internet companies Baidu (China) and MercadoLibre (Brazil) performed well, as did semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC (Taiwan). There were, however, some detractors in the IT space, including the Russian internet search business, Yandex (Russia), which was a new holding during the year.

The Portfolio’s Russian holdings were weak across the board as Western sanctions relating to events in Ukraine, and a falling oil price and currency have hurt the Russian economy. Despite commercial bank Sberbank (Russia) retaining many of the bottom-up attractions that first drew us to the stock (including an overwhelmingly dominant market share in a very under-banked country), the macro-economic environment is now more challenging for the banking sector and we sold the holding at the end of the year. The proceeds were reinvested in Yandex (Russia), which dominates Russia’s growing internet search arena.

The falling oil price has seen broad-based weakness in the Energy sector and while the Portfolio’s underweight in the sector was helpful, its holdings in Tullow Oil (U.K.), Seadrill (Norway) and Petrofac (U.K.) detracted.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Managed By Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

We did not make significant changes to the Portfolio over the year and the output of our bottom-up stock selection is a Portfolio with the largest overweight positions in Industrials and IT, and the largest underweight positions in Financials, Energy and Health Care.

The Industrials sector has a wide assortment of companies that we find attractive, from Ryanair and Embraer (mentioned above) to the industrial compressor business Atlas Copco (Sweden), to distributors Brenntag (Germany) and Wolseley (U.K.). New Industrials holdings added during the year were Copa Holdings (Panama) and MTU Aerospace (Germany). Copa is an airline operating flights through Panama to various parts of the Americas. It dominates these routes, is able to charge premium prices to customers given the lack of alternatives, and is well placed to grow in an environment where competitors are consolidating and even reducing capacity. MTU Aerospace operates in an industry characterized by high barriers to entry: it manufactures components for aircraft engines, as well as supplying spare parts for existing engines and offering overhaul services to airlines.

The IT sector is also very wide, and the Portfolio’s holdings span semiconductor design and manufacturing, mobile handsets, internet search, and enterprise software, amongst other areas, with exposure to a range of geographical markets. One sale during the year was Trend Micro (Japan), a maker of anti-virus computer and internet security software whose business model, while very profitable currently, is under pressure from new competitive threats.

We sold China Mobile (China), the dominant Chinese telecoms provider, due to rising competitive pressures and questionable capital allocation. This increases the Portfolio’s underweight position in the Telecommunications sector, an area where we have long struggled to find attractive growth companies.

The Portfolio has also maintained an underweight to Japan for some time. As a growth manager we have struggled to find attractive holdings within a domestic market experiencing deflation and deleveraging, while the past strength of the Yen and competition from China have challenged Japan’s large exporters. At year end, we remained cautious with regards to the eventual success of ‘Abenomics’ but going forward will continue to watch progress and crucially, search for attractive companies with good prospects for growth.

Jonathan Bates

Angus Franklin

Portfolio Managers

Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE MSCI ALL COUNTRY WORLD EX-U.S. INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio                 

Class A

       -3.10           2.83           1.75   

Class B

       -3.34           2.54           1.49   

Class E

       -3.19           2.68           1.60   
MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index        -3.87           4.43           5.13   

1 The MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index is an unmanaged free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets, excluding the U.S. The Index returns shown above were calculated with net dividends: they reflect the reinvestment of dividends after the deduction of the maximum possible withholding taxes.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Naspers, Ltd. - N Shares      3.2   
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.      3.1   
Nestle S.A.      2.7   
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.      2.6   
Svenska Handelsbanken AB - A Shares      2.3   
Ryanair Holdings plc (ADR)      2.1   
Atlas Copco AB - B Shares      2.0   
Fairfax Financial Holdings, Ltd.      1.9   
Baidu, Inc. (ADR)      1.9   
Rio Tinto plc      1.9   

Top Countries

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
United Kingdom      20.8   
Japan      9.6   
Germany      6.5   
Ireland      5.4   
South Korea      5.2   
Sweden      5.0   
Taiwan      4.0   
South Africa      3.7   
Switzerland      3.5   
France      3.4   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.75    $ 1,000.00         $ 937.60         $ 3.66   
   Hypothetical*      0.75    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.43         $ 3.82   

Class B(a)

   Actual      1.00    $ 1,000.00         $ 936.70         $ 4.88   
   Hypothetical*      1.00    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.16         $ 5.09   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.90    $ 1,000.00         $ 937.00         $ 4.39   
   Hypothetical*      0.90    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.67         $ 4.58   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—98.4% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Argentina—1.7%

  

MercadoLibre, Inc. (a)

    248,238      $ 31,692,546   
   

 

 

 

Australia—2.5%

  

Brambles, Ltd.

    2,453,692        21,130,880   

Cochlear, Ltd. (a)

    254,010        16,031,342   

Treasury Wine Estates, Ltd.

    2,544,228        9,897,408   
   

 

 

 
      47,059,630   
   

 

 

 

Brazil—1.9%

  

Embraer S.A. (ADR)

    542,616        20,000,826   

Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (ADR)

    1,288,925        16,768,914   
   

 

 

 
      36,769,740   
   

 

 

 

Canada—2.9%

  

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

    318,499        6,571,201   

Fairfax Financial Holdings, Ltd.

    70,650        37,020,405   

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, Inc. (a)

    443,057        11,913,803   
   

 

 

 
      55,505,409   
   

 

 

 

China—3.1%

  

Baidu, Inc. (ADR) (b)

    161,600        36,839,952   

Sun Art Retail Group, Ltd. (a)

    6,227,000        6,158,974   

Want Want China Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    12,275,626        16,103,762   
   

 

 

 
      59,102,688   
   

 

 

 

Denmark—3.2%

  

DSV A/S

    747,876        22,719,306   

Novo Nordisk A/S - Class B

    463,399        19,607,154   

Novozymes A/S - B Shares

    456,837        19,166,987   
   

 

 

 
      61,493,447   
   

 

 

 

Finland—2.8%

  

Kone Oyj - Class B (a)

    557,213        25,307,746   

Sampo Oyj - A Shares

    583,314        27,351,357   
   

 

 

 
      52,659,103   
   

 

 

 

France—3.4%

  

Edenred (a)

    541,183        15,027,078   

Essilor International S.A. (a)

    228,234        25,406,247   

Lafarge S.A.

    353,083        24,780,899   
   

 

 

 
      65,214,224   
   

 

 

 

Germany—6.5%

  

Brenntag AG

    317,244        17,851,117   

Continental AG

    130,056        27,617,718   

Deutsche Boerse AG

    404,503        28,988,321   

MTU Aero Engines AG

    132,264        11,548,451   

SAP SE

    340,654        24,086,109   

Sky Deutschland AG (a) (b)

    1,621,502        13,229,012   
   

 

 

 
      123,320,728   
   

 

 

 

Hong Kong—3.0%

  

Hang Seng Bank, Ltd.

    1,215,900        20,217,275   

Hong Kong—(Continued)

  

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, Ltd.

    1,657,200      36,456,203   
   

 

 

 
      56,673,478   
   

 

 

 

India—0.6%

  

IDFC, Ltd.

    5,006,671        12,374,789   
   

 

 

 

Ireland—5.4%

  

CRH plc

    766,175        18,198,156   

Experian plc

    1,442,300        24,328,313   

James Hardie Industries plc

    1,857,471        19,777,992   

Ryanair Holdings plc (ADR) (b)

    561,248        40,000,145   
   

 

 

 
      102,304,606   
   

 

 

 

Japan—9.6%

  

FANUC Corp.

    112,600        18,583,350   

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    59,200        21,568,449   

Japan Exchange Group, Inc. (a)

    1,173,200        27,333,639   

Rakuten, Inc. (a) (b)

    2,044,000        28,457,815   

Shimano, Inc.

    166,100        21,485,062   

SMC Corp.

    103,600        26,978,176   

Tokyo Electron, Ltd.

    238,600        18,106,627   

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    854,300        19,745,043   
   

 

 

 
      182,258,161   
   

 

 

 

Netherlands—1.3%

  

Heineken Holding NV

    400,974        25,134,081   
   

 

 

 

Norway—0.2%

  

Seadrill, Ltd. (a)

    267,561        3,079,992   
   

 

 

 

Panama—0.8%

  

Copa Holdings S.A. - Class A (a)

    150,210        15,567,764   
   

 

 

 

Peru—0.8%

  

Credicorp, Ltd.

    101,691        16,288,864   
   

 

 

 

Portugal—0.2%

  

Galp Energia SGPS S.A. (a)

    388,533        3,930,765   
   

 

 

 

Russia—1.6%

  

Magnit OJSC (GDR)

    436,486        19,683,139   

Yandex NV - Class A (b)

    570,184        10,240,505   
   

 

 

 
      29,923,644   
   

 

 

 

Singapore—1.6%

  

United Overseas Bank, Ltd. (a)

    1,618,473        29,922,100   
   

 

 

 

South Africa—3.7%

  

Massmart Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    758,903        9,264,648   

Naspers, Ltd. - N Shares

    477,191        61,437,404   
   

 

 

 
      70,702,052   
   

 

 

 

South Korea—5.2%

  

Hyundai Mobis

    46,659        9,930,729   

NAVER Corp.

    31,260        20,194,598   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description  

Shares

    Value  

South Korea—(Continued)

  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    41,245      $ 49,578,637   

SK Telecom Co., Ltd.

    76,078        18,500,748   
   

 

 

 
      98,204,712   
   

 

 

 

Spain—1.6%

  

Inditex S.A.

    1,045,370        29,952,928   
   

 

 

 

Sweden—5.0%

  

Atlas Copco AB - B Shares

    1,458,897        37,382,568   

Svenska Handelsbanken AB - A Shares

    942,556        44,010,532   

Volvo AB - B Shares

    1,238,624        13,376,942   
   

 

 

 
      94,770,042   
   

 

 

 

Switzerland—3.5%

  

Cie Financiere Richemont S.A.

    166,157        14,717,744   

Nestle S.A.

    708,429        51,928,938   
   

 

 

 
      66,646,682   
   

 

 

 

Taiwan—4.0%

  

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.

    5,812,139        16,027,370   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    13,502,000        59,580,690   
   

 

 

 
      75,608,060   
   

 

 

 

Turkey—0.8%

  

BIM Birlesik Magazalar A/S (a)

    681,093        14,581,219   
   

 

 

 

United Kingdom—20.8%

  

Amlin plc

    2,960,100        21,897,190   

Antofagasta plc

    978,543        11,361,163   

ARM Holdings plc

    2,323,097        35,771,670   

ASOS plc (a) (b)

    193,858        7,698,935   

BG Group plc

    861,000        11,460,540   

BHP Billiton plc

    505,800        10,818,967   

British American Tobacco plc

    655,883        35,636,661   

Burberry Group plc

    518,692        13,142,945   

Capita plc

    1,534,300        25,713,611   

Hargreaves Lansdown plc

    1,162,300        18,122,232   

Petrofac, Ltd.

    878,200        9,524,653   

Premier Farnell plc

    3,022,212        8,282,567   

Prudential plc

    1,509,470        34,736,161   

Rio Tinto plc

    791,600        36,471,038   

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (b)

    1,047,723        14,113,945   

St. James’s Place plc

    1,450,015        18,222,717   

Standard Chartered plc

    1,206,722        18,097,215   

Tullow Oil plc

    1,630,893        10,319,093   

Unilever NV

    667,612        26,225,642   

Wolseley plc

    481,091        27,387,735   
   

 

 

 
      395,004,680   
   

 

 

 
Security Description  

Shares/

Principal

Amount*

    Value  

United States—0.7%

  

Pricesmart, Inc. (a)

    158,049      14,417,230   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,613,189,910)

      1,870,163,364   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—10.1%   

Mutual Fund—8.6%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    161,994,801        161,994,801   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—1.5%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $28,661,616 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $28,340,000 U.S. Government Agency Obligations with rates ranging from 0.250% - 4.375%, maturity dates ranging from 05/31/15 - 08/15/15, with a value of $29,238,388.

    28,661,616        28,661,616   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $190,656,417)

      190,656,417   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—108.5%
(Cost $1,803,846,327) (d)

      2,060,819,781   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(8.5)%

      (160,695,974
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,900,123,807   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $182,707,513 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $161,994,801 and non-cash collateral with a value of $29,481,456. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,809,056,269. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $385,943,956 and $(134,180,444), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $251,763,512 for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.
(GDR)— A Global Depositary Receipt is a negotiable certificate issued by one country’s bank against a certain number of shares of a company’s stock held in its custody but traded on the stock exchange of another country.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

Ten Largest Industries as of
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

  

% of
Net Assets

 

Banks

     7.7   

Insurance

     7.3   

Machinery

     6.4   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     6.0   

Diversified Financial Services

     5.5   

Internet Software & Services

     5.2   

Food Products

     5.0   

Media

     3.9   

Trading Companies & Distributors

     3.4   

Food & Staples Retailing

     3.4   

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks           

Argentina

   $ 31,692,546       $ —        $ —         $ 31,692,546   

Australia

     —           47,059,630        —           47,059,630   

Brazil

     36,769,740         —          —           36,769,740   

Canada

     55,505,409         —          —           55,505,409   

China

     36,839,952         22,262,736        —           59,102,688   

Denmark

     —           61,493,447        —           61,493,447   

Finland

     —           52,659,103        —           52,659,103   

France

     —           65,214,224        —           65,214,224   

Germany

     —           123,320,728        —           123,320,728   

Hong Kong

     —           56,673,478        —           56,673,478   

India

     —           12,374,789        —           12,374,789   

Ireland

     40,000,145         62,304,461        —           102,304,606   

Japan

     —           182,258,161        —           182,258,161   

Netherlands

     —           25,134,081        —           25,134,081   

Norway

     —           3,079,992        —           3,079,992   

Panama

     15,567,764         —          —           15,567,764   

Peru

     16,288,864         —          —           16,288,864   

Portugal

     —           3,930,765        —           3,930,765   

Russia

     10,240,505         19,683,139        —           29,923,644   

Singapore

     —           29,922,100        —           29,922,100   

South Africa

     —           70,702,052        —           70,702,052   

South Korea

     —           98,204,712        —           98,204,712   

Spain

     —           29,952,928        —           29,952,928   

Sweden

     —           94,770,042        —           94,770,042   

Switzerland

     —           66,646,682        —           66,646,682   

Taiwan

     —           75,608,060        —           75,608,060   

Turkey

     —           14,581,219        —           14,581,219   

United Kingdom

     —           395,004,680        —           395,004,680   

United States

     14,417,230         —          —           14,417,230   

Total Common Stocks

     257,322,155         1,612,841,209        —           1,870,163,364   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     161,994,801         —          —           161,994,801   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           28,661,616        —           28,661,616   

Total Short-Term Investments

     161,994,801         28,661,616        —           190,656,417   

Total Investments

   $ 419,316,956       $ 1,641,502,825      $ —         $ 2,060,819,781   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (161,994,801   $ —         $ (161,994,801

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 2,060,819,781   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     62,261   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     2,201,049   

Fund shares sold

     960,291   

Dividends and interest

     1,111,665   

Prepaid expenses

     5,246   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     2,065,160,293   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     161,994,801   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     1,250,372   

Fund shares redeemed

     125,719   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,082,272   

Distribution and service fees

     85,641   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     97,529   

Other expenses

     400,152   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     165,036,486   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,900,123,807   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 2,001,395,539   

Undistributed net investment income

     29,557,052   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (387,746,607

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     256,917,823   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,900,123,807   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 1,490,015,961   

Class B

     387,290,259   

Class E

     22,817,587   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     147,964,246   

Class B

     39,074,959   

Class E

     2,289,432   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 10.07   

Class B

     9.91   

Class E

     9.97   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,803,846,327.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $182,707,513.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $62,280.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 45,100,873   

Interest

     859   

Securities lending income

     1,676,434   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     46,778,166   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     15,881,841   

Administration fees

     46,719   

Custodian and accounting fees

     1,234,576   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,031,382   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     36,968   

Audit and tax services

     60,726   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     40,768   

Shareholder reporting

     172,267   

Insurance

     9,651   

Miscellaneous

     35,238   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     18,580,149   

Less management fee waiver

     (2,521,368
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     16,058,781   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     30,719,385   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     42,691,165   

Foreign currency transactions

     (918,299
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     41,772,866   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (131,977,686

Foreign currency transactions

     (168,389
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (132,146,075
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

     (90,373,209
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets From Operations

   $ (59,653,824
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $4,508,508.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 30,719,385      $ 30,994,569   

Net realized gain

     41,772,866        21,915,768   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (132,146,075     229,395,258   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (59,653,824     282,305,595   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (23,080,583     (24,733,409

Class B

     (5,182,984     (1,391,154

Class E

     (320,223     (402,216
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (28,583,790     (26,526,779
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (153,964,195     285,595,731   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (242,201,809     541,374,547   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     2,142,325,616        1,600,951,069   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,900,123,807      $ 2,142,325,616   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 29,557,052      $ 28,339,756   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     8,639,913      $ 88,952,702        13,914,522      $ 132,496,071   

Reinvestments

     2,243,011        23,080,583        2,723,944        24,733,409   

Redemptions

     (22,352,068     (233,844,574     (16,279,447     (156,565,254
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (11,469,144   $ (121,811,289     359,019      $ 664,226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     1,949,577      $ 19,595,616        1,400,012      $ 13,236,229   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        36,865,244        343,584,075   

Reinvestments

     510,639        5,182,984        155,090        1,391,154   

Redemptions

     (5,258,516     (54,016,096     (7,239,361     (69,828,994
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,798,300   $ (29,237,496     31,180,985      $ 288,382,464   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     146,213      $ 1,478,906        171,847      $ 1,652,354   

Reinvestments

     31,395        320,223        44,691        402,216   

Redemptions

     (457,071     (4,714,539     (575,018     (5,505,529
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (279,463   $ (2,915,410     (358,480   $ (3,450,959
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (153,964,195     $ 285,595,731   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                  
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.54       $ 9.28      $ 7.87       $ 9.98       $ 9.45   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

     0.16         0.16        0.16         0.10         0.10   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.48      1.26        1.37         (2.04      0.57   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.32      1.42        1.53         (1.94      0.67   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.15      (0.16     (0.12      (0.17      (0.14
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.15      (0.16     (0.12      (0.17      (0.14
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.07       $ 10.54      $ 9.28       $ 7.87       $ 9.98   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (3.10      15.54        19.52         (19.87      7.21   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.87         0.87        0.91         0.95         0.94   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.75         0.77        0.81         0.90         0.91   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.58         1.70        1.83         1.06         1.10   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     8         19        62         96         140   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 1,490.0       $ 1,680.7      $ 1,476.3       $ 623.9       $ 1,183.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.38       $ 9.15      $ 7.75       $ 9.84       $ 9.33   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

     0.14         0.13  (d)      0.14         0.08         0.07   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.48      1.23        1.35         (2.03      0.56   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.34      1.36        1.49         (1.95      0.63   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.13      (0.13     (0.09      (0.14      (0.12
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.13      (0.13     (0.09      (0.14      (0.12
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 9.91       $ 10.38      $ 9.15       $ 7.75       $ 9.84   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (3.34      15.14        19.37         (20.13      6.86   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.12         1.13        1.16         1.20         1.19   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.00         1.03        1.06         1.15         1.16   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.32         1.34  (d)      1.68         0.87         0.86   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     8         19        62         96         140   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 387.3       $ 434.8      $ 97.8       $ 89.5       $ 112.5   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.43       $ 9.19       $ 7.79       $ 9.88       $ 9.36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.15         0.15         0.15         0.09         0.09   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.48      1.23         1.35         (2.03      0.56   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.33      1.38         1.50         (1.94      0.65   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.13      (0.14      (0.10      (0.15      (0.13
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.13      (0.14      (0.10      (0.15      (0.13
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 9.97       $ 10.43       $ 9.19       $ 7.79       $ 9.88   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (3.19      15.30         19.39         (19.98      7.04   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.02         1.02         1.06         1.10         1.09   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.90         0.92         0.96         1.05         1.06   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.43         1.56         1.79         0.97         0.99   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     8         19         62         96         140   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 22.8       $ 26.8       $ 26.9       $ 25.0       $ 36.5   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets for Class B during 2013 were impacted by the timing of dividends received from the Portfolio’s investments and the assets received through a merger with the Met Investors Series Trust American Funds International Portfolio.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $28,661,616, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Foreign Investment Risk: The investments by the Portfolio in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Because securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies and may pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Portfolio. Foreign investments may also subject the Portfolio to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. In addition to the risks described above, risks may arise from forward foreign currency contracts with respect to the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases     Sales  
U.S. Government     Non U.S. Government     U.S. Government     Non U.S. Government  
$ 0      $ 164,969,223      $ 0      $ 318,356,220   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $20,138,038 in sales of investments, which are included above.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$15,881,841      0.860   Of the first $500 million
     0.800   Of the next $500 million
     0.750   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum reduction

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.080%    On amounts over $156.25 million and under $400 million
0.180%    Of the next $100 million
0.120%    Of the next to $400 million
0.150%    On amounts in excess of $900 million

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period December 1, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$28,583,790    $ 26,526,779       $       $       $ 28,583,790       $ 26,526,779   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards     Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
     Total  
$29,993,467    $       $ 251,707,881       $ (382,875,551   $       $ (101,174,203

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $31,218,273.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses. The pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards and expiration dates were as follows:

 

Expiring
12/31/17

   Expiring
12/31/16
     Total  
$169,332,274    $ 213,543,277       $ 382,875,551   

8. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 26, 2013, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A, Class B, and Class E net assets of $1,514,112,574, $98,152,323, and $26,620,393 respectively, acquired all of the assets and liabilities of American Funds International Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“American Funds International”).

The acquisition was accomplished by a taxable exchange of 36,865,244 Class B shares of the Portfolio (valued at $343,584,075) for 41,617,864 Class C shares of American Funds International. Each shareholder of American Funds International received Class B shares of the Portfolio at the Class B’s NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 26, 2013. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by the American Funds International Portfolio may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. If such purchases or sales occurred, the transaction costs were borne by the American Funds International Portfolio. All other costs associated with the merger were not borne by the shareholders of either Portfolio.

American Funds International’s net assets on April 26, 2013, were $343,584,075, all for Class C shares, with investments valued at $334,864,216. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed, and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value. The fair value of the investments received by the Portfolio became the new cost basis of the investments in the Portfolio.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $1,982,469,365. Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2013, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

Net investment income

   $ 30,222,657 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     258,968,602 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 289,191,259   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of American Funds International that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 26, 2013.

 

(a) $30,994,569 net investment income as reported December 31, 2013 minus $ 428,522 from American Funds International pre-merger net investment loss, minus $724,668 in higher net advisory fees, plus $334,481 in lower distribution and service fees, plus $46,797 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $389,063,898 unrealized appreciation as reported December 31, 2013 minus $184,533,324 pro-forma December 31, 2012 unrealized appreciation, plus $21,915,768 net realized gain as reported December 31, 2013, plus $32,522,260 in net realized gain from American Funds International pre-merger.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of the Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index ex USA, for the one- and three-year periods ended October 31, 2014 and underperformed its benchmark for the five-year period ended October 31, 2014. The Board also took into account management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Investment Management, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, E, and G shares of the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio returned 5.81%, 5.48%, 5.58%, and 5.46%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index1, returned 5.97%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

The Federal Open Market Committee (the “Committee”) met eight times during the one-year period and held the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 0.25%, a range set in December 2008. In October, the Committee concluded its asset purchase program. This was the program in which the Committee was systematically purchasing and holding both agency Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) and longer-term Treasury securities. Following their most recent meeting, the Committee noted that economic activity was expanding at a moderate pace. Further, the Committee observed that labor market conditions improved, and that household spending was increasing moderately. The Committee agreed to maintain the policy of reinvesting principal payments from its retained agency debt and agency MBS into agency MBS. The Committee also stated that it would continue rolling over maturing Treasury securities at auction.

At December 31, 2014, the yield curve flattened from the 2013 year-end levels. The 2-year Treasury finished at 0.67% (up from 0.38%

on December 31, 2013), and the 30-year Treasury finished at 2.57% (down from 3.97% on December 31, 2013).

Crude oil prices fluctuated significantly during the one-year period. After posting a high of approximately $107 per barrel in June, oil ended the year at its low of $53 per barrel.

The Corporate sector was the strongest performing Index sector for the one-year period on a total return basis. Total returns for the Index sectors were: 7.46% for Corporate; 6.14% for Government-Related; 6.08% for MBS; 5.05% for Treasury; 3.86% for Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities; and 1.88% for Asset-Backed Securities.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio is managed utilizing a stratified sampling approach where the objective is to track the performance of the Index by holding a subset of Index constituents and neutralizing exposures across key characteristics (i.e., duration, term structure, high sector, sub-sector, quality). Factors that impacted tracking error included: sampling, transaction costs, and contributions and withdrawals.

Stacey Lituchy

Tresa Lau

Tomas Cambara

Portfolio Managers

MetLife Investment Management, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE BARCLAYS U.S. AGGREGATE BOND INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio                      

Class A

       5.81           4.13           4.48             

Class B

       5.48           3.85           4.21             

Class E

       5.58           3.95           4.32             

Class G

       5.46           3.80                     4.13   
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.97           4.45           4.71             

1 Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class E and Class G shares are 11/9/98,1/2/01, 5/1/01 and 4/28/09, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies

     69.2   

Corporate Bonds & Notes

     24.8   

Foreign Government

     2.0   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     1.6   

Municipals

     0.7   

Asset-Backed Securities

     0.5   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.28    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.00         $ 1.43   
   Hypothetical*      0.28    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.79         $ 1.43   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.53    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,017.60         $ 2.70   
   Hypothetical*      0.53    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.53         $ 2.70   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.43    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,018.30         $ 2.19   
   Hypothetical*      0.43    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.04         $ 2.19   

Class G(a)

   Actual      0.58    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,017.60         $ 2.95   
   Hypothetical*      0.58    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.28         $ 2.96   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—69.2% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—28.9%

  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

   

2.500%, 12/01/27

    5,308,334      $ 5,416,511   

2.500%, 02/01/28

    3,944,221        4,024,173   

2.500%, 07/01/28

    6,947,009        7,080,122   

2.500%, 10/01/28

    4,538,713        4,625,681   

3.000%, 01/01/27

    2,247,287        2,337,216   

3.000%, 02/01/27

    3,713,055        3,861,714   

3.000%, 03/01/27

    1,849,728        1,923,786   

3.000%, 01/01/29

    3,084,628        3,208,178   

3.000%, 10/01/29

    3,820,354        3,973,459   

3.500%, 02/01/26

    3,673,556        3,889,530   

3.500%, 03/01/26

    1,499,788        1,587,963   

3.500%, 05/01/29

    4,186,649        4,426,076   

4.000%, 04/01/19

    134,756        142,726   

4.000%, 05/01/19

    318,590        337,602   

4.000%, 01/01/20

    390,645        413,991   

4.000%, 06/01/24

    739,947        788,942   

4.000%, 11/01/24

    3,736,666        3,984,086   

4.500%, 07/01/18

    426,913        448,411   

4.500%, 05/01/19

    155,791        163,682   

4.500%, 08/01/24

    857,644        914,100   

4.500%, 06/01/25

    1,597,923        1,703,418   

5.000%, 06/01/18

    111,211        117,177   

5.000%, 01/01/19

    317,595        336,297   

5.000%, 02/01/20

    318,447        338,837   

5.000%, 01/01/22

    383,607        414,158   

5.000%, 02/01/24

    1,098,666        1,194,071   

5.500%, 11/01/17

    52,447        55,394   

5.500%, 02/01/18

    44,159        46,650   

5.500%, 04/01/18

    343,029        362,494   

6.000%, 09/01/17

    112,223        116,626   

6.500%, 04/01/17

    304,416        316,657   

7.500%, 08/01/15

    217        217   

Fannie Mae 20 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 02/01/33

    2,490,381        2,575,237   

3.500%, 04/01/32

    2,579,000        2,722,291   

4.000%, 02/01/31

    1,319,432        1,421,352   

4.500%, 08/01/30

    868,883        946,608   

5.000%, 02/01/24

    300,146        331,504   

5.000%, 09/01/25

    272,965        301,408   

5.500%, 07/01/23

    196,201        219,249   

5.500%, 01/01/24

    131,022        146,417   

5.500%, 07/01/24

    358,242        400,364   

5.500%, 07/01/25

    297,060        331,944   

7.000%, 10/01/21

    17,704        19,932   

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 08/01/42

    1,847,634        1,875,319   

3.000%, 09/01/42

    2,781,712        2,823,394   

3.000%, 11/01/42

    3,346,349        3,396,492   

3.000%, 12/01/42

    6,173,499        6,266,004   

3.000%, 01/01/43

    1,617,279        1,641,512   

3.000%, 02/01/43

    5,367,734        5,439,267   

3.000%, 03/01/43

    7,002,478        7,094,410   

3.000%, 07/01/43

    7,510,361        7,608,963   

3.000%, 09/01/43

    3,959,236        4,011,215   

3.500%, 12/01/40

    2,824,032        2,947,147   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.500%, 03/01/42

    1,748,961      1,825,305   

3.500%, 04/01/42

    3,880,851        4,051,947   

3.500%, 05/01/42

    4,709,183        4,914,742   

3.500%, 06/01/42

    3,480,532        3,632,460   

3.500%, 08/01/42

    2,377,427        2,481,203   

3.500%, 09/01/42

    5,978,081        6,239,029   

3.500%, 10/01/42

    3,142,764        3,279,948   

3.500%, 01/01/43

    2,815,745        2,938,654   

3.500%, 02/01/43

    4,439,512        4,633,300   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    4,647,683        4,850,408   

3.500%, 06/01/43

    2,627,811        2,742,433   

3.500%, 08/01/44

    4,819,470        5,030,070   

4.000%, 08/01/39

    1,921,808        2,052,289   

4.000%, 09/01/39

    1,544,353        1,649,206   

4.000%, 12/01/39

    2,025,124        2,162,619   

4.000%, 06/01/40

    2,049,641        2,189,121   

4.000%, 09/01/40

    1,318,063        1,407,759   

4.000%, 12/01/40

    8,288,857        8,852,923   

4.000%, 01/01/41

    5,097,844        5,444,931   

4.000%, 02/01/41

    5,234,985        5,624,754   

4.000%, 12/01/41

    2,178,774        2,327,190   

4.000%, 02/01/42

    2,330,248        2,489,905   

4.000%, 09/01/43

    3,419,177        3,650,557   

4.000%, 02/01/44

    4,530,025        4,857,358   

4.000%, 05/01/44

    4,330,071        4,624,705   

4.000%, 08/01/44

    4,660,942        4,981,159   

4.000%, 11/01/44

    4,690,542        5,043,540   

4.500%, 08/01/33

    364,321        397,354   

4.500%, 10/01/33

    418,424        456,362   

4.500%, 04/01/34

    216,682        236,073   

4.500%, 01/01/39

    318,717        345,971   

4.500%, 07/01/39

    2,551,553        2,770,004   

4.500%, 09/01/39

    4,233,632        4,596,094   

4.500%, 10/01/39

    1,766,499        1,917,738   

4.500%, 05/01/40

    2,167,461        2,354,913   

4.500%, 11/01/40

    2,139,395        2,324,420   

4.500%, 12/01/40

    3,068,982        3,334,402   

4.500%, 04/01/41

    8,078,696        8,778,547   

4.500%, 05/01/41

    1,938,421        2,106,345   

5.000%, 07/01/33

    303,542        336,800   

5.000%, 08/01/33

    731,369        811,501   

5.000%, 09/01/33

    369,805        410,322   

5.000%, 10/01/33

    3,146,268        3,490,985   

5.000%, 03/01/34

    418,807        464,693   

5.000%, 04/01/34

    990,393        1,097,876   

5.000%, 05/01/34

    159,513        176,693   

5.000%, 09/01/34

    400,396        443,521   

5.000%, 02/01/35

    449,211        497,593   

5.000%, 04/01/35

    292,694        323,642   

5.000%, 05/01/35

    89,215        98,648   

5.000%, 11/01/35

    313,928        347,121   

5.000%, 03/01/36

    1,055,136        1,166,702   

5.000%, 07/01/37

    998,565        1,102,862   

5.000%, 01/01/39

    860,970        950,675   

5.000%, 04/01/40

    2,757,188        3,049,760   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

5.000%, 07/01/41

    2,091,072      $ 2,315,612   

5.500%, 10/01/32

    60,290        67,797   

5.500%, 02/01/33

    235,441        264,767   

5.500%, 03/01/33

    548,974        617,353   

5.500%, 05/01/33

    2,030,535        2,283,451   

5.500%, 08/01/33

    1,052,192        1,183,250   

5.500%, 10/01/33

    133,149        149,733   

5.500%, 12/01/33

    1,193,300        1,341,933   

5.500%, 02/01/34

    383,663        431,458   

5.500%, 03/01/34

    232,290        261,228   

5.500%, 04/01/34

    99,950        112,402   

5.500%, 06/01/34

    361,705        406,764   

5.500%, 09/01/34

    355,326        399,591   

5.500%, 12/01/34

    887,883        998,491   

5.500%, 01/01/35

    309,161        347,674   

5.500%, 02/01/35

    685,614        771,025   

5.500%, 04/01/35

    394,223        442,034   

5.500%, 06/01/35

    1,329,000        1,490,181   

5.500%, 01/01/37

    490,406        548,247   

5.500%, 05/01/37

    198,534        221,886   

5.500%, 05/01/38

    263,253        294,220   

5.500%, 06/01/38

    292,442        326,843   

5.500%, 07/01/38

    223,257        249,519   

6.000%, 08/01/28

    3,472        3,931   

6.000%, 11/01/28

    1,149        1,313   

6.000%, 12/01/28

    1,403        1,608   

6.000%, 06/01/31

    74,169        85,078   

6.000%, 09/01/32

    148,767        170,643   

6.000%, 01/01/33

    39,124        44,877   

6.000%, 02/01/33

    90,338        103,622   

6.000%, 03/01/33

    183,612        210,610   

6.000%, 04/01/33

    395,573        453,739   

6.000%, 05/01/33

    338,458        388,225   

6.000%, 05/01/34

    443,460        508,331   

6.000%, 09/01/34

    366,652        420,286   

6.000%, 11/01/34

    557,516        639,071   

6.000%, 01/01/35

    245,973        279,202   

6.000%, 07/01/36

    101,188        114,624   

6.000%, 09/01/36

    288,166        326,430   

6.000%, 07/01/37

    307,780        348,553   

6.000%, 08/01/37

    418,276        473,688   

6.000%, 09/01/37

    1,010,544        1,144,416   

6.000%, 10/01/37

    388,739        440,237   

6.000%, 05/01/38

    1,216,537        1,377,699   

6.000%, 12/01/38

    319,992        362,400   

6.500%, 05/01/28

    72,082        83,880   

6.500%, 12/01/28

    223,349        259,906   

6.500%, 03/01/29

    5,606        6,384   

6.500%, 04/01/29

    37,315        42,507   

6.500%, 05/01/29

    8,837        10,064   

6.500%, 08/01/29

    1,397        1,591   

6.500%, 05/01/30

    32,839        37,398   

6.500%, 09/01/31

    6,493        7,543   

6.500%, 02/01/32

    7,842        8,184   

6.500%, 06/01/32

    45,932        53,358   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

6.500%, 09/01/33

    20,719      23,595   

6.500%, 10/01/33

    134,413        153,073   

6.500%, 10/01/34

    401,858        465,535   

6.500%, 10/01/37

    212,037        241,897   

7.000%, 06/01/26

    860        941   

7.000%, 06/01/28

    29,755        31,996   

7.000%, 10/01/29

    14,819        17,561   

7.000%, 12/01/29

    3,903        4,038   

7.000%, 04/01/32

    17,455        18,977   

7.000%, 06/01/32

    68,423        79,715   

7.000%, 10/01/37

    291,703        331,428   

7.500%, 09/01/25

    6,486        7,575   

7.500%, 06/01/26

    6,911        8,246   

7.500%, 07/01/29

    16,349        19,429   

7.500%, 10/01/29

    8,522        9,485   

8.000%, 10/01/26

    441        464   

8.000%, 11/01/29

    252        307   

8.000%, 05/01/30

    18,294        19,157   

8.000%, 11/01/30

    4,346        5,195   

8.000%, 01/01/31

    6,712        7,914   

8.000%, 02/01/31

    8,946        10,922   

Fannie Mae ARM Pool

   

2.739%, 11/01/43 (a)

    2,463,513        2,547,297   

2.769%, 02/01/42 (a)

    2,908,038        3,021,214   

3.157%, 10/01/41 (a)

    886,367        931,491   

3.503%, 05/01/41 (a)

    1,657,317        1,767,836   

Fannie Mae-ACES

   

2.679%, 05/25/21 (a)

    5,000,000        5,078,255   

Freddie Mac 15 Yr. Gold Pool

   

2.500%, 12/01/27

    2,404,634        2,450,990   

2.500%, 02/01/28

    3,819,924        3,893,334   

2.500%, 04/01/28

    3,149,379        3,206,294   

2.500%, 12/01/29

    4,884,191        4,972,598   

3.000%, 03/01/27

    2,117,324        2,199,012   

3.000%, 05/01/27

    2,681,759        2,785,326   

3.000%, 11/01/28

    3,353,895        3,483,493   

3.500%, 12/01/25

    2,526,120        2,672,714   

3.500%, 05/01/26

    994,219        1,052,605   

4.000%, 06/01/19

    263,483        279,036   

4.000%, 05/01/25

    1,474,342        1,573,900   

4.000%, 08/01/25

    807,194        861,701   

4.000%, 10/01/25

    637,639        680,697   

4.500%, 09/01/18

    256,823        269,435   

4.500%, 10/01/18

    581,359        609,908   

4.500%, 04/01/19

    413,254        433,668   

4.500%, 06/01/19

    230,794        242,195   

4.500%, 08/01/19

    82,319        86,384   

5.000%, 05/01/18

    619,283        651,719   

5.000%, 12/01/18

    127,888        134,586   

5.000%, 06/01/19

    327,292        346,149   

5.500%, 11/01/17

    52,962        56,017   

5.500%, 01/01/24

    717,794        788,962   

6.000%, 04/01/16

    2,476        2,524   

6.000%, 05/01/17

    49,296        50,813   

7.000%, 12/01/15

    603        604   

7.500%, 03/01/16

    3,660        3,731   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac 20 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.000%, 04/01/33

    3,822,143      $ 3,947,173   

3.500%, 04/01/32

    3,687,618        3,883,470   

4.000%, 01/01/31

    1,386,008        1,496,614   

4.000%, 08/01/31

    1,454,997        1,571,109   

4.500%, 05/01/29

    421,712        459,367   

5.000%, 03/01/27

    194,260        214,134   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

2.500%, 07/01/43

    3,199,696        3,121,085   

3.000%, 10/01/42

    3,190,137        3,226,795   

3.000%, 01/01/43

    3,051,201        3,086,263   

3.000%, 03/01/43

    7,055,584        7,138,474   

3.000%, 04/01/43

    5,684,354        5,749,715   

3.000%, 06/01/43

    2,035,063        2,058,462   

3.000%, 07/01/43

    4,951,456        5,008,390   

3.500%, 01/01/42

    2,047,519        2,133,155   

3.500%, 03/01/42

    1,807,279        1,882,842   

3.500%, 08/01/42

    6,266,523        6,524,100   

3.500%, 02/01/43

    2,482,824        2,584,331   

3.500%, 05/01/43

    4,418,512        4,600,069   

3.500%, 06/01/43

    2,687,226        2,797,644   

3.500%, 06/01/44

    3,768,543        3,923,524   

3.500%, 10/01/44

    3,877,390        4,036,847   

3.500%, 12/01/44

    4,789,159        4,986,113   

4.000%, 06/01/39

    1,663,657        1,774,583   

4.000%, 12/01/39

    2,186,534        2,332,324   

4.000%, 11/01/40

    2,052,975        2,190,180   

4.000%, 04/01/41

    1,883,304        2,009,239   

4.000%, 09/01/41

    2,071,318        2,209,825   

4.000%, 10/01/41

    4,269,077        4,554,545   

4.000%, 11/01/41

    2,215,228        2,363,359   

4.000%, 10/01/43

    4,531,492        4,833,836   

4.000%, 07/01/44

    6,449,586        6,879,924   

4.000%, 10/01/44

    4,660,481        4,971,444   

4.500%, 10/01/35

    804,656        872,149   

4.500%, 06/01/38

    1,222,738        1,325,299   

4.500%, 02/01/39

    720,049        780,618   

4.500%, 03/01/39

    978,105        1,060,381   

4.500%, 04/01/39

    998,329        1,082,307   

4.500%, 09/01/39

    1,217,573        1,319,993   

4.500%, 10/01/39

    3,442,650        3,732,241   

4.500%, 11/01/39

    1,186,358        1,286,153   

4.500%, 01/01/40

    800,830        868,847   

4.500%, 05/01/40

    1,380,972        1,498,263   

4.500%, 11/01/40

    1,622,452        1,760,252   

4.500%, 02/01/41

    1,060,816        1,151,763   

4.500%, 05/01/41

    1,240,350        1,346,690   

4.500%, 06/01/41

    901,452        978,737   

4.500%, 12/01/43

    2,273,364        2,464,923   

5.000%, 10/01/33

    806,771        893,067   

5.000%, 03/01/34

    182,125        201,482   

5.000%, 08/01/35

    1,018,084        1,124,914   

5.000%, 09/01/35

    463,151        511,750   

5.000%, 10/01/35

    377,543        417,159   

5.000%, 01/01/36

    974,594        1,076,860   

5.000%, 04/01/38

    523,182        576,289   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

5.000%, 11/01/39

    2,389,809      2,634,127   

5.000%, 05/01/40

    3,039,064        3,356,508   

5.500%, 06/01/34

    880,393        988,803   

5.500%, 10/01/35

    387,612        433,859   

5.500%, 12/01/35

    1,038,533        1,162,442   

5.500%, 01/01/36

    740,048        828,345   

5.500%, 12/01/37

    685,655        764,648   

5.500%, 04/01/38

    3,207,903        3,577,142   

5.500%, 07/01/38

    380,042        423,786   

5.500%, 08/01/38

    796,660        888,358   

6.000%, 11/01/28

    13,415        15,164   

6.000%, 12/01/28

    10,010        11,473   

6.000%, 02/01/29

    8,490        9,597   

6.000%, 04/01/29

    7,096        8,119   

6.000%, 05/01/29

    2,096        2,369   

6.000%, 06/01/31

    2,621        3,005   

6.000%, 07/01/31

    1,171        1,343   

6.000%, 09/01/31

    68,863        78,949   

6.000%, 04/01/32

    155,202        177,938   

6.000%, 11/01/32

    41,244        47,286   

6.000%, 06/01/34

    198,342        227,267   

6.000%, 11/01/35

    116,034        132,908   

6.000%, 02/01/36

    178,140        201,370   

6.000%, 08/01/36

    185,319        209,486   

6.000%, 10/01/36

    303,925        343,559   

6.000%, 11/01/36

    117,068        132,335   

6.000%, 01/01/37

    275,590        311,529   

6.000%, 02/01/38

    289,081        326,772   

6.000%, 11/01/39

    2,679,490        3,028,989   

6.000%, 04/01/40

    760,436        859,583   

6.500%, 02/01/30

    5,777        6,564   

6.500%, 08/01/31

    13,250        15,326   

6.500%, 10/01/31

    7,632        8,671   

6.500%, 11/01/31

    28,940        33,474   

6.500%, 03/01/32

    437,123        505,525   

6.500%, 04/01/32

    421,679        487,663   

6.500%, 09/01/36

    684,847        781,861   

6.500%, 11/01/37

    345,653        394,603   

7.000%, 12/01/27

    1,886        2,162   

7.000%, 11/01/28

    4,778        5,297   

7.000%, 04/01/29

    5,309        5,913   

7.000%, 05/01/29

    1,533        1,692   

7.000%, 06/01/29

    6,362        6,645   

7.000%, 07/01/29

    2,151        2,390   

7.000%, 01/01/31

    107,266        115,063   

7.500%, 08/01/24

    20,616        21,361   

7.500%, 10/01/27

    12,903        14,929   

7.500%, 10/01/29

    19,354        22,125   

7.500%, 05/01/30

    14,652        16,858   

8.000%, 02/01/27

    4,635        5,531   

8.000%, 10/01/28

    8,893        10,544   

Ginnie Mae I 15 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 08/15/28

    4,277,678        4,490,053   

5.000%, 10/15/20

    432,877        463,401   

5.000%, 01/15/21

    222,263        238,773   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 11/15/42

    3,938,379      $ 4,037,626   

3.000%, 12/15/42

    2,844,133        2,915,805   

3.000%, 02/15/43

    2,449,176        2,511,409   

3.000%, 03/15/43

    3,318,518        3,400,227   

3.000%, 05/15/43

    4,253,956        4,358,699   

3.000%, 07/15/43

    2,784,767        2,853,335   

3.500%, 01/15/42

    4,018,903        4,228,365   

3.500%, 02/15/42

    1,772,925        1,865,321   

3.500%, 03/15/42

    2,851,997        3,003,795   

3.500%, 05/15/42

    2,321,749        2,442,747   

3.500%, 09/15/42

    2,391,582        2,516,218   

3.500%, 05/15/43

    2,733,994        2,874,179   

4.000%, 07/15/39

    3,403,059        3,662,315   

4.000%, 07/15/40

    2,124,445        2,290,702   

4.000%, 03/15/41

    1,882,853        2,024,343   

4.000%, 10/15/41

    3,357,922        3,610,258   

4.500%, 01/15/39

    525,983        576,577   

4.500%, 04/15/39

    1,417,382        1,553,719   

4.500%, 05/15/39

    3,478,958        3,813,598   

4.500%, 08/15/39

    1,606,326        1,760,838   

4.500%, 01/15/40

    1,631,622        1,793,880   

4.500%, 04/15/40

    2,032,144        2,234,233   

4.500%, 02/15/41

    886,746        970,830   

4.500%, 04/15/41

    1,111,105        1,216,463   

5.000%, 12/15/35

    526,744        585,855   

5.000%, 12/15/36

    299,731        330,213   

5.000%, 01/15/39

    1,759,252        1,942,986   

5.000%, 02/15/39

    367,415        407,886   

5.000%, 08/15/39

    2,788,614        3,095,779   

5.000%, 09/15/39

    640,784        711,366   

5.000%, 12/15/39

    1,192,562        1,323,923   

5.000%, 05/15/40

    2,061,390        2,305,006   

5.500%, 03/15/36

    602,209        676,360   

5.500%, 01/15/37

    631,381        705,368   

5.500%, 11/15/37

    601,790        672,309   

5.500%, 09/15/38

    339,427        379,138   

5.500%, 08/15/39

    1,873,128        2,095,939   

6.000%, 01/15/29

    7,908        8,943   

6.000%, 01/15/33

    297,711        342,546   

6.000%, 03/15/35

    353,068        408,696   

6.000%, 12/15/35

    206,537        233,740   

6.000%, 06/15/36

    280,782        317,650   

6.000%, 09/15/36

    352,542        398,833   

6.000%, 07/15/38

    1,518,925        1,742,741   

6.500%, 05/15/23

    1,391        1,588   

6.500%, 02/15/27

    39,783        45,797   

6.500%, 07/15/28

    14,071        16,057   

6.500%, 08/15/28

    18,444        21,203   

6.500%, 11/15/28

    10,699        12,313   

6.500%, 12/15/28

    11,290        12,883   

6.500%, 07/15/29

    2,221        2,534   

6.500%, 05/15/36

    230,418        265,930   

7.000%, 01/15/28

    2,436        2,792   

7.000%, 04/15/28

    3,292        3,401   

7.000%, 05/15/28

    13,965        15,205   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

   

7.000%, 06/15/28

    10,239      11,783   

7.000%, 10/15/28

    9,889        10,902   

7.000%, 06/15/29

    2,131        2,188   

7.000%, 09/15/29

    10,234        11,157   

7.000%, 01/15/31

    1,401        1,436   

7.000%, 03/15/31

    28,923        31,139   

7.000%, 07/15/31

    548,672        650,991   

7.000%, 08/15/31

    83,989        100,586   

7.000%, 02/15/32

    14,937        15,387   

7.000%, 07/15/32

    32,997        36,159   

7.500%, 08/15/29

    313        314   

7.500%, 04/15/30

    8,694        8,891   

8.000%, 08/15/26

    3,861        4,484   

8.000%, 09/15/26

    4,826        5,511   

8.000%, 05/15/27

    1,445        1,483   

8.000%, 06/15/29

    23,831        25,669   

9.000%, 11/15/24

    11,649        13,406   

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 12/20/42

    3,650,519        3,741,957   

3.000%, 03/20/43

    4,557,831        4,669,378   

3.500%, 12/20/41

    2,523,949        2,653,605   

3.500%, 03/20/42

    4,223,863        4,444,725   

3.500%, 08/20/42

    2,418,846        2,545,325   

3.500%, 01/20/43

    6,970,142        7,328,022   

3.500%, 04/20/43

    2,594,013        2,727,144   

3.500%, 05/20/43

    4,755,356        4,999,412   

3.500%, 07/20/44

    7,419,382        7,799,754   

4.000%, 11/20/40

    2,636,248        2,837,774   

4.000%, 12/20/40

    2,420,445        2,605,474   

4.000%, 05/20/43

    3,088,318        3,311,377   

4.000%, 11/20/43

    2,426,530        2,603,995   

4.000%, 02/20/44

    4,549,933        4,953,076   

4.000%, 04/20/44

    3,369,700        3,614,301   

4.000%, 05/20/44

    4,302,488        4,614,798   

4.000%, 11/20/44

    1,826,204        1,962,175   

4.500%, 08/20/40

    2,511,586        2,760,490   

4.500%, 12/20/40

    1,446,023        1,589,327   

4.500%, 04/20/41

    1,411,130        1,545,427   

4.500%, 03/20/42

    991,817        1,086,208   

4.500%, 10/20/43

    2,195,652        2,399,090   

4.500%, 02/20/44

    3,969,885        4,337,715   

5.000%, 08/20/40

    1,107,785        1,232,952   

5.000%, 10/20/40

    1,032,264        1,148,897   

5.000%, 06/20/44

    3,394,704        3,731,975   

6.500%, 06/20/31

    33,912        39,604   

6.500%, 11/20/38

    875,344        1,004,684   

7.500%, 02/20/28

    3,934        4,746   
   

 

 

 
      666,509,811   
   

 

 

 

Federal Agencies—4.5%

   

Federal Farm Credit Bank

   

4.875%, 12/16/15

    4,500,000        4,693,562   

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.375%, 06/24/16 (b)

    10,040,000        10,006,953   

4.875%, 05/17/17 (b)

    4,420,000        4,827,828   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Federal Agencies—(Continued)

   

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

5.375%, 05/18/16

    2,900,000      $ 3,091,627   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

   

0.875%, 03/07/18

    17,000,000        16,804,315   

1.250%, 10/02/19

    3,000,000        2,938,650   

1.375%, 05/01/20 (b)

    5,145,000        5,025,204   

4.750%, 01/19/16 (b)

    2,850,000        2,979,171   

5.125%, 11/17/17 (b)

    3,530,000        3,928,222   

5.625%, 11/23/35

    1,040,000        1,085,061   

Federal National Mortgage Association

   

0.500%, 03/30/16 (b)

    9,450,000        9,451,271   

0.875%, 05/21/18 (b)

    10,160,000        10,015,980   

4.875%, 12/15/16 (b)

    4,430,000        4,789,017   

5.375%, 07/15/16 (b)

    5,870,000        6,302,051   

5.375%, 06/12/17

    8,300,000        9,177,320   

6.625%, 11/15/30 (b)

    2,450,000        3,631,453   

Tennessee Valley Authority

   

5.250%, 09/15/39

    3,350,000        4,322,032   
   

 

 

 
      103,069,717   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—35.8%

   

U.S. Treasury Bonds

   

2.750%, 08/15/42

    2,020,000        2,020,465   

2.875%, 05/15/43

    4,760,000        4,871,384   

3.000%, 11/15/44

    6,400,000        6,725,503   

3.125%, 02/15/42

    1,800,000        1,938,726   

3.125%, 02/15/43

    3,270,000        3,513,320   

3.125%, 08/15/44

    4,700,000        5,058,751   

3.375%, 05/15/44

    3,000,000        3,379,560   

3.500%, 02/15/39

    2,080,000        2,391,438   

3.625%, 02/15/44

    10,120,000        11,916,300   

3.750%, 08/15/41

    1,830,000        2,207,072   

3.875%, 08/15/40

    10,380,000        12,679,793   

4.250%, 11/15/40

    7,280,000        9,428,765   

4.375%, 11/15/39

    3,900,000        5,115,552   

4.375%, 05/15/40

    5,220,000        6,867,589   

4.375%, 05/15/41

    5,850,000        7,762,892   

4.500%, 02/15/36

    5,675,000        7,577,885   

4.500%, 05/15/38 (b)

    4,950,000        6,600,528   

5.000%, 05/15/37

    2,760,000        3,940,866   

5.250%, 02/15/29

    750,000        1,009,013   

5.375%, 02/15/31 (b)

    6,675,000        9,312,425   

6.125%, 11/15/27

    5,750,000        8,184,320   

6.250%, 08/15/23 (b)

    7,700,000        10,255,707   

6.375%, 08/15/27

    6,900,000        9,974,778   

6.500%, 11/15/26

    4,500,000        6,479,640   

7.125%, 02/15/23

    11,125,000        15,374,972   

7.250%, 08/15/22 (b)

    6,120,000        8,418,366   

7.875%, 02/15/21

    4,450,000        6,013,062   

8.000%, 11/15/21

    2,920,000        4,062,216   

8.125%, 08/15/19 (b)

    2,645,000        3,421,361   

8.125%, 08/15/21

    1,250,000        1,736,625   

8.500%, 02/15/20 (b)

    6,700,000        8,957,565   

8.750%, 08/15/20

    1,000,000        1,374,840   

8.875%, 02/15/19

    10,215,000        13,265,914   

U.S. Treasury—(Continued)

   

U.S. Treasury Bonds

   

9.125%, 05/15/18

    1,600,000      2,018,624   

9.250%, 02/15/16 (b)

    1,375,000        1,511,469   

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

0.625%, 10/15/16

    9,970,000        9,972,692   

0.625%, 05/31/17

    5,000,000        4,971,100   

0.625%, 08/31/17 (b)

    21,700,000        21,487,339   

0.625%, 04/30/18

    5,000,000        4,898,050   

0.875%, 11/30/16

    23,800,000        23,903,290   

0.875%, 05/15/17 (b)

    10,000,000        10,002,301   

1.000%, 08/31/16

    11,820,000        11,904,512   

1.000%, 09/30/16 (b)

    35,670,000        35,926,468   

1.000%, 10/31/16 (b)

    7,010,000        7,059,841   

1.000%, 03/31/17

    7,850,000        7,884,068   

1.125%, 05/31/19 (b)

    12,300,000        12,082,290   

1.125%, 03/31/20

    5,100,000        4,953,783   

1.250%, 10/31/19 (b)

    5,130,000        5,047,048   

1.250%, 02/29/20 (b)

    25,800,000        25,252,781   

1.375%, 11/30/15

    19,400,000        19,594,000   

1.375%, 09/30/18

    12,890,000        12,877,368   

1.375%, 11/30/18

    15,000,000        14,969,550   

1.500%, 03/31/19

    31,870,000        31,862,669   

1.625%, 11/15/22 (b)

    5,000,000        4,846,850   

1.750%, 05/15/22

    4,900,000        4,815,769   

1.750%, 05/15/23 (b)

    6,420,000        6,246,211   

1.875%, 09/30/17

    15,900,000        16,264,587   

2.000%, 11/30/20

    9,900,000        9,984,249   

2.000%, 02/28/21

    5,000,000        5,033,600   

2.000%, 11/15/21 (b)

    10,950,000        10,986,354   

2.000%, 02/15/22

    3,800,000        3,807,258   

2.000%, 02/15/23

    6,900,000        6,867,363   

2.125%, 02/29/16

    4,790,000        4,887,524   

2.125%, 08/15/21

    8,710,000        8,811,385   

2.375%, 03/31/16

    20,560,000        21,062,690   

2.375%, 05/31/18

    31,000,000        32,128,710   

2.500%, 08/15/23 (b)

    14,400,000        14,852,878   

2.500%, 05/15/24

    7,000,000        7,206,149   

2.625%, 02/29/16

    2,510,000        2,575,285   

2.625%, 04/30/16

    17,800,000        18,314,242   

2.625%, 08/15/20 (b)

    6,000,000        6,265,320   

2.750%, 05/31/17

    9,840,000        10,286,638   

2.750%, 11/15/23 (b)

    5,085,000        5,349,776   

3.000%, 08/31/16 (b)

    8,350,000        8,688,592   

3.000%, 09/30/16 (b)

    18,100,000        18,854,408   

3.000%, 02/28/17

    14,980,000        15,699,190   

3.125%, 05/15/19

    3,000,000        3,198,270   

3.250%, 05/31/16

    8,230,000        8,551,464   

3.375%, 11/15/19 (b)

    4,350,000        4,713,617   

3.500%, 02/15/18 (b)

    4,000,000        4,285,000   

3.500%, 05/15/20

    7,790,000        8,499,280   

3.625%, 02/15/20 (b)

    17,190,000        18,853,992   

3.750%, 11/15/18

    4,550,000        4,957,725   

3.875%, 05/15/18

    4,700,000        5,108,665   

4.000%, 08/15/18

    9,620,000        10,548,907   

4.250%, 11/15/17 (b)

    4,700,000        5,123,000   

4.500%, 02/15/16

    4,520,000        4,728,101   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

U.S. Treasury—(Continued)

   

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

4.625%, 02/15/17

    8,475,000      $ 9,166,899   

4.875%, 08/15/16 (b)

    8,330,000        8,912,767   

5.125%, 05/15/16

    4,830,000        5,138,540   
   

 

 

 
      825,637,691   
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies
(Cost $1,526,414,315)

      1,595,217,219   
   

 

 

 
Corporate Bonds & Notes—24.8%   

Aerospace/Defense—0.4%

   

Boeing Co. (The)

   

7.250%, 06/15/25

    460,000        611,498   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

   

6.150%, 09/01/36

    1,700,000        2,169,397   

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp.

   

7.750%, 02/15/31

    515,000        724,037   

Raytheon Co.

   

3.125%, 10/15/20

    1,000,000        1,023,907   

United Technologies Corp.

   

4.500%, 06/01/42

    2,645,000        2,879,402   

4.875%, 05/01/15

    900,000        912,599   

7.500%, 09/15/29

    200,000        284,910   
   

 

 

 
      8,605,750   
   

 

 

 

Agriculture—0.2%

   

Altria Group, Inc.

   

9.700%, 11/10/18

    750,000        951,967   

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

   

4.479%, 03/01/21

    2,000,000        2,201,541   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

   

4.500%, 03/26/20 (b)

    925,000        1,017,337   
   

 

 

 
      4,170,845   
   

 

 

 

Auto Manufacturers—0.4%

   

Daimler Finance North America LLC

   

8.500%, 01/18/31

    1,050,000        1,599,576   

Ford Motor Co.

   

7.450%, 07/16/31

    2,200,000        3,005,764   

Toyota Motor Credit Corp.

   

3.300%, 01/12/22

    4,000,000        4,156,928   
   

 

 

 
      8,762,268   
   

 

 

 

Banks—5.5%

   

Bank of America Corp.

   

3.300%, 01/11/23

    4,075,000        4,062,480   

4.100%, 07/24/23

    2,905,000        3,049,676   

5.750%, 08/15/16 (b)

    2,850,000        3,036,791   

5.875%, 02/07/42

    3,000,000        3,736,881   

6.500%, 08/01/16

    1,750,000        1,887,006   

6.500%, 07/15/18

    200,000        227,470   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

   

5.450%, 05/15/19

    2,000,000        2,251,169   

Banks—(Continued)

   

Bank of Nova Scotia

   

2.050%, 10/30/18

    3,480,000      3,476,646   

Barclays Bank plc

   

5.000%, 09/22/16

    1,750,000        1,863,227   

BB&T Corp.

   

3.200%, 03/15/16

    1,865,000        1,907,011   

BNP Paribas S.A.

   

5.000%, 01/15/21 (b)

    3,225,000        3,640,749   

Capital One Financial Corp.

   

6.750%, 09/15/17

    1,200,000        1,348,353   

Citigroup, Inc.

   

5.375%, 08/09/20

    2,200,000        2,491,207   

5.850%, 08/02/16

    500,000        534,545   

6.125%, 11/21/17 (b)

    1,700,000        1,896,899   

6.125%, 05/15/18

    1,900,000        2,143,955   

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank BA

   

5.250%, 05/24/41

    3,640,000        4,280,577   

Credit Suisse

   

4.375%, 08/05/20

    2,611,000        2,828,718   

Deutsche Bank AG

   

6.000%, 09/01/17

    1,500,000        1,668,284   

Fifth Third Bancorp

   

8.250%, 03/01/38

    1,175,000        1,780,628   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

   

3.625%, 02/07/16

    2,825,000        2,898,736   

6.000%, 06/15/20

    2,000,000        2,304,634   

6.125%, 02/15/33

    2,075,000        2,564,104   

6.250%, 09/01/17

    760,000        844,298   

6.450%, 05/01/36

    2,000,000        2,402,257   

HSBC Holdings plc

   

5.100%, 04/05/21

    2,556,000        2,887,626   

6.500%, 09/15/37

    905,000        1,153,634   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   

3.250%, 09/23/22

    2,850,000        2,870,523   

4.950%, 03/25/20

    2,650,000        2,940,988   

6.300%, 04/23/19

    1,900,000        2,205,406   

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

   

6.000%, 10/01/17

    2,700,000        2,993,668   

KFW

   

1.000%, 06/11/18

    3,536,000        3,491,494   

1.250%, 02/15/17

    3,000,000        3,025,843   

2.375%, 08/25/21

    1,945,000        1,986,073   

2.625%, 02/16/16

    2,791,000        2,858,011   

2.750%, 09/08/20

    2,300,000        2,404,112   

4.875%, 01/17/17

    2,900,000        3,136,818   

Lloyds Bank plc

   

6.375%, 01/21/21

    1,500,000        1,797,325   

Morgan Stanley

   

5.625%, 09/23/19

    1,900,000        2,139,998   

7.250%, 04/01/32

    1,850,000        2,524,438   

7.300%, 05/13/19

    2,460,000        2,919,044   

PNC Bank N.A.

   

4.875%, 09/21/17

    1,000,000        1,080,772   

5.250%, 01/15/17 (b)

    1,600,000        1,719,046   

Royal Bank of Canada

   

2.150%, 03/15/19 (b)

    3,915,000        3,921,848   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Banks—(Continued)

   

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

   

5.300%, 01/15/16

    300,000      $ 313,848   

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

   

3.600%, 04/15/16

    1,450,000        1,491,908   

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The)

   

2.250%, 11/05/19 (b)

    4,000,000        3,989,737   

UBS AG

   

4.875%, 08/04/20

    3,500,000        3,897,173   

U.S. Bancorp

   

3.600%, 09/11/24

    3,000,000        3,042,906   

Wachovia Corp.

   

5.750%, 06/15/17

    700,000        772,719   

Wells Fargo & Co.

   

3.676%, 06/15/16

    2,775,000        2,875,974   

Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

   

5.950%, 08/26/36

    1,900,000        2,386,398   
   

 

 

 
      125,953,631   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—0.5%

   

Anheuser-Busch Cos. LLC

   

6.450%, 09/01/37

    880,000        1,160,375   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

   

3.150%, 11/15/20

    280,000        291,965   

3.200%, 11/01/23 (b)

    3,000,000        3,082,866   

Diageo Finance B.V.

   

5.300%, 10/28/15

    870,000        901,901   

Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (The)

   

7.000%, 03/01/29

    300,000        413,460   

PepsiCo, Inc.

   

3.600%, 03/01/24 (b)

    3,975,000        4,137,016   

5.000%, 06/01/18

    1,000,000        1,106,289   
   

 

 

 
      11,093,872   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—0.1%

   

Amgen, Inc.

   

5.700%, 02/01/19

    850,000        955,788   

6.150%, 06/01/18

    1,650,000        1,867,467   
   

 

 

 
      2,823,255   
   

 

 

 

Building Materials—0.0%

   

CRH America, Inc.

   

6.000%, 09/30/16

    900,000        967,483   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—0.5%

   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)

   

4.250%, 11/15/20

    2,750,000        2,940,452   

9.400%, 05/15/39

    650,000        1,046,804   

E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

   

5.600%, 12/15/36

    1,000,000        1,173,012   

6.000%, 07/15/18

    1,000,000        1,136,757   

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

   

4.875%, 03/30/20 (b)

    970,000        1,077,252   

Praxair, Inc.

   

3.000%, 09/01/21 (b)

    3,950,000        4,016,000   
   

 

 

 
      11,390,277   
   

 

 

 

Computers—0.5%

   

Apple, Inc.

   

2.400%, 05/03/23

    2,072,000      2,016,157   

4.450%, 05/06/44

    2,944,000        3,243,661   

Hewlett-Packard Co.

   

5.500%, 03/01/18

    1,950,000        2,142,219   

International Business Machines Corp.

   

4.000%, 06/20/42 (b)

    3,200,000        3,164,864   

8.375%, 11/01/19

    425,000        542,311   
   

 

 

 
      11,109,212   
   

 

 

 

Cosmetics/Personal Care—0.2%

   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

   

2.300%, 02/06/22

    3,600,000        3,552,512   

6.450%, 01/15/26

    200,000        260,614   
   

 

 

 
      3,813,126   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.9%

   

Associates Corp. of North America

   

6.950%, 11/01/18

    1,700,000        1,981,183   

General Electric Capital Corp.

   

5.300%, 02/11/21 (b)

    1,915,000        2,179,385   

5.400%, 02/15/17

    2,000,000        2,171,974   

5.500%, 01/08/20

    3,360,000        3,852,181   

5.875%, 01/14/38

    2,050,000        2,590,204   

6.750%, 03/15/32

    1,250,000        1,703,561   

7.500%, 08/21/35

    100,000        143,541   

HSBC Finance Corp.

   

5.500%, 01/19/16 (b)

    900,000        941,920   

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp.

   

10.375%, 11/01/18

    2,900,000        3,790,610   

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

   

6.700%, 03/04/20 (b)

    1,325,000        1,562,758   
   

 

 

 
      20,917,317   
   

 

 

 

Electric—2.0%

   

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC

   

4.500%, 04/01/44

    3,800,000        4,265,005   

Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc.

   

3.950%, 03/01/43

    3,070,000        3,081,891   

5.850%, 04/01/18 (b)

    855,000        973,713   

Duke Energy Carolinas LLC

   

5.300%, 02/15/40

    2,000,000        2,476,529   

Exelon Corp.

   

5.625%, 06/15/35

    1,500,000        1,735,784   

Florida Power & Light Co.

   

5.950%, 02/01/38

    1,700,000        2,275,286   

Georgia Power Co.

   

5.700%, 06/01/17 (b)

    1,400,000        1,542,610   

Hydro-Quebec

   

7.500%, 04/01/16

    1,350,000        1,457,323   

8.400%, 01/15/22

    1,000,000        1,330,312   

Nisource Finance Corp.

   

4.800%, 02/15/44

    4,000,000        4,343,501   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Electric—(Continued)

   

Northern States Power Co.

   

6.250%, 06/01/36

    2,200,000      $ 2,943,312   

Ohio Power Co.

   

5.375%, 10/01/21 (b)

    1,640,000        1,900,879   

Oncor Electric Delivery Co. LLC

   

7.000%, 05/01/32

    950,000        1,336,835   

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

   

5.400%, 01/15/40

    3,320,000        3,889,717   

PacifiCorp

   

2.950%, 02/01/22

    2,800,000        2,830,529   

PPL Capital Funding, Inc.

   

3.400%, 06/01/23 (b)

    4,000,000        4,013,121   

Progress Energy, Inc.

   

5.625%, 01/15/16

    1,900,000        1,992,046   

PSEG Power LLC

   

8.625%, 04/15/31

    1,000,000        1,443,634   

Southern California Edison Co.

   

5.000%, 01/15/16

    1,500,000        1,566,196   
   

 

 

 
      45,398,223   
   

 

 

 

Electronics—0.3%

   

Honeywell International, Inc.

   

5.000%, 02/15/19 (b)

    2,000,000        2,235,732   

Koninklijke Philips NV

   

5.750%, 03/11/18 (b)

    900,000        1,002,252   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

   

4.150%, 02/01/24 (b)

    3,445,000        3,620,911   
   

 

 

 
      6,858,895   
   

 

 

 

Environmental Control—0.1%

   

Waste Management, Inc.

   

7.000%, 07/15/28

    1,265,000        1,656,578   
   

 

 

 

Food—0.7%

   

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

   

5.819%, 06/15/17

    1,000,000        1,096,663   

General Mills, Inc.

   

5.650%, 02/15/19

    1,700,000        1,925,858   

Kroger Co. (The)

   

3.300%, 01/15/21 (b)

    3,900,000        3,957,949   

Mondelez International, Inc.

   

4.125%, 02/09/16

    2,200,000        2,273,453   

5.375%, 02/10/20

    1,800,000        2,036,899   

Safeway, Inc.

   

7.250%, 02/01/31 (b)

    813,000        817,065   

Sysco Corp.

   

2.600%, 06/12/22

    2,400,000        2,364,124   

Unilever Capital Corp.

   

5.900%, 11/15/32

    1,500,000        2,048,767   
   

 

 

 
      16,520,778   
   

 

 

 

Forest Products & Paper—0.1%

   

Georgia-Pacific LLC

   

8.000%, 01/15/24

    1,800,000        2,386,118   

Forest Products & Paper—(Continued)

   

International Paper Co.

   

7.950%, 06/15/18

    820,000      963,204   
   

 

 

 
      3,349,322   
   

 

 

 

Gas—0.0%

   

Sempra Energy

   

6.150%, 06/15/18

    900,000        1,015,758   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Products—0.1%

   

Baxter International, Inc.

   

5.375%, 06/01/18 (b)

    1,400,000        1,553,835   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Services—0.4%

   

Aetna, Inc.

   

2.750%, 11/15/22

    3,000,000        2,911,977   

Anthem, Inc.

   

5.850%, 01/15/36

    1,800,000        2,213,128   

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings

   

4.625%, 11/15/20 (b)

    1,900,000        2,022,613   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   

5.375%, 03/15/16

    1,700,000        1,791,453   
   

 

 

 
      8,939,171   
   

 

 

 

Household Products/Wares—0.0%

   

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

   

6.125%, 08/01/17

    500,000        559,349   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—0.9%

   

ACE INA Holdings, Inc.

   

3.350%, 05/15/24

    4,000,000        4,050,146   

Aflac, Inc.

   

3.625%, 06/15/23

    2,975,000        3,029,532   

Allstate Corp. (The)

   

6.900%, 05/15/38

    150,000        216,397   

7.450%, 05/16/19

    1,700,000        2,046,149   

American International Group, Inc.

   

5.450%, 05/18/17

    1,900,000        2,068,792   

5.850%, 01/16/18

    1,800,000        2,011,643   

AXA S.A.

   

8.600%, 12/15/30

    1,165,000        1,572,750   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

   

1.900%, 01/31/17

    2,900,000        2,942,820   

Chubb Corp. (The)

   

6.000%, 05/11/37

    865,000        1,124,125   

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

   

6.100%, 10/01/41

    780,000        984,822   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

   

5.700%, 12/14/36

    1,525,000        1,822,296   
   

 

 

 
      21,869,472   
   

 

 

 

Iron/Steel—0.1%

   

Vale Overseas, Ltd.

   

6.875%, 11/21/36

    1,100,000        1,164,105   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Machinery-Construction & Mining—0.1%

  

Caterpillar, Inc.

   

7.900%, 12/15/18

    1,757,000      $ 2,132,948   
   

 

 

 

Machinery-Diversified—0.1%

   

Deere & Co.

   

2.600%, 06/08/22

    1,950,000        1,915,739   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.2%

   

21st Century Fox America, Inc.

   

6.550%, 03/15/33

    1,950,000        2,544,670   

Comcast Corp.

   

4.650%, 07/15/42

    3,670,000        3,971,548   

5.650%, 06/15/35

    1,500,000        1,844,298   

DIRECTV Holdings LLC / DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc.

   

5.000%, 03/01/21

    2,600,000        2,818,437   

Discovery Communications LLC

   

6.350%, 06/01/40

    1,800,000        2,177,925   

Thomson Reuters Corp.

   

6.500%, 07/15/18 (b)

    800,000        909,006   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

   

5.000%, 02/01/20

    1,900,000        2,098,059   

5.850%, 05/01/17

    1,800,000        1,963,662   

6.550%, 05/01/37

    100,000        128,741   

Time Warner Entertainment Co. L.P.

   

8.375%, 03/15/23

    380,000        510,338   

Time Warner, Inc.

   

6.100%, 07/15/40

    925,000        1,124,776   

7.700%, 05/01/32

    685,000        969,934   

Viacom, Inc.

   

4.375%, 03/15/43

    3,500,000        3,272,912   

6.250%, 04/30/16

    770,000        821,393   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

   

2.750%, 08/16/21

    1,930,000        1,962,353   
   

 

 

 
      27,118,052   
   

 

 

 

Mining—0.4%

   

Barrick North America Finance LLC

   

4.400%, 05/30/21

    3,125,000        3,157,295   

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

   

3.550%, 03/01/22

    3,700,000        3,481,369   

Newmont Mining Corp.

   

6.250%, 10/01/39

    1,800,000        1,811,857   

Rio Tinto Alcan, Inc.

   

6.125%, 12/15/33

    1,751,000        2,112,089   
   

 

 

 
      10,562,610   
   

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing—0.4%

   

General Electric Co.

   

3.375%, 03/11/24 (b)

    2,900,000        3,007,103   

5.250%, 12/06/17 (b)

    1,800,000        1,993,933   

Tyco Electronics Group S.A.

   

6.550%, 10/01/17

    1,600,000        1,799,318   

Miscellaneous Manufacturing—(Continued)

  

 

Tyco International Finance SA/Tyco Fire & Security Finance SCA

   

6.875%, 01/15/21 (b)

    1,275,000      1,524,716   
   

 

 

 
      8,325,070   
   

 

 

 

Multi-National—1.3%

   

Asian Development Bank

   

5.500%, 06/27/16

    3,850,000        4,127,591   

European Bank for Reconstruction & Development

   

1.000%, 06/15/18 (b)

    3,564,000        3,517,815   

European Investment Bank

   

1.625%, 06/15/17 (b)

    1,975,000        2,006,288   

4.000%, 02/16/21 (b)

    1,700,000        1,897,436   

4.875%, 02/15/36

    3,700,000        4,808,089   

5.125%, 05/30/17

    1,750,000        1,922,643   

Inter-American Development Bank

   

2.375%, 08/15/17

    2,000,000        2,067,639   

6.800%, 10/15/25

    500,000        686,945   

7.000%, 06/15/25

    200,000        273,762   

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development

   

2.375%, 05/26/15 (b)

    1,420,000        1,432,344   

7.625%, 01/19/23

    2,970,000        4,158,387   

8.875%, 03/01/26

    535,000        836,930   

International Finance Corp.

   

1.750%, 09/04/18

    2,975,000        3,004,901   
   

 

 

 
      30,740,770   
   

 

 

 

Office/Business Equipment—0.1%

   

Xerox Corp.

   

6.350%, 05/15/18 (b)

    2,550,000        2,869,390   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas—1.4%

   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   

6.375%, 09/15/17

    2,445,000        2,716,418   

Apache Finance Canada Corp.

   

7.750%, 12/15/29

    300,000        406,325   

BP Capital Markets plc

   

3.245%, 05/06/22

    3,900,000        3,825,068   

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

   

6.250%, 03/15/38

    1,800,000        1,989,012   

Chevron Corp.

   

3.191%, 06/24/23

    3,025,000        3,055,050   

ConocoPhillips Canada Funding Co. I

   

5.950%, 10/15/36

    1,550,000        1,927,818   

ConocoPhillips Holding Co.

   

6.950%, 04/15/29

    700,000        929,957   

Devon Energy Corp.

   

6.300%, 01/15/19

    850,000        966,127   

Hess Corp.

   

8.125%, 02/15/19

    3,130,000        3,719,930   

Marathon Oil Corp.

   

6.600%, 10/01/37

    2,000,000        2,327,458   

Petrobras International Finance Co. S.A.

   

6.125%, 10/06/16

    600,000        607,349   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Oil & Gas—(Continued)

   

Shell International Finance B.V.

   

4.300%, 09/22/19

    1,000,000      $ 1,093,443   

Statoil ASA

   

6.700%, 01/15/18

    300,000        344,760   

Suncor Energy, Inc.

   

6.100%, 06/01/18

    2,500,000        2,798,494   

Total Capital International S.A.

   

2.700%, 01/25/23 (b)

    3,000,000        2,901,572   

Transocean, Inc.

   

6.375%, 12/15/21 (b)

    2,035,000        1,862,025   

XTO Energy, Inc.

   

6.500%, 12/15/18

    1,600,000        1,873,431   
   

 

 

 
      33,344,237   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Services—0.2%

   

Weatherford International, Ltd.

   

4.500%, 04/15/22 (b)

    2,300,000        2,051,624   

9.625%, 03/01/19

    1,500,000        1,718,052   
   

 

 

 
      3,769,676   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—1.1%

   

Abbott Laboratories

   

5.125%, 04/01/19

    1,073,000        1,194,750   

AbbVie, Inc.

   

4.400%, 11/06/42

    3,200,000        3,290,131   

AstraZeneca plc

   

4.000%, 09/18/42

    5,200,000        5,202,637   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

   

5.875%, 11/15/36

    2,000,000        2,500,442   

Express Scripts Holding Co.

   

6.125%, 11/15/41

    1,520,000        1,909,262   

GlaxoSmithKline Capital, Inc.

   

6.375%, 05/15/38

    2,100,000        2,776,979   

Johnson & Johnson

   

5.950%, 08/15/37

    910,000        1,219,064   

6.950%, 09/01/29

    250,000        352,748   

Merck & Co., Inc.

   

6.550%, 09/15/37

    1,000,000        1,403,027   

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

   

5.950%, 12/01/28 (b)

    300,000        387,981   

Novartis Capital Corp.

   

4.400%, 04/24/20

    900,000        993,720   

Sanofi

   

4.000%, 03/29/21 (b)

    2,775,000        3,010,199   

Wyeth LLC

   

5.500%, 02/15/16

    1,700,000        1,790,488   
   

 

 

 
      26,031,428   
   

 

 

 

Pipelines—0.8%

   

El Paso Natural Gas Co. LLC

   

8.375%, 06/15/32

    220,000        283,183   

Energy Transfer Partners L.P.

   

4.650%, 06/01/21

    1,950,000        2,037,784   

Enterprise Products Operating LLC

   

6.300%, 09/15/17

    1,900,000        2,118,890   

Pipelines—(Continued)

   

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P.

   

6.500%, 02/01/37

    2,000,000      2,219,148   

Plains All American Pipeline L.P. / PAA Finance Corp.

   

6.500%, 05/01/18

    2,485,000        2,806,348   

Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. LLC

   

7.000%, 10/15/28

    1,050,000        1,266,238   

7.625%, 04/01/37

    640,000        799,188   

TransCanada PipeLines, Ltd.

   

6.200%, 10/15/37

    1,800,000        2,119,849   

Williams Partners L.P.

   

5.250%, 03/15/20

    3,575,000        3,833,944   
   

 

 

 
      17,484,572   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.5%

   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

   

6.100%, 03/15/20

    860,000        996,271   

Boston Properties L.P.

   

3.850%, 02/01/23

    2,950,000        3,056,299   

ERP Operating L.P.

   

5.750%, 06/15/17

    900,000        985,499   

HCP, Inc.

   

5.375%, 02/01/21

    2,591,000        2,892,832   

Kimco Realty Corp.

   

6.875%, 10/01/19

    550,000        650,186   

Regency Centers L.P.

   

5.250%, 08/01/15 (b)

    850,000        871,038   

Simon Property Group L.P.

   

5.250%, 12/01/16

    2,000,000        2,135,977   
   

 

 

 
      11,588,102   
   

 

 

 

Retail—0.8%

   

Costco Wholesale Corp.

   

5.500%, 03/15/17

    465,000        509,689   

CVS Health Corp.

   

2.250%, 12/05/18

    3,930,000        3,945,976   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

   

4.400%, 04/01/21

    1,450,000        1,601,432   

5.400%, 03/01/16

    900,000        948,207   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

   

6.875%, 02/15/28

    1,000,000        1,291,984   

McDonald’s Corp.

   

5.350%, 03/01/18

    885,000        981,860   

Target Corp.

   

6.350%, 11/01/32

    1,000,000        1,293,516   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

   

2.550%, 04/11/23

    4,000,000        3,925,364   

5.250%, 09/01/35

    935,000        1,108,983   

5.625%, 04/15/41

    1,900,000        2,411,352   

Walgreen Co.

   

5.250%, 01/15/19

    900,000        996,117   
   

 

 

 
      19,014,480   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Semiconductors—0.1%

   

Intel Corp.

   

2.700%, 12/15/22

    2,000,000      $ 1,986,678   
   

 

 

 

Software—0.5%

   

Adobe Systems, Inc.

   

4.750%, 02/01/20

    2,200,000        2,406,708   

Microsoft Corp.

   

4.200%, 06/01/19 (b)

    2,700,000        2,973,179   

Oracle Corp.

   

2.375%, 01/15/19 (b)

    3,885,000        3,947,908   

5.250%, 01/15/16

    2,000,000        2,095,567   
   

 

 

 
      11,423,362   
   

 

 

 

Telecommunications—1.6%

   

America Movil S.A.B. de C.V.

   

2.375%, 09/08/16

    2,875,000        2,927,722   

AT&T Mobility LLC

   

7.125%, 12/15/31

    100,000        137,502   

AT&T, Inc.

   

5.500%, 02/01/18

    3,500,000        3,863,806   

5.800%, 02/15/19 (b)

    1,700,000        1,925,091   

6.300%, 01/15/38

    1,300,000        1,576,886   

British Telecommunications plc

   

9.625%, 12/15/30

    1,000,000        1,571,764   

Cisco Systems, Inc.

   

5.500%, 01/15/40

    2,000,000        2,436,883   

Deutsche Telekom International Finance B.V.

   

5.750%, 03/23/16

    460,000        485,551   

8.750%, 06/15/30

    1,000,000        1,468,693   

Orange S.A.

   

2.750%, 09/14/16

    2,857,000        2,920,280   

Rogers Communications, Inc.

   

6.800%, 08/15/18

    800,000        925,732   

Telefonica Emisiones S.A.U.

   

6.221%, 07/03/17

    1,400,000        1,548,087   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   

4.600%, 04/01/21 (b)

    2,400,000        2,593,968   

5.150%, 09/15/23

    3,510,000        3,879,094   

6.100%, 04/15/18

    1,600,000        1,807,419   

6.550%, 09/15/43

    3,304,000        4,226,245   

Verizon New York, Inc.

   

7.375%, 04/01/32

    500,000        623,028   

Vodafone Group plc

   

6.150%, 02/27/37

    2,170,000        2,577,817   
   

 

 

 
      37,495,568   
   

 

 

 

Transportation—0.3%

   

CSX Corp.

   

6.150%, 05/01/37

    1,600,000        2,063,784   

7.900%, 05/01/17

    500,000        570,754   

Norfolk Southern Corp.

   

3.000%, 04/01/22

    1,911,000        1,910,528   

5.590%, 05/17/25

    28,000        32,725   

Union Pacific Corp.

   

6.625%, 02/01/29

    1,200,000        1,578,815   

Transportation—(Continued)

   

United Parcel Service, Inc.

   

5.125%, 04/01/19

    760,000      852,786   
   

 

 

 
      7,009,392   
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(Cost $547,468,815)

      571,304,596   
   

 

 

 
Foreign Government—2.0%                

Banks—0.1%

   

Oesterreichische Kontrollbank AG

   

1.625%, 03/12/19 (b)

    3,025,000        3,027,533   
   

 

 

 

Provincial—0.5%

   

Province of British Columbia

   

2.000%, 10/23/22 (b)

    1,970,000        1,928,971   

Province of Nova Scotia

   

5.125%, 01/26/17

    900,000        975,109   

9.250%, 03/01/20

    250,000        327,668   

Province of Ontario

   

2.450%, 06/29/22 (b)

    4,000,000        3,982,040   

4.400%, 04/14/20 (b)

    2,100,000        2,339,361   

Province of Quebec

   

7.500%, 07/15/23

    350,000        470,248   
   

 

 

 
      10,023,397   
   

 

 

 

Sovereign—1.4%

   

Brazilian Government International Bonds

   

6.000%, 01/17/17

    3,755,000        4,046,013   

7.125%, 01/20/37

    1,650,000        2,074,875   

Colombia Government International Bond

   

8.125%, 05/21/24

    1,500,000        1,987,500   

Italy Government International Bond

   

4.500%, 01/21/15

    1,475,000        1,477,449   

Mexico Government International Bonds

   

5.750%, 10/12/10

    4,100,000        4,407,500   

6.750%, 09/27/34

    1,050,000        1,383,375   

8.000%, 09/24/22 (b)

    2,200,000        2,893,000   

Panama Government International Bond

   

5.200%, 01/30/20

    1,370,000        1,510,425   

Peruvian Government International Bond

   

8.750%, 11/21/33

    1,450,000        2,262,000   

Philippine Government International Bond

   

5.000%, 01/13/37 (b)

    1,740,000        2,035,800   

Republic of Korea

   

7.125%, 04/16/19

    1,600,000        1,929,266   

Turkey Government International Bonds

   

3.250%, 03/23/23

    2,350,000        2,232,500   

6.250%, 09/26/22

    1,607,000        1,834,985   

7.375%, 02/05/25

    1,473,000        1,828,361   
   

 

 

 
      31,903,049   
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Government
(Cost $43,477,013)

      44,953,979   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—1.6%

 

Security Description  

Principal
Amount*

    Value  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—1.6%

  

 

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

5.540%, 09/11/41

    949,223      $ 999,072   

5.694%, 06/11/50 (a)

    1,500,000        1,630,337   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.431%, 10/15/49

    1,500,000        1,586,434   

5.771%, 03/15/49 (a)

    1,576,471        1,647,711   

Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.796%, 12/10/49 (a)

    2,400,000        2,620,468   

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates

   

2.902%, 08/25/20

    2,301,564        2,377,516   

3.060%, 07/25/23 (a)

    4,800,000        4,955,136   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

   

3.135%, 06/10/46

    2,935,000        2,971,131   

3.377%, 05/10/45

    2,750,000        2,854,533   

4.243%, 08/10/46

    966,000        1,055,589   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

5.420%, 01/15/49

    2,353,959        2,513,037   

5.440%, 06/12/47

    857,266        912,092   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.156%, 02/15/31

    2,441,803        2,500,824   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

   

4.989%, 08/13/42

    934,744        936,985   

5.651%, 06/11/42 (a)

    2,000,000        2,176,747   

5.809%, 12/12/49

    2,530,848        2,751,819   

5.908%, 06/11/49 (a)

    1,382,842        1,505,667   

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

3.488%, 06/15/46

    1,054,000        1,074,114   
   

 

 

 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $36,247,778)

      37,069,212   
   

 

 

 
Municipals—0.7%                

Los Angeles Community College District, Build America Bonds

   

6.750%, 08/01/49

    2,210,000        3,293,695   

Los Angeles, Unified School District, Build America Bonds

   

6.758%, 07/01/34

    2,160,000        3,009,658   

Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Build America Bonds

   

6.637%, 04/01/57

    2,000,000        2,651,440   

Oregon School Boards Association, Build America Bonds

   

5.680%, 06/30/28

    1,900,000        2,260,126   

State of California, Build America Bonds

   

7.300%, 10/01/39

    2,000,000        2,945,980   

State of Illinois, Build America Bonds

   

5.100%, 06/01/33

    1,230,000        1,221,009   
   

 

 

 

Total Municipals
(Cost $12,085,627)

      15,381,908   
   

 

 

 
Asset-Backed Securities—0.5%    
Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Asset-Backed - Automobile—0.3%

   

CarMax Auto Owner Trust

   

0.970%, 04/16/18

    3,145,000      3,148,922   

Honda Auto Receivables Owner Trust

   

0.770%, 05/15/17

    355,000        355,306   

Nissan Auto Receivables Owner Trust

   

0.750%, 07/15/19

    1,253,000        1,246,836   

Volkswagen Auto Loan Enhanced Trust

   

0.950%, 04/22/19

    1,252,000        1,245,586   
   

 

 

 
      5,996,650   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Credit Card—0.2%

  

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust

   

2.880%, 01/23/23

    4,924,000        5,060,341   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Home Equity—0.0%

  

Centex Home Equity Loan Trust

   

4.250%, 12/25/31

    54,794        54,860   
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $11,063,208)

      11,111,851   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—12.0%   

Discount Notes—0.9%

   

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.010%, 01/20/15 (c)

    1,400,000        1,399,993   

0.053%, 01/08/15 (c)

    1,100,000        1,099,988   

0.069%, 02/13/15 (c)

    11,200,000        11,199,063   

0.080%, 03/18/15 (c)

    4,200,000        4,199,291   

0.100%, 03/27/15 (c)

    2,800,000        2,799,339   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

   

0.027%, 01/08/15 (c)

    600,000        599,996   
   

 

 

 
      21,297,670   
   

 

 

 

Mutual Fund—10.9%

   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (d)

    252,366,153        252,366,153   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—0.2%

   

U.S. Treasury Bill

   

0.003%, 01/02/15 (c)

    4,800,000        4,799,999   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $278,463,822)

      278,463,822   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—110.8%
(Cost $2,455,220,578) (e)

      2,553,502,587   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(10.8)%

      (248,048,840
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 2,305,453,747   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Variable or floating rate security. The stated rate represents the rate at December 31, 2014. Maturity date shown for callable securities reflects the earliest possible call date.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $282,346,463 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $252,366,153 and non-cash collateral with a value of $37,644,490. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(d) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(e) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $2,487,555,455. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $89,353,908 and $(23,406,776), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $65,947,132 for federal income tax purposes.
(ACES)— Alternative Credit Enhancement Securities.
(ARM)— Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies*

   $ —         $ 1,595,217,219      $ —         $ 1,595,217,219   

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes*

     —           571,304,596        —           571,304,596   

Total Foreign Government*

     —           44,953,979        —           44,953,979   

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities*

     —           37,069,212        —           37,069,212   

Total Municipals

     —           15,381,908        —           15,381,908   

Total Asset-Backed Securities*

     —           11,111,851        —           11,111,851   
Short-Term Investments           

Discount Notes

     —           21,297,670        —           21,297,670   

Mutual Fund

     252,366,153         —          —           252,366,153   

U.S. Treasury

     —           4,799,999        —           4,799,999   

Total Short-Term Investments

     252,366,153         26,097,669        —           278,463,822   

Total Investments

   $ 252,366,153       $ 2,301,136,434      $ —         $ 2,553,502,587   
                                    

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (252,366,153   $ —         $ (252,366,153

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 2,553,502,587   

Cash

     107,589   

Receivable for:

  

Fund shares sold

     1,357,601   

Interest

     16,044,258   

Prepaid expenses

     5,583   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     2,571,017,618   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     252,366,153   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     9,963,651   

Fund shares redeemed

     2,207,950   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     470,349   

Distribution and service fees

     277,344   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,088   

Other expenses

     215,336   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     265,563,871   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,305,453,747   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 2,203,841,572   

Undistributed net investment income

     67,354,802   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (64,024,636

Unrealized appreciation on investments

     98,282,009   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,305,453,747   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 1,008,155,812   

Class B

     997,099,435   

Class E

     76,923,651   

Class G

     223,274,849   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     89,893,140   

Class B

     90,698,918   

Class E

     6,897,593   

Class G

     20,358,677   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 11.22   

Class B

     10.99   

Class E

     11.15   

Class G

     10.97   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $2,455,220,578.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $282,346,463.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Interest

   $ 62,436,899   

Securities lending income

     544,336   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     62,981,235   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     5,441,189   

Administration fees

     50,529   

Custodian and accounting fees

     270,911   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     2,467,039   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     120,021   

Distribution and service fees—Class G

     585,646   

Audit and tax services

     83,422   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     29,468   

Shareholder reporting

     221,127   

Insurance

     12,893   

Miscellaneous

     16,984   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     9,329,243   

Less management fee waiver

     (151,471
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     9,177,772   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     53,803,463   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain

  

Net realized gain on investments

     1,945,403   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

     61,983,517   
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     63,928,920   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 117,732,383   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 53,803,463      $ 46,837,690   

Net realized gain

     1,945,403        2,850,150   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     61,983,517        (95,736,003
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     117,732,383        (46,048,163
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (26,442,409     (23,062,199

Class B

     (27,515,323     (31,382,216

Class E

     (2,320,327     (2,913,429

Class G

     (5,102,747     (5,184,441
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (61,380,806     (62,542,285
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     236,202,544        304,136,062   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     292,554,121        195,545,614   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     2,012,899,626        1,817,354,012   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 2,305,453,747      $ 2,012,899,626   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 67,354,802      $ 61,017,865   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     21,293,195      $ 235,457,073        26,343,840      $ 291,120,706   

Reinvestments

     2,432,604        26,442,409        2,048,153        23,062,199   

Redemptions

     (6,796,206     (75,167,359     (10,424,131     (115,648,870
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     16,929,593      $ 186,732,123        17,967,862      $ 198,534,035   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     6,044,319      $ 65,473,330        11,245,979      $ 122,855,536   

Reinvestments

     2,578,755        27,515,323        2,834,888        31,382,216   

Redemptions

     (7,865,294     (85,368,142     (6,304,510     (68,745,878
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     757,780      $ 7,620,511        7,776,357      $ 85,491,874   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     203,460      $ 2,230,249        502,524      $ 5,578,029   

Reinvestments

     214,448        2,320,327        259,896        2,913,429   

Redemptions

     (1,079,829     (11,872,674     (845,983     (9,375,183
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (661,921   $ (7,322,098     (83,563   $ (883,725
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class G

        

Sales

     7,345,176      $ 79,529,693        4,996,877      $ 54,265,414   

Reinvestments

     479,131        5,102,747        469,180        5,184,441   

Redemptions

     (3,271,469     (35,460,432     (3,533,045     (38,455,977
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     4,552,838      $ 49,172,008        1,933,012      $ 20,993,878   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 236,202,544        $ 304,136,062   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.93       $ 11.59       $ 11.58       $ 11.17       $ 10.94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.29         0.29         0.34         0.38         0.40   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.33         (0.55      0.10         0.43         0.25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.62         (0.26      0.44         0.81         0.65   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.33      (0.40      (0.43      (0.40      (0.42
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.33      (0.40      (0.43      (0.40      (0.42
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.22       $ 10.93       $ 11.59       $ 11.58       $ 11.17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.81         (2.33      3.90         7.51         6.05   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.28         0.28         0.29         0.28         0.28   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.28         0.28         0.28         0.28         0.27   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.62         2.65         2.92         3.36         3.63   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     13         18         24         23         21   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 1,008.2       $ 797.4       $ 637.3       $ 630.8       $ 662.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.72       $ 11.37       $ 11.37       $ 10.97       $ 10.76   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.26         0.26         0.30         0.34         0.37   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.32         (0.54      0.10         0.44         0.23   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.58         (0.28      0.40         0.78         0.60   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.31      (0.37      (0.40      (0.38      (0.39
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.31      (0.37      (0.40      (0.38      (0.39
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.99       $ 10.72       $ 11.37       $ 11.37       $ 10.97   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.48         (2.53      3.62         7.28         5.69   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.53         0.53         0.54         0.53         0.53   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.53         0.53         0.53         0.53         0.52   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.37         2.40         2.67         3.12         3.38   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     13         18         24         23         21   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 997.1       $ 964.2       $ 934.5       $ 893.8       $ 806.2   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.87       $ 11.52       $ 11.52       $ 11.11       $ 10.89   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.27         0.28         0.32         0.36         0.39   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.33         (0.55      0.09         0.44         0.23   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.60         (0.27      0.41         0.80         0.62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.32      (0.38      (0.41      (0.39      (0.40
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.32      (0.38      (0.41      (0.39      (0.40
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.15       $ 10.87       $ 11.52       $ 11.52       $ 11.11   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.58         (2.41      3.68         7.38         5.82   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.43         0.43         0.44         0.43         0.43   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.43         0.43         0.43         0.43         0.42   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.47         2.50         2.77         3.21         3.49   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     13         18         24         23         21   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 76.9       $ 82.2       $ 88.1       $ 91.8       $ 110.8   
     Class G  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 10.70       $ 11.35       $ 11.35       $ 10.96       $ 10.75   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.25         0.26         0.30         0.34         0.36   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.33         (0.54      0.10         0.42         0.23   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.58         (0.28      0.40         0.76         0.59   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.31      (0.37      (0.40      (0.37      (0.38
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.31      (0.37      (0.40      (0.37      (0.38
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 10.97       $ 10.70       $ 11.35       $ 11.35       $ 10.96   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.46         (2.57      3.58         7.15         5.65   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.58         0.58         0.59         0.58         0.58   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.58         0.58         0.58         0.58         0.57   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.32         2.35         2.62         3.09         3.31   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     13         18         24         23         21   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 223.3       $ 169.1       $ 157.5       $ 133.5       $ 85.6   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, E, and G shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to amortization of debt securities, expired capital loss carryforwards and paydown reclasses. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities - The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. These securities may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage backed securities (“SMBS”), and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by or payable from, mortgage loans on real property or other receivables. The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.

In one type of SMBS, one class receives all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). Because principal will not be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the book value of the security until maturity. These adjustments are netted against payments received for the IOs and the net amount is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities. Details of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are included in the Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments.

The Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers that hold mortgage and asset-backed securities and direct investments in securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets. The value and related income of these securities are sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults, and may be negatively impacted by increased volatility of market prices and periods of illiquidity.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities - The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase commitment is made. The Portfolio may purchase securities under such conditions only with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Portfolio may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.

Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Portfolio will hold liquid assets in a segregated account with the Portfolio’s custodian, or set aside liquid assets in the Portfolio’s records, worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary value.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$390,447,631    $ 129,335,971       $ 226,689,376       $ 51,762,610   

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 0.250% of average daily net assets. Fees earned by MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $5,441,189.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with MetLife Investment Management, LLC (“MIM”) with respect to managing the Portfolio. For providing subadvisory services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers has agreed to pay MIM an investment subadvisory fee for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.040%    On the first $500 million
0.030%    Of the next $500 million
0.015%    On amounts over $1 billion

Fees earned by MIM with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $526,471.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average daily net assets
0.005%    Over $500 million and under $1 billion
0.010%    Of the next $1 billion
0.015%    On amounts over $2 billion

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, E, and G Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, E, and G Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.15% per year for Class E Shares, and 0.30% per year for Class G Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$61,380,806    $ 62,542,285       $       $       $ 61,380,806       $ 62,542,285   

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards     Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
    Total  
$67,417,890    $       $ 65,947,132       $ (20,621,321   $ (11,068,438   $ 101,675,263   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, $2,547,261 of capital loss carryforwards expired.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had post-enactment short-term accumulated capital losses of $2,360,669, post-enactment long-term accumulated capital losses of $8,707,769, and pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards and expiration dates were as follows:

 

Expiring
12/31/17

   Expiring
12/31/16
     Expiring
12/31/15
     Total  
$9,934,932    $ 6,670,752       $ 4,015,637       $ 20,621,321   

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Barclays Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and MetLife Investment Management, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board considered the Adviser’s analysis of the Portfolio’s performance.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board also noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-32


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Managed By BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio returned 7.08%, 6.81%, and 6.92%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index1, returned 5.97%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

After struggling in 2013 and registering losses, fixed income markets kicked off the first quarter of 2014 with respectable returns. Contributing to returns were declining interest rates coming from the demand for yield and investors seeking safe assets because of concerns about economic growth in the U.S., much of which was disrupted by tumultuous winter weather. Adding to investor unease was increasing concern on China’s slowdown and political unrest within Ukraine.

Expectations of weaker economic growth continued into the second quarter and led to further rate declines. This period saw corporate credit spreads tighten further, leading to additional total return for the quarter and year-to-date. The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) continued to reduce the pace of its asset purchase program, while the European Central Bank (the “ECB”) was moving to an easier monetary policy regime to fight declining inflation expectations and slowing growth within the Eurozone.

The third quarter of 2014 saw the theme of “global divergence” pick up and the U.S. yield curve continued to flatten due to a multitude of factors. Long-term yields declined as tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine and drove demand for safe assets. Stronger growth and economic data in the U.S., as well as continued unwinding of asset purchases by the Fed, prompted investors to bring forward their expectations for monetary policy normalization in the U.S. Meanwhile, the ECB continued to fight the threat of disinflation and tepid growth while Japan continued striving to meet the objectives of “Abenomics.” On balance, this kept monetary policy from these regions easy. Within the commodities market, we saw crude oil prices start to decline. Overall, the interplay between the commodities market and divergent central bank policy led to a continued bid for duration and the U.S. dollar.

The fourth quarter of 2014 continued to mark a strong divergence globally as the U.S. once again printed strong economic data. While the Fed ended its asset purchase program, the ECB and the Bank of Japan maintained their easy monetary policies, which led to a continued bid for the U.S. dollar. Global financial markets witnessed sharp sell-offs in mid-October and December amidst falling crude oil prices, crowded trades, escalating geopolitical tensions and concerns about stalling global economic growth. During the quarter, the U.S. yield curve continued to flatten, European and Japanese yields drifted lower, and the decline in oil prices drove inflation expectations lower and corporate credit spreads wider.

To end the year, the U.S. yield curve flattened significantly, and total returns within the fixed income market were driven by declining long-term yields. The yield on the 2-year Treasury rose 28 basis points (“bps”) to 0.66%, whereas the 10-year Treasury declined 86 bps to 2.17% and the 30-year dropped to 2.75%.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

Portfolio performance benefited from the curve flattening bias that was maintained in 2014, as the U.S. yield curve did flatten over the year. Another major contributor to Portfolio performance was allocation/selection decisions across securitized assets, namely Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”), as well as a non-benchmark allocation to Non-Agency Residential MBS. The investor demand for yield compressed spreads across these sectors.

A number of other non-benchmark allocations also benefited Portfolio performance over the year. Specifically, the Portfolio’s U.S. dollar positioning against the euro and the yen helped performance due to increasing global divergence. Yield curve positioning within Australian rates was also positive as yields in the 10-year part of the curve declined. Additionally, an allocation to municipal bonds added to performance as the municipal market benefited from a positive supply/demand dynamic and the decline in long-term U.S. Treasury yields. Finally, an allocation to high yield credit modestly contributed to performance.

In contrast, Portfolio performance was hurt by security selection within the Investment Grade sector and an underweight relative to the benchmark index in agency debentures.

The Portfolio held derivatives during the period as part of its investment strategy. Derivatives are used by the Portfolio management team as a means to hedge and/or take outright views on interest rates, credit risk and/or foreign exchange positions in the Portfolio. Specifically, from a duration standpoint, the Portfolio used U.S. Treasury futures to express a neutral bias for most of the period. In addition, the Portfolio held a yield curve flattening bias expressed by a combination of long-dated Treasury securities and short-to-intermediate Treasury futures. The overall impact of duration and yield curve positioning on performance was positive over the period.

At period end, the Portfolio was generally underweight relative to the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index in government-owned/government-related sectors in favor of non-government spread sectors. Within spread sectors, the Portfolio was most significantly overweight in CMBS and ABS, and remained underweight Investment Grade Credit. Within the government sectors, the Portfolio was underweight Agency Debentures and Agency MBS. The Portfolio also held non-benchmark allocations to High Yield Credit, Non-Agency Residential MBS, Collateralized Loan Obligations, and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Managed By BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

The Portfolio ended the period with a modestly shorter duration versus the benchmark. We continued to manage the Portfolio at an appropriate level of risk, while looking to add return by tactically managing duration and credit exposure.

Rick Rieder

Bob Miller

Portfolio Managers

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE BARCLAYS U.S. AGGREGATE BOND INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio                 

Class A

       7.08           5.70           4.72   

Class B

       6.81           5.44           4.45   

Class E

       6.92           5.54           4.56   
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.97           4.45           4.71   

1 Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies

     57.8   

Corporate Bonds & Notes

     23.6   

Asset-Backed Securities

     13.2   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     8.7   

Foreign Government

     4.0   

Municipals

     0.8   

Purchased Options

     0.6   

Floating Rate Loans

     0.4   

Preferred Stocks

     0.2   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A

   Actual      0.36    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.10         $ 1.83   
   Hypothetical*      0.36    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.39         $ 1.84   

Class B

   Actual      0.61    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.70         $ 3.11   
   Hypothetical*      0.61    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.13         $ 3.11   

Class E

   Actual      0.51    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.20         $ 2.60   
   Hypothetical*      0.51    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.64         $ 2.60   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—57.8% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—41.8%

  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool
2.500%, TBA (a)

    47,500,000      $ 48,360,937   

3.000%, 11/01/28

    5,981,470        6,238,162   

3.000%, 12/01/28

    1,467,913        1,532,283   

3.000%, 01/01/29

    708,616        739,706   

3.000%, 04/01/29

    2,081,626        2,171,173   

3.000%, 05/01/29

    3,637,397        3,795,144   

3.000%, 08/01/29

    4,112,910        4,290,481   

3.000%, TBA (a)

    18,900,000        19,644,926   

3.500%, 11/01/25

    2,786,546        2,962,582   

3.500%, 08/01/26

    2,323,236        2,470,070   

3.500%, 08/01/28

    1,240,341        1,318,582   

3.500%, 10/01/28

    6,165,254        6,554,809   

3.500%, 11/01/28

    7,075,920        7,522,164   

3.500%, 02/01/29

    13,893,301        14,770,459   

3.500%, 04/01/29

    3,128,107        3,325,968   

3.500%, 05/01/29

    7,301,204        7,763,078   

3.500%, 07/01/29

    2,860,907        3,042,740   

3.500%, 12/01/29

    19,500,000        20,625,388   

4.000%, 01/01/25

    29,647        31,442   

4.000%, 02/01/25

    6,588,216        7,021,759   

4.000%, 09/01/25

    1,215,561        1,298,910   

4.000%, 10/01/25

    3,419,333        3,654,733   

4.000%, 01/01/26

    1,004,670        1,076,131   

4.000%, 04/01/26

    650,226        697,166   

4.000%, 07/01/26

    2,992,384        3,205,220   

4.000%, 08/01/26

    1,392,675        1,491,908   

4.500%, 12/01/20

    1,926,638        2,039,306   

4.500%, 02/01/25

    1,217,913        1,314,489   

4.500%, 04/01/25

    229,835        248,409   

4.500%, 07/01/25

    846,108        914,543   

4.500%, 06/01/26

    18,462,273        19,950,270   

4.500%, TBA (a)

    12,900,000        13,554,069   

Fannie Mae 20 Yr. Pool
5.000%, 05/01/23

    5,683        6,275   

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool
3.000%, 12/01/42

    3,587,401        3,636,323   

3.000%, 01/01/43

    7,863,635        7,970,695   

3.000%, 02/01/43

    14,252,008        14,455,288   

3.000%, 03/01/43

    29,240,826        29,636,717   

3.000%, 04/01/43

    20,138,472        20,413,387   

3.000%, 05/01/43

    27,735,512        28,130,115   

3.000%, 06/01/43

    3,457,013        3,507,929   

3.500%, 01/01/42

    289,756        303,400   

3.500%, 04/01/42

    94,449        99,054   

3.500%, 05/01/42

    376,466        393,818   

3.500%, 06/01/42

    1,266,461        1,326,582   

3.500%, 07/01/42

    507,771        531,284   

3.500%, 10/01/42

    487,057        510,815   

3.500%, 12/01/42

    254,565        266,970   

3.500%, 01/01/43

    1,530,889        1,605,217   

3.500%, 02/01/43

    2,369,277        2,481,069   

3.500%, 03/01/43

    6,116,423        6,410,786   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    99,304        104,144   

3.500%, 06/01/43

    2,237,258        2,340,634   

3.500%, 07/01/43

    17,680,835        18,527,970   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool
3.500%, 08/01/43

    11,618,700      12,168,394   

3.500%, 09/01/43

    212,330        222,441   

3.500%, 10/01/43

    231,967        243,301   

3.500%, 11/01/43

    2,619,410        2,742,571   

3.500%, 01/01/44

    2,630,219        2,756,168   

3.500%, 06/01/44

    530,921        556,225   

3.500%, 07/01/44

    448,884        470,472   

3.500%, 08/01/44

    4,043,166        4,236,782   

3.500%, 09/01/44

    8,185,847        8,568,168   

3.500%, TBA (a)

    32,125,000        33,487,807   

4.000%, 06/01/39

    1,843,060        1,969,337   

4.000%, 12/01/39

    181,693        194,142   

4.000%, 05/01/42

    1,062,881        1,148,480   

4.000%, 07/01/42

    6,842,927        7,393,951   

4.000%, 11/01/42

    2,695,332        2,907,469   

4.000%, 01/01/43

    5,241,212        5,654,658   

4.000%, 02/01/43

    6,293,756        6,787,376   

4.000%, 03/01/43

    5,698,553        6,148,336   

4.000%, 05/01/43

    4,203,513        4,534,734   

4.000%, 06/01/43

    2,515,014        2,712,421   

4.000%, 07/01/43

    83,515        90,116   

4.000%, 08/01/43

    2,440,526        2,632,763   

4.000%, 09/01/43

    7,534,701        8,126,376   

4.000%, 11/01/43

    5,947,104        6,418,461   

4.000%, 12/01/43

    3,456,273        3,732,554   

4.000%, 01/01/44

    14,752,407        15,940,860   

4.000%, 02/01/44

    14,050,252        15,184,612   

4.000%, 05/01/44

    5,878,727        6,349,188   

4.000%, 06/01/44

    91,449        98,668   

4.000%, 07/01/44

    672,083        725,133   

4.000%, 08/01/44

    3,460,926        3,734,506   

4.000%, 09/01/44

    13,124,787        14,102,412   

4.000%, 10/01/44

    18,095,230        19,531,376   

4.000%, 11/01/44

    14,987,051        16,176,709   

4.000%, 12/01/44

    9,350,514        10,092,097   

4.500%, 11/01/39

    645,976        703,262   

4.500%, 08/01/40

    7,507,819        8,157,792   

4.500%, 11/01/40

    2,169,506        2,357,374   

4.500%, 08/01/41

    282,001        306,839   

4.500%, 09/01/41

    1,476,380        1,605,197   

4.500%, 01/01/42

    426,723        463,546   

4.500%, 07/01/42

    19,129,249        20,759,142   

4.500%, 08/01/42

    2,090,484        2,271,408   

4.500%, 08/01/43

    388,857        424,043   

4.500%, 09/01/43

    29,944,474        32,529,150   

4.500%, 10/01/43

    4,812,165        5,238,167   

4.500%, 12/01/43

    4,164,257        4,526,118   

4.500%, 01/01/44

    7,351,506        8,062,550   

4.500%, 02/01/44

    1,476,234        1,603,962   

4.500%, 03/01/44

    6,958,557        7,568,193   

5.000%, 11/01/32

    19,699        21,830   

5.000%, 02/01/33

    1,852,391        2,053,192   

5.000%, 03/01/33

    15,684        17,316   

5.000%, 04/01/33

    107,568        119,179   

5.000%, 07/01/33

    12,727,673        14,100,045   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool
5.000%, 08/01/33

    22,779,133      $ 25,238,198   

5.000%, 09/01/33

    18,809,297        20,836,679   

5.000%, 11/01/33

    776,061        859,858   

5.000%, 12/01/33

    315,093        349,068   

5.000%, 02/01/34

    123,325        136,613   

5.000%, 03/01/34

    94,797        105,015   

5.000%, 04/01/34

    33,683        37,310   

5.000%, 06/01/34

    56,659        62,733   

5.000%, 07/01/34

    5,976,837        6,618,153   

5.000%, 10/01/34

    2,514,759        2,786,014   

5.000%, 12/01/34

    87,211        96,604   

5.000%, 02/01/35

    566,658        627,449   

5.000%, 04/01/35

    10,382        11,498   

5.000%, 07/01/35

    1,451,000        1,607,060   

5.000%, 09/01/35

    13,108        14,523   

5.000%, 10/01/35

    4,683,118        5,188,456   

5.000%, 12/01/35

    1,449,740        1,605,208   

5.000%, 08/01/36

    1,332,229        1,475,112   

5.000%, 07/01/37

    715,828        793,093   

5.000%, 04/01/41

    106,152        117,473   

5.000%, 07/01/41

    850,907        945,433   

5.000%, 08/01/41

    1,019,592        1,128,377   

5.000%, 01/01/42

    11,000,024        12,193,981   

5.500%, 11/01/32

    2,748,861        3,086,901   

5.500%, 12/01/32

    442,581        498,781   

5.500%, 01/01/33

    1,693,229        1,899,066   

5.500%, 12/01/33

    570,666        643,159   

5.500%, 08/01/37

    4,769,575        5,369,667   

5.500%, 02/01/38

    660,402        748,693   

5.500%, 03/01/38

    472,854        535,530   

5.500%, 04/01/38

    556,299        623,868   

5.500%, 06/01/38

    549,028        622,936   

5.500%, 12/01/38

    540,154        603,585   

5.500%, 08/01/39

    624,604        698,373   

5.500%, 03/01/40

    619,894        692,941   

5.500%, 04/01/40

    263,806        295,073   

5.500%, 04/01/41

    744,792        836,912   

5.500%, TBA (a)

    4,000,000        4,474,375   

6.000%, 02/01/34

    482,159        550,973   

6.000%, 08/01/34

    374,023        427,139   

6.000%, 04/01/35

    5,690,157        6,504,576   

6.000%, 06/01/36

    1,006,597        1,155,416   

6.000%, 02/01/38

    1,235,413        1,400,466   

6.000%, 03/01/38

    471,668        541,986   

6.000%, 05/01/38

    1,469,364        1,689,289   

6.000%, 10/01/38

    1,865,099        2,117,757   

6.000%, 12/01/38

    582,918        664,163   

6.000%, 04/01/40

    5,930,177        6,724,548   

6.000%, 09/01/40

    614,149        696,808   

6.000%, 06/01/41

    1,274,762        1,447,057   

6.000%, TBA (a)

    4,400,000        4,989,703   

6.500%, 05/01/40

    9,095,897        10,358,631   

Fannie Mae ARM Pool
2.993%, 03/01/41 (b)

    718,264        764,587   

3.129%, 03/01/41 (b)

    973,463        1,035,812   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae ARM Pool
3.177%, 12/01/40 (b)

    1,738,302      1,823,377   

3.337%, 06/01/41 (b)

    3,402,501        3,586,731   

3.501%, 09/01/41 (b)

    2,574,566        2,719,851   

4.993%, 08/01/38 (b)

    979,429        1,045,680   

Fannie Mae REMICS (CMO)
5.000%, 04/25/35

    253,226        271,985   

Fannie Mae-Aces
0.143%, 08/25/24 (b) (c)

    118,304,183        1,502,463   

3.021%, 08/25/24

    890,000        910,263   

Freddie Mac 15 Yr. Gold Pool
3.000%, TBA (a)

    11,100,000        11,520,848   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool
2.500%, TBA (a)

    19,100,000        19,426,192   

3.000%, 01/01/43

    2,718,666        2,751,863   

3.000%, 03/01/43

    6,129,061        6,203,105   

3.000%, 04/01/43

    25,498,944        25,802,471   

3.000%, 07/01/43

    17,524,252        17,739,279   

3.000%, 08/01/43

    10,820,437        10,951,299   

3.500%, 04/01/42

    4,692,765        4,900,944   

3.500%, 08/01/42

    3,102,100        3,242,335   

3.500%, 09/01/42

    1,588,354        1,657,731   

3.500%, 11/01/42

    3,093,527        3,222,410   

3.500%, 02/01/43

    582,856        609,799   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    9,147,859        9,547,779   

3.500%, 07/01/43

    8,871,804        9,270,285   

3.500%, 12/01/43

    11,194,363        11,690,310   

3.500%, 01/01/44

    798,608        835,285   

3.500%, 02/01/44

    3,701,370        3,863,639   

3.500%, 04/01/44

    224,641        234,765   

3.500%, 05/01/44

    859,485        898,308   

3.500%, 06/01/44

    239,376        250,146   

3.500%, 07/01/44

    1,933,627        2,018,706   

3.500%, 08/01/44

    788,863        824,402   

3.500%, 09/01/44

    2,201,739        2,300,348   

3.500%, TBA (a)

    11,600,000        12,061,281   

4.000%, 10/01/40

    276,905        298,067   

4.000%, 11/01/40

    1,302,533        1,402,055   

4.000%, 10/01/41

    1,162,287        1,250,729   

4.000%, 09/01/43

    674,077        726,570   

4.000%, 08/01/44

    5,666,967        6,107,307   

4.000%, TBA (a)

    37,000,000        39,439,687   

4.500%, 02/01/39

    3,329,119        3,610,988   

4.500%, 09/01/43

    3,042,165        3,305,077   

4.500%, 11/01/43

    5,850,025        6,343,756   

4.500%, TBA (a)

    22,900,000        24,820,559   

5.000%, 10/01/41

    1,564,619        1,731,207   

5.000%, TBA (a)

    27,300,000        30,124,914   

5.500%, 09/01/39

    439,989        492,140   

5.500%, 01/01/40

    518,971        580,885   

5.500%, 07/01/40

    753,998        843,723   

5.500%, 06/01/41

    6,797,530        7,598,979   

5.500%, TBA (a)

    2,300,000        2,569,352   

Freddie Mac ARM Non-Gold Pool
2.999%, 02/01/41 (b)

    1,291,069        1,376,561   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates
3.171%, 10/25/24

    2,686,000      $ 2,786,789   

3.490%, 01/25/24

    1,113,000        1,184,310   

Ginnie Mae (CMO)
0.988%, 02/16/53 (b) (c)

    26,594,424        1,987,162   

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool
3.500%, 02/15/42

    415,201        439,606   

3.500%, 04/15/42

    652,458        690,942   

3.500%, 05/15/42

    519,851        550,432   

3.500%, 08/15/42

    804,395        851,693   

3.500%, 11/15/42

    625,292        657,336   

3.500%, 12/15/42

    1,782,759        1,887,653   

3.500%, 01/15/43

    741,227        784,913   

3.500%, 02/15/43

    1,217,435        1,289,199   

3.500%, 03/15/43

    573,140        604,763   

3.500%, 04/15/43

    2,344,977        2,483,306   

3.500%, 05/15/43

    4,267,199        4,518,822   

3.500%, 06/15/43

    1,096,538        1,161,237   

3.500%, 07/15/43

    3,650,000        3,865,156   

4.000%, 12/15/41

    27,653        29,694   

4.000%, 05/15/42

    153,282        164,602   

4.000%, TBA (a)

    14,905,000        15,990,096   

4.500%, 02/15/42

    28,004,185        30,677,766   

4.500%, TBA (a)

    17,300,000        18,902,278   

5.000%, 12/15/38

    743,475        820,015   

5.000%, 07/15/39

    2,010,662        2,223,174   

5.000%, 12/15/40

    2,628,441        2,915,714   

5.000%, TBA (a)

    26,700,000        29,404,937   

5.500%, 04/15/33

    60,379        67,974   

5.500%, TBA (a)

    12,500,000        13,955,567   

6.500%, 04/15/33

    54,132        61,770   

8.000%, 11/15/29

    6,108        6,219   

8.500%, 01/15/17

    1,972        1,980   

8.500%, 03/15/17

    733        736   

8.500%, 05/15/17

    428        429   

8.500%, 11/15/21

    2,753        2,766   

8.500%, 05/15/22

    1,242        1,309   

9.000%, 10/15/16

    1,125        1,130   

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, TBA (a)

    57,705,000        59,010,576   

3.500%, 10/20/42

    850,166        893,843   

3.500%, 01/20/43

    755,898        794,732   

3.500%, 04/20/43

    664,883        698,905   

3.500%, 10/20/44

    113,723,157        119,553,281   

4.000%, 09/20/40

    245,140        263,688   

4.000%, 10/20/40

    457,482        492,127   

4.000%, 12/20/40

    6,463,869        6,954,573   

4.000%, 01/20/41

    4,850,604        5,219,380   

4.000%, 02/20/41

    85,289        91,763   

4.000%, 07/20/43

    466,690        500,915   

4.000%, 08/20/44

    1,380,954        1,495,004   

4.000%, 10/20/44

    182,348,899        195,910,204   

4.000%, 11/20/44

    53,289,238        57,256,915   

4.000%, 12/20/44

    34,800,000        37,391,070   

4.500%, 05/20/41

    28,326,676        31,078,991   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

4.500%, 06/20/41

    2,764,253      3,030,358   

4.500%, 07/20/41

    1,701,795        1,865,286   

4.500%, TBA (a)

    1,880,000        2,054,120   

5.000%, 10/20/33

    1,920,577        2,131,415   

5.000%, 10/20/39

    845,154        943,692   
   

 

 

 
      1,817,454,276   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—16.0%

   

U.S. Treasury Bonds
2.750%, 08/15/42

    11,015,000        11,011,563   

2.750%, 11/15/42

    465,000        464,528   

3.000%, 11/15/44

    25,807,500        27,122,082   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds (n)
0.750%, 02/15/42

    14,591,191        14,177,400   

1.375%, 02/15/44

    8,262,874        9,351,895   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes (n)
0.125%, 01/15/23

    7,535,374        7,286,353   

0.625%, 01/15/24

    22,478,074        22,574,662   

U.S. Treasury Notes
0.250%, 05/31/15

    29,515,000        29,533,447   

0.500%, 11/30/16 (d)

    10,530,000        10,503,675   

1.000%, 12/15/17

    164,075,000        163,690,408   

1.000%, 11/30/19 (e)

    91,390,000        88,641,172   

1.250%, 11/30/18

    5,817,800        5,776,895   

1.500%, 10/31/19

    20,420,000        20,295,561   

1.500%, 11/30/19 (d)

    88,107,800        87,550,254   

1.625%, 11/15/22

    6,432,200        6,239,736   

1.875%, 11/30/21

    43,450,000        43,195,426   

2.000%, 05/31/21

    17,429,000        17,516,145   

2.250%, 11/15/24

    113,369,900        114,131,632   

2.375%, 08/15/24

    19,254,000        19,610,507   
   

 

 

 
      698,673,341   
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies
(Cost $2,500,578,244)

      2,516,127,617   
   

 

 

 
Corporate Bonds & Notes—23.6%   

Advertising—0.1%

   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)
4.000%, 03/15/22

    1,757,000        1,798,439   

4.200%, 04/15/24

    2,802,000        2,865,913   

Omnicom Group, Inc.
3.650%, 11/01/24

    885,000        885,411   
   

 

 

 
      5,549,763   
   

 

 

 

Aerospace/Defense—0.1%

   

Boeing Co. (The)
2.350%, 10/30/21

    970,000        963,591   

Lockheed Martin Corp.
4.070%, 12/15/42

    1,259,000        1,270,426   

Raytheon Co.
3.150%, 12/15/24 (f)

    677,000        679,030   
   

 

 

 
      2,913,047   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agriculture—0.3%

   

Altria Group, Inc.
2.625%, 01/14/20

    1,922,000      $ 1,927,580   

Philip Morris International, Inc.
1.125%, 08/21/17 (f)

    3,820,000        3,803,914   

4.875%, 11/15/43

    1,951,000        2,175,033   

Reynolds American, Inc.
3.250%, 11/01/22

    1,930,000        1,879,901   

4.750%, 11/01/42 (f)

    1,675,000        1,625,673   
   

 

 

 
      11,412,101   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.1%

   

Southwest Airlines Co.
2.750%, 11/06/19 (f)

    1,181,000        1,186,434   

United Airlines Pass-Through Trust
4.750%, 10/11/23

    453,000        448,470   

United Continental Holdings, Inc.
6.000%, 07/15/28 (f)

    2,120,000        2,019,300   
   

 

 

 
      3,654,204   
   

 

 

 

Auto Manufacturers—0.3%

   

General Motors Co.
4.000%, 04/01/25

    1,727,000        1,731,318   

4.875%, 10/02/23

    2,350,000        2,514,500   

6.250%, 10/02/43

    1,410,000        1,684,386   

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc
8.250%, 03/15/20 (GBP)

    220,000        377,183   

Toyota Motor Credit Corp.
2.750%, 05/17/21

    7,640,000        7,753,278   
   

 

 

 
      14,060,665   
   

 

 

 

Auto Parts & Equipment—0.0%

   

Samvardhana Motherson Automotive Systems Group B.V.
4.125%, 07/15/21 (EUR)

    103,000        122,121   

Schaeffler Holding Finance B.V.
5.750%, 11/15/21 (EUR) (g)

    100,000        128,870   

Servus Luxembourg Holding SCA
7.750%, 06/15/18 (EUR)

    93,505        119,064   
   

 

 

 
      370,055   
   

 

 

 

Banks—5.3%

   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.
7.000%, 02/19/19 (EUR) (b)

    200,000        246,547   

Banco do Brasil S.A.
9.000%, 06/18/24 (b)

    932,000        866,760   

Bank of America Corp.
2.600%, 01/15/19

    17,801,000        17,939,421   

2.650%, 04/01/19

    3,034,000        3,056,254   

3.300%, 01/11/23

    3,362,000        3,362,259   

4.200%, 08/26/24

    5,217,000        5,314,688   

4.250%, 10/22/26

    4,976,000        4,964,829   

Bank of Ireland
4.250%, 06/11/24 (EUR) (b)

    100,000        119,492   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)
2.100%, 01/15/19 (f)

    4,220,000        4,233,373   

Banks—(Continued)

     

Bank of Nova Scotia (The)
1.300%, 07/21/17

     10,965,000       10,929,287   

2.800%, 07/21/21 (f)

     5,289,000         5,291,206   

Bankia S.A.
4.000%, 05/22/24 (EUR) (b)

     200,000         236,383   

Barclays plc
2.750%, 11/08/19 (f)

     3,897,000         3,873,189   

BB&T Corp.
2.450%, 01/15/20

     2,522,000         2,511,733   

Branch Banking & Trust Co.
2.300%, 10/15/18

     2,160,000         2,182,477   

Capital One N.A.
2.950%, 07/23/21 (f)

     5,161,000         5,128,708   

Citigroup, Inc.
1.850%, 11/24/17

     5,104,000         5,098,136   

2.500%, 09/26/18 (f)

     5,097,000         5,156,553   

2.500%, 07/29/19 (f)

     10,820,000         10,828,689   

5.800%, 11/15/19 (b) (f)

     1,668,000         1,668,000   

6.300%, 05/15/24 (b) (f)

     945,000         930,825   

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank BA
4.625%, 12/01/23

     5,161,000         5,474,345   

Credit Suisse
3.000%, 10/29/21 (f)

     2,270,000         2,259,404   

Discover Bank
7.000%, 04/15/20

     1,678,000         1,977,595   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
2.550%, 10/23/19

     9,473,000         9,438,405   

2.625%, 01/31/19 (f)

     6,320,000         6,358,590   

2.900%, 07/19/18 (f)

     6,205,000         6,365,585   

3.625%, 02/07/16

     3,625,000         3,719,460   

HSBC Bank Brasil S.A. - Banco Multiplo
4.000%, 05/11/16 (144A) (f)

     13,340,000         13,546,770   

HSBC Holdings plc
4.250%, 03/14/24 (f)

     5,140,000         5,348,592   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
1.350%, 02/15/17

     12,770,000         12,769,719   

2.200%, 10/22/19

     2,445,000         2,423,917   

2.350%, 01/28/19 (f)

     2,630,000         2,647,158   

3.875%, 09/10/24

     5,490,000         5,494,672   

4.750%, 03/01/15

     6,975,000         7,014,876   

6.100%, 10/01/24 (b) (f)

     590,000         588,525   

6.750%, 02/01/24 (b)

     355,000         374,525   

Macquarie Bank, Ltd.
1.600%, 10/27/17 (144A)

     4,182,000         4,154,516   

1.650%, 03/24/17 (144A) (f)

     3,455,000         3,466,916   

Morgan Stanley
3.750%, 02/25/23

     14,291,000         14,660,008   

4.350%, 09/08/26 (f)

     3,950,000         3,973,601   

5.000%, 11/24/25

     2,932,000         3,128,781   

Novo Banco S.A.
4.000%, 01/21/19 (EUR)

     200,000         234,135   

State Street Capital Trust IV
1.241%, 06/01/77 (b)

     500,000         415,000   

Wells Fargo & Co.
1.500%, 07/01/15

     3,485,000         3,503,711   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Banks—(Continued)

   

Wells Fargo & Co.
2.125%, 04/22/19 (f)

    5,515,000      $ 5,513,555   

3.300%, 09/09/24 (f)

    1,752,000        1,762,962   

4.100%, 06/03/26

    2,150,000        2,197,423   

5.375%, 11/02/43

    1,887,000        2,146,864   

5.900%, 06/15/24 (b) (f)

    3,928,000        3,957,460   
   

 

 

 
      228,855,879   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—0.3%

   

Amgen, Inc.
3.625%, 05/22/24

    2,803,000        2,849,084   

5.650%, 06/15/42

    2,275,000        2,706,793   

Celgene Corp.
2.250%, 05/15/19 (f)

    2,344,000        2,327,461   

3.250%, 08/15/22

    2,382,000        2,397,335   

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
2.350%, 02/01/20 (f)

    668,000        671,594   

3.500%, 02/01/25 (f)

    1,157,000        1,187,545   

4.500%, 02/01/45

    3,044,000        3,253,424   
   

 

 

 
      15,393,236   
   

 

 

 

Building Materials—0.0%

   

Cemex Finance LLC
5.250%, 04/01/21 (EUR)

    100,000        122,518   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—0.5%

   

Agrium, Inc.
3.150%, 10/01/22

    1,586,000        1,548,204   

5.250%, 01/15/45 (f)

    796,000        859,771   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)
3.500%, 10/01/24 (f)

    3,128,000        3,096,295   

4.125%, 11/15/21 (f)

    3,269,000        3,454,048   

4.375%, 11/15/42

    827,000        800,989   

4.625%, 10/01/44

    1,135,000        1,149,411   

Eastman Chemical Co.
2.700%, 01/15/20 (f)

    2,149,000        2,161,196   

4.800%, 09/01/42

    1,430,000        1,446,106   

INEOS Group Holdings S.A.
5.750%, 02/15/19 (EUR)

    100,000        116,165   

LYB International Finance B.V.
4.000%, 07/15/23

    3,968,000        4,059,034   

Monsanto Co.

   

2.200%, 07/15/22

    513,000        485,408   

4.400%, 07/15/44

    1,294,000        1,342,581   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)
4.000%, 12/15/42

    662,000        656,967   
   

 

 

 
      21,176,175   
   

 

 

 

Coal—0.1%

  

Peabody Energy Corp.
6.000%, 11/15/18 (f)

    497,000        451,027   

6.250%, 11/15/21 (f)

    2,913,000        2,490,615   
   

 

 

 
      2,941,642   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services—0.3%

  

EC Finance plc
5.125%, 07/15/21 (EUR)

    200,000      249,875   

MasterCard, Inc.
3.375%, 04/01/24

    2,622,000        2,691,370   

TMF Group Holding B.V.
9.875%, 12/01/19 (EUR)

    250,000        310,832   

United Rentals North America, Inc.
7.625%, 04/15/22

    8,490,000        9,334,755   

Verisure Holding AB
8.750%, 12/01/18 (EUR)

    230,000        296,129   
   

 

 

 
      12,882,961   
   

 

 

 

Computers—0.5%

  

Apple, Inc.
2.100%, 05/06/19 (f)

    12,125,000        12,262,643   

2.850%, 05/06/21

    3,690,000        3,774,719   

Hewlett-Packard Co.
3.750%, 12/01/20 (f)

    5,086,000        5,261,274   

Seagate HDD Cayman
5.750%, 12/01/34 (144A)

    909,000        958,662   
   

 

 

 
      22,257,298   
   

 

 

 

Distribution/Wholesale—0.1%

  

Rexel S.A.
5.125%, 06/15/20 (EUR)

    1,904,000        2,470,740   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—1.6%

  

Ally Financial, Inc.
5.125%, 09/30/24 (f)

    4,165,000        4,227,475   

American Express Credit Corp.
1.125%, 06/05/17 (f)

    7,415,000        7,391,658   

2.250%, 08/15/19

    4,265,000        4,265,682   

Discover Financial Services
3.850%, 11/21/22

    2,593,000        2,638,123   

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
1.724%, 12/06/17

    13,370,000        13,231,821   

3.664%, 09/08/24 (f)

    3,198,000        3,204,390   

4.250%, 09/20/22

    2,343,000        2,486,075   

General Electric Capital Corp.
3.100%, 01/09/23 (f)

    5,148,000        5,212,324   

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.
2.625%, 07/10/17

    8,090,000        8,125,070   

2.750%, 05/15/16

    4,123,000        4,189,999   

4.750%, 08/15/17 (f)

    5,115,000        5,394,279   

Icahn Enterprises L.P. / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.
3.500%, 03/15/17

    1,030,000        1,030,000   

4.875%, 03/15/19

    1,405,000        1,401,488   

6.000%, 08/01/20

    1,660,000        1,710,132   

MassMutual Global Funding II

   

2.350%, 04/09/19 (144A)

    4,815,000        4,844,901   
   

 

 

 
      69,353,417   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Electric—1.5%

  

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co.

   

2.400%, 02/01/20 (144A) (f)

    1,455,000      $ 1,448,665   

3.500%, 02/01/25 (144A) (f)

    1,457,000        1,466,264   

CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC

   

4.500%, 04/01/44 (f)

    2,665,000        2,974,497   

CMS Energy Corp.

   

3.875%, 03/01/24 (f)

    1,724,000        1,790,112   

Commonwealth Edison Co.

   

4.700%, 01/15/44

    1,749,000        1,992,293   

Consumers Energy Co.

   

3.950%, 05/15/43

    1,182,000        1,219,754   

Dominion Resources, Inc.

   

1.950%, 08/15/16

    3,050,000        3,082,766   

2.500%, 12/01/19 (f)

    3,409,000        3,418,954   

DTE Energy Co.

   

2.400%, 12/01/19 (f)

    1,041,000        1,041,172   

3.500%, 06/01/24

    4,100,000        4,171,106   

Duke Energy Carolinas LLC

   

4.250%, 12/15/41

    2,451,000        2,633,531   

Duke Energy Corp.

   

3.750%, 04/15/24 (f)

    883,000        918,519   

Entergy Arkansas, Inc.

   

3.700%, 06/01/24 (f)

    5,220,000        5,469,808   

Florida Power & Light Co.

   

3.800%, 12/15/42

    1,182,000        1,193,070   

Georgia Power Co.

   

3.000%, 04/15/16

    6,380,000        6,551,705   

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

   

4.300%, 03/15/45

    1,182,000        1,213,273   

4.750%, 02/15/44

    1,562,000        1,717,892   

PacifiCorp

   

3.600%, 04/01/24

    7,035,000        7,270,286   

4.100%, 02/01/42

    3,020,000        3,186,236   

PG&E Corp.

   

2.400%, 03/01/19

    2,223,000        2,226,366   

Progress Energy, Inc.

   

4.875%, 12/01/19 (f)

    537,000        593,795   

Southern California Edison Co.

   

1.250%, 11/01/17

    1,264,000        1,255,099   

Southern Co. (The)

   

1.950%, 09/01/16

    2,908,000        2,944,400   

Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Co.

   

3.850%, 06/01/25 (144A)

    1,658,000        1,685,917   

Virginia Electric & Power Co.

   

3.450%, 02/15/24

    895,000        921,549   

4.450%, 02/15/44

    1,182,000        1,291,110   
   

 

 

 
      63,678,139   
   

 

 

 

Electronics—0.3%

  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

   

3.300%, 02/15/22

    3,879,000        3,885,412   

3.600%, 08/15/21

    4,748,000        4,903,122   

4.150%, 02/01/24 (f)

    1,610,000        1,697,885   

5.300%, 02/01/44

    531,000        609,851   

Electronics—(Continued)

  

Trionista Holdco GmbH

   

5.000%, 04/30/20 (EUR)

    306,000      383,235   
   

 

 

 
      11,479,505   
   

 

 

 

Engineering & Construction—0.0%

  

Astaldi S.p.A.

   

7.125%, 12/01/20 (EUR)

    100,000        123,594   
   

 

 

 

Entertainment—0.0%

  

Gala Group Finance plc

   

8.875%, 09/01/18 (GBP)

    189,000        307,843   

Intralot Capital Luxembourg S.A.

   

6.000%, 05/15/21 (EUR)

    100,000        101,669   
   

 

 

 
      409,512   
   

 

 

 

Environmental Control—0.0%

  

Bilbao Luxembourg S.A.

   

10.500%, 12/01/18 (EUR) (g)

    105,625        132,924   
   

 

 

 

Food—0.1%

  

Bakkavor Finance 2 plc

   

8.750%, 06/15/20 (GBP)

    180,000        291,069   

Boparan Finance plc

   

5.500%, 07/15/21 (GBP)

    100,000        130,143   

Kroger Co. (The)

   

2.950%, 11/01/21

    3,173,000        3,146,972   
   

 

 

 
      3,568,184   
   

 

 

 

Forest Products & Paper—0.1%

  

International Paper Co.

   

3.650%, 06/15/24 (f)

    1,575,000        1,573,869   

4.800%, 06/15/44

    2,100,000        2,144,529   
   

 

 

 
      3,718,398   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Products—0.6%

  

3AB Optique Developpement SAS

   

5.625%, 04/15/19 (EUR)

    100,000        104,064   

Becton Dickinson and Co.

   

1.800%, 12/15/17

    1,005,000        1,008,707   

2.675%, 12/15/19

    3,128,000        3,169,136   

3.125%, 11/08/21

    1,593,000        1,598,929   

3.734%, 12/15/24

    3,196,000        3,290,522   

4.685%, 12/15/44

    441,000        474,940   

Boston Scientific Corp.

   

2.650%, 10/01/18

    2,290,000        2,292,695   

CareFusion Corp.

   

1.450%, 05/15/17

    2,300,000        2,283,723   

IDH Finance plc

   

6.000%, 12/01/18 (GBP)

    209,000        325,585   

Medtronic, Inc.

   

2.500%, 03/15/20 (144A)

    1,999,000        2,004,243   

3.125%, 03/15/22

    1,902,000        1,925,874   

3.500%, 03/15/25 (144A)

    1,908,000        1,951,827   

3.625%, 03/15/24 (f)

    2,360,000        2,449,767   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Healthcare-Products—(Continued)

  

Medtronic, Inc.

   

4.625%, 03/15/44

    2,819,000      $ 3,034,504   

4.625%, 03/15/45 (144A)

    956,000        1,036,295   
   

 

 

 
      26,950,811   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Services—1.0%

  

Aetna, Inc.

   

2.750%, 11/15/22

    3,398,000        3,296,145   

4.125%, 11/15/42

    854,000        858,080   

4.500%, 05/15/42

    1,676,000        1,774,428   

4.750%, 03/15/44 (f)

    1,184,000        1,305,493   

Anthem, Inc.

   

1.875%, 01/15/18 (f)

    6,155,000        6,153,258   

2.300%, 07/15/18

    6,240,000        6,274,538   

3.300%, 01/15/23

    2,140,000        2,137,914   

4.650%, 08/15/44

    1,301,000        1,377,795   

Care UK Health & Social Care plc

   

5.560%, 07/15/19 (GBP) (b)

    100,000        144,482   

HCA, Inc.

   

5.250%, 04/15/25 (f)

    4,165,000        4,352,425   

Priory Group No. 3 plc

   

7.000%, 02/15/18 (GBP)

    165,295        266,955   

Roche Holdings, Inc.

   

2.875%, 09/29/21 (144A)

    2,020,000        2,045,238   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   

6.250%, 11/01/18

    4,710,000        5,110,350   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   

2.875%, 12/15/21

    2,121,000        2,145,133   

3.375%, 11/15/21

    1,745,000        1,810,509   

3.950%, 10/15/42

    2,604,000        2,588,410   

Ventas Realty L.P.

   

3.750%, 05/01/24 (f)

    2,600,000        2,617,131   
   

 

 

 
      44,258,284   
   

 

 

 

Holding Companies-Diversified—0.0%

  

Co-operative Group Holdings

   

6.875%, 07/08/20 (GBP)

    100,000        160,932   
   

 

 

 

Home Furnishings—0.0%

  

DFS Furniture Holdings plc

   

7.625%, 08/15/18 (GBP)

    215,000        346,067   

Magnolia BC S.A.

   

9.000%, 08/01/20 (EUR)

    100,000        115,693   
   

 

 

 
      461,760   
   

 

 

 

Household Products/Wares—0.1%

  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

   

1.900%, 05/22/19

    4,735,000        4,703,152   
   

 

 

 

Housewares—0.1%

  

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

   

2.875%, 12/01/19

    5,013,000        5,014,885   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—0.7%

  

Allstate Corp. (The)

   

3.150%, 06/15/23

    1,333,000      1,339,494   

American International Group, Inc.

   

3.375%, 08/15/20

    8,120,000        8,435,064   

4.500%, 07/16/44

    1,695,000        1,790,786   

Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp.

   

4.300%, 05/15/43 (f)

    1,182,000        1,253,071   

Loews Corp.

   

2.625%, 05/15/23

    1,333,000        1,259,395   

Manulife Financial Corp.

   

3.400%, 09/17/15

    1,675,000        1,705,162   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

   

4.500%, 11/15/20 (f)

    2,980,000        3,234,182   

4.600%, 05/15/44 (f)

    3,115,000        3,282,961   

4.750%, 09/17/15 (f)

    4,775,000        4,899,723   

XLIT, Ltd.

   

2.300%, 12/15/18

    2,138,000        2,139,398   
   

 

 

 
      29,339,236   
   

 

 

 

Internet—0.3%

   

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.

   

2.500%, 11/28/19 (144A) (f)

    5,766,000        5,688,257   

3.125%, 11/28/21 (144A)

    5,622,000        5,554,407   

Amazon.com, Inc.

   

2.600%, 12/05/19 (f)

    3,143,000        3,174,936   
   

 

 

 
      14,417,600   
   

 

 

 

Iron/Steel—0.0%

   

Nucor Corp.

   

5.200%, 08/01/43

    1,140,000        1,256,648   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Time—0.0%

   

Cirsa Funding Luxembourg S.A.

   

8.750%, 05/15/18 (EUR)

    134,000        166,403   
   

 

 

 

Lodging—0.2%

   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC / Caesars Entertainment Resort Property

   

8.000%, 10/01/20 (144A) (f)

    4,526,000        4,435,480   

11.000%, 10/01/21 (144A) (f)

    5,018,000        4,566,380   
   

 

 

 
      9,001,860   
   

 

 

 

Machinery-Construction & Mining—0.1%

  

 

Caterpillar Financial Services Corp.

   

2.250%, 12/01/19

    3,162,000        3,165,462   

Caterpillar, Inc.

   

4.750%, 05/15/64

    1,395,000        1,517,926   
   

 

 

 
      4,683,388   
   

 

 

 

Machinery-Diversified—0.1%

   

John Deere Capital Corp.

   

3.350%, 06/12/24

    3,070,000        3,146,523   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Media—1.2%

   

CBS Corp.

   

2.300%, 08/15/19 (f)

    2,455,000      $ 2,425,673   

Comcast Cable Communications LLC

   

8.500%, 05/01/27

    2,240,000        3,214,420   

Comcast Corp.

   

4.750%, 03/01/44 (f)

    1,610,000        1,794,171   

COX Communications, Inc.

   

8.375%, 03/01/39 (144A)

    4,590,000        6,543,761   

DIRECTV Holdings LLC / DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc.

   

3.800%, 03/15/22

    1,610,000        1,637,966   

4.600%, 02/15/21 (f)

    4,875,000        5,221,783   

6.375%, 03/01/41 (f)

    1,128,000        1,318,816   

NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc.

   

5.250%, 03/29/49 (144A)

    4,585,000        4,756,937   

NBCUniversal Media LLC

   

4.375%, 04/01/21

    2,075,000        2,282,079   

4.450%, 01/15/43

    3,467,000        3,673,678   

Numericable-SFR

   

5.375%, 05/15/22 (EUR)

    200,000        249,754   

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.

   

2.750%, 11/15/19 (f)

    3,179,000        3,192,304   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

   

4.500%, 09/15/42 (f)

    4,212,000        4,329,696   

Time Warner, Inc.

   

2.100%, 06/01/19

    5,205,000        5,127,992   

4.650%, 06/01/44 (f)

    970,000        1,011,297   

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG / Unitymedia NRW GmbH

   

4.000%, 01/15/25 (EUR)

    105,000        129,438   

Unitymedia Kabel BW GmbH

   

9.500%, 03/15/21 (EUR)

    270,000        365,102   

Viacom, Inc.

   

2.750%, 12/15/19

    3,826,000        3,833,587   
   

 

 

 
      51,108,454   
   

 

 

 

Metal Fabricate/Hardware—0.0%

   

Eco-Bat Finance plc

   

7.750%, 02/15/17 (EUR)

    230,000        258,830   
   

 

 

 

Mining—0.3%

   

Barrick Gold Corp.

   

3.850%, 04/01/22 (f)

    2,518,000        2,423,180   

BHP Billiton Finance USA, Ltd.

   

3.850%, 09/30/23 (f)

    2,752,000        2,897,154   

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

   

4.000%, 11/14/21 (f)

    3,067,000        3,038,790   

Newmont Mining Corp.

   

3.500%, 03/15/22 (f)

    1,980,000        1,860,699   

Rio Tinto Finance USA plc

   

2.875%, 08/21/22 (f)

    1,135,000        1,091,260   
   

 

 

 
      11,311,083   
   

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing—0.2%

   

Eaton Corp.

   

2.750%, 11/02/22

    3,206,000      3,149,565   

GCL Holdings SCA

   

9.375%, 04/15/18 (EUR)

    220,000        278,191   

General Electric Co.

   

4.500%, 03/11/44

    2,750,000        3,022,860   

Hydra Dutch Holdings 2 B.V.

   

5.582%, 04/15/19 (EUR) (b)

    100,000        109,882   

Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance S.A.

   

2.625%, 05/01/20

    1,965,000        1,952,281   
   

 

 

 
      8,512,779   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas—1.9%

   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   

3.450%, 07/15/24 (f)

    5,158,000        5,035,441   

BP Capital Markets plc

   

2.237%, 05/10/19 (f)

    4,886,000        4,880,073   

2.500%, 11/06/22

    2,362,000        2,200,742   

2.521%, 01/15/20 (f)

    3,746,000        3,750,379   

Chevron Corp.

   

2.193%, 11/15/19 (f)

    1,012,000        1,015,743   

Continental Resources, Inc.

   

4.900%, 06/01/44 (f)

    1,585,000        1,373,656   

Devon Energy Corp.

   

3.250%, 05/15/22 (f)

    964,000        946,992   

EOG Resources, Inc.

   

2.450%, 04/01/20

    6,805,000        6,769,703   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

   

1.819%, 03/15/19

    5,790,000        5,803,201   

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.

   

7.375%, 05/01/22 (f)

    3,500,000        3,272,500   

Linn Energy LLC / Linn Energy Finance Corp.

   

6.250%, 11/01/19 (f)

    4,115,000        3,477,175   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

   

4.750%, 09/15/44

    1,160,000        1,095,511   

MEG Energy Corp.

   

6.500%, 03/15/21 (144A) (f)

    8,548,000        7,800,050   

Murphy Oil Corp.

   

2.500%, 12/01/17

    7,237,000        7,193,578   

Noble Energy, Inc.

   

4.150%, 12/15/21

    3,238,000        3,301,792   

5.050%, 11/15/44 (f)

    485,000        479,388   

Noble Holding International, Ltd.

   

3.950%, 03/15/22 (f)

    1,735,000        1,519,955   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   

3.125%, 02/15/22

    2,386,000        2,358,365   

Phillips 66

   

4.875%, 11/15/44

    1,255,000        1,284,550   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

   

3.950%, 07/15/22 (f)

    3,202,000        3,169,333   

Range Resources Corp.

   

5.750%, 06/01/21 (f)

    135,000        139,388   

Shell International Finance B.V.

   

3.625%, 08/21/42

    1,259,000        1,197,542   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Oil & Gas—(Continued)

   

Statoil ASA

   

2.900%, 11/08/20 (f)

    7,535,000      $ 7,707,574   

Suncor Energy, Inc.

   

3.600%, 12/01/24 (f)

    4,726,000        4,670,016   

Transocean, Inc.

   

6.800%, 03/15/38 (f)

    674,000        577,555   
   

 

 

 
      81,020,202   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Services—0.0%

   

Schlumberger Investment S.A.

   

3.650%, 12/01/23 (f)

    1,276,000        1,333,865   
   

 

 

 

Packaging & Containers—0.5%

   

Ardagh Glass Finance plc

   

8.750%, 02/01/20 (EUR)

    133,000        165,775   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc

   

9.250%, 10/15/20 (EUR)

    109,000        139,150   

Novelis, Inc.

   

8.750%, 12/15/20

    7,985,000        8,464,100   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc. / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC

   

6.875%, 02/15/21 (f)

    8,495,000        8,866,656   

7.875%, 08/15/19

    5,195,000        5,474,231   
   

 

 

 
      23,109,912   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—1.0%

   

AbbVie, Inc.

   

2.900%, 11/06/22

    4,462,000        4,392,959   

4.400%, 11/06/42

    1,632,000        1,683,684   

Actavis Funding SCS

   

2.450%, 06/15/19 (f)

    5,108,000        5,020,893   

Actavis, Inc.

   

3.250%, 10/01/22 (f)

    2,477,000        2,411,657   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

   

1.150%, 05/15/17

    5,730,000        5,681,593   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

   

4.500%, 03/01/44 (f)

    3,213,000        3,511,134   

Express Scripts Holding Co.

   

1.250%, 06/02/17

    2,105,000        2,083,163   

Forest Laboratories, Inc.

   

4.375%, 02/01/19 (144A)

    3,269,000        3,453,274   

5.000%, 12/15/21 (144A)

    3,221,000        3,487,783   

Novartis Capital Corp.

   

4.400%, 04/24/20

    2,965,000        3,280,517   

Pfizer, Inc.

   

3.400%, 05/15/24 (f)

    2,053,000        2,135,896   

4.300%, 06/15/43

    1,452,000        1,555,009   

4.400%, 05/15/44

    2,205,000        2,398,449   

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Co. B.V.

   

3.650%, 11/10/21

    2,000,000        2,049,438   
   

 

 

 
      43,145,449   
   

 

 

 

Pipelines—1.3%

   

Energy Transfer Partners L.P.

   

3.600%, 02/01/23

    2,902,000        2,808,172   

Pipelines—(Continued)

   

Energy Transfer Partners L.P.

   

4.150%, 10/01/20

    1,630,000      1,671,043   

4.650%, 06/01/21

    2,378,000        2,485,811   

5.950%, 10/01/43

    1,934,000        2,121,207   

Enterprise Products Operating LLC

   

3.900%, 02/15/24 (f)

    1,610,000        1,639,766   

4.450%, 02/15/43 (f)

    3,631,000        3,587,461   

5.100%, 02/15/45

    1,286,000        1,382,696   

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P.

   

3.500%, 03/01/21

    13,934,000        13,708,701   

4.250%, 09/01/24 (f)

    1,275,000        1,277,563   

5.000%, 03/01/43 (f)

    595,000        565,207   

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

   

3.050%, 12/01/19

    7,396,000        7,337,202   

Plains All American Pipeline L.P. / PAA Finance Corp.

   

2.600%, 12/15/19

    5,546,000        5,507,450   

4.900%, 02/15/45 (f)

    1,420,000        1,443,072   

TransCanada PipeLines, Ltd.

   

4.625%, 03/01/34 (f)

    1,307,000        1,325,979   

Western Gas Partners L.P.

   

4.000%, 07/01/22

    4,525,000        4,586,549   

Williams Partners L.P.

   

3.900%, 01/15/25

    4,240,000        4,074,962   
   

 

 

 
      55,522,841   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.1%

  

American Tower Corp.

   

3.450%, 09/15/21

    3,560,000        3,499,979   

3.500%, 01/31/23 (f)

    458,000        442,523   

5.000%, 02/15/24

    459,000        486,754   

5.900%, 11/01/21 (f)

    458,000        515,552   
   

 

 

 
      4,944,808   
   

 

 

 

Retail—0.2%

  

CVS Health Corp.

   

5.300%, 12/05/43

    969,000        1,158,366   

Debenhams plc

   

5.250%, 07/15/21 (GBP)

    200,000        303,475   

Hema Bondco I B.V.

   

6.250%, 06/15/19 (EUR)

    100,000        101,649   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

   

4.400%, 03/15/45 (f)

    563,000        615,312   

House of Fraser Funding plc

   

8.875%, 08/15/18 (GBP)

    178,000        291,302   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

   

4.250%, 09/15/44

    1,180,000        1,246,113   

5.000%, 09/15/43

    1,200,000        1,403,837   

Target Corp.

   

3.500%, 07/01/24 (f)

    2,295,000        2,382,607   

Unique Pub Finance Co. plc (The)

   

5.659%, 06/30/27 (GBP)

    186,219        288,791   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

   

2.550%, 04/11/23

    1,571,000        1,547,441   

4.000%, 04/11/43

    809,000        839,321   
   

 

 

 
      10,178,214   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Software—0.2%

  

First Data Corp.

   

7.375%, 06/15/19 (144A)

    1,245,000      $ 1,310,363   

Oracle Corp.

   

2.800%, 07/08/21

    6,719,000        6,802,564   

4.300%, 07/08/34

    2,354,000        2,520,362   
   

 

 

 
      10,633,289   
   

 

 

 

Telecommunications—1.5%

  

Altice S.A.

   

7.250%, 05/15/22 (EUR)

    100,000        122,518   

America Movil S.A.B. de C.V.

   

2.375%, 09/08/16

    7,975,000        8,084,417   

Cisco Systems, Inc.

   

2.125%, 03/01/19 (f)

    2,050,000        2,059,645   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A.

   

7.250%, 04/01/19 (f)

    4,886,000        5,099,763   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

   

8.125%, 07/01/19

    5,270,000        5,599,375   

Sprint Communications, Inc.

   

9.000%, 11/15/18 (144A)

    10,180,000        11,578,732   

Sprint Corp.

   

7.875%, 09/15/23

    3,535,000        3,489,752   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

   

6.633%, 04/28/21

    1,345,000        1,380,306   

6.731%, 04/28/22

    1,295,000        1,333,850   

6.836%, 04/28/23

    410,000        423,325   

Telecom Italia S.p.A.

   

4.875%, 09/25/20 (EUR)

    200,000        268,090   

Telenet Finance V Luxembourg SCA

   

6.750%, 08/15/24 (EUR)

    320,000        433,705   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   

2.625%, 02/21/20 (144A)

    11,809,000        11,673,988   

3.450%, 03/15/21

    3,470,000        3,546,482   

3.850%, 11/01/42 (f)

    4,136,000        3,687,165   

4.400%, 11/01/34

    5,145,000        5,114,032   

Virgin Media Secured Finance plc

   

6.000%, 04/15/21 (GBP)

    240,000        393,703   

Vodafone Group plc

   

2.500%, 09/26/22 (f)

    1,571,000        1,465,066   

Wind Acquisition Finance S.A.

   

4.082%, 07/15/20 (EUR) (b)

    300,000        346,679   
   

 

 

 
      66,100,593   
   

 

 

 

Transportation—0.4%

  

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC

   

3.000%, 03/15/23

    1,830,000        1,824,173   

3.750%, 04/01/24

    882,000        917,248   

CSX Corp.

   

4.100%, 03/15/44

    1,295,000        1,282,836   

FedEx Corp.

   

4.900%, 01/15/34

    2,725,000        3,043,460   

5.100%, 01/15/44

    1,580,000        1,824,373   

Gategroup Finance Luxembourg S.A.

   

6.750%, 03/01/19 (EUR)

    230,000        292,227   

Transportation—(Continued)

  

Ryder System, Inc.

   

2.450%, 09/03/19

    4,115,000      4,086,010   

Union Pacific Corp.

   

4.821%, 02/01/44

    1,610,000        1,838,145   

Union Pacific Railroad Co. Pass Through Trust

   

3.227%, 05/14/26

    3,720,000        3,743,287   
   

 

 

 
      18,851,759   
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(Cost $1,016,812,073)

      1,026,117,517   
   

 

 

 
Asset-Backed Securities—13.2%   

Asset-Backed - Automobile—2.2%

  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust

   

1.660%, 09/10/18

    1,400,000        1,407,258   

1.680%, 07/08/19

    3,191,000        3,179,088   

3.310%, 10/08/19

    2,010,000        2,042,775   

AUTO ABS SRL

   

2.800%, 04/27/25 (EUR)

    1,554,261        1,894,928   

Chrysler Capital Auto Receivables Trust

   

0.560%, 12/15/16 (144A)

    1,771,663        1,772,416   

0.850%, 05/15/18 (144A)

    2,295,000        2,294,275   

1.270%, 03/15/19 (144A)

    3,175,000        3,166,275   

1.760%, 08/15/19 (144A)

    1,670,000        1,667,555   

1.780%, 06/17/19 (144A)

    1,455,000        1,458,266   

2.240%, 09/16/19 (144A)

    1,515,000        1,518,045   

2.280%, 11/15/19 (144A)

    2,150,000        2,150,819   

Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust

   

1.210%, 10/15/20 (144A)

    2,740,000        2,740,806   

1.550%, 10/15/21 (144A)

    7,190,000        7,175,821   

1.880%, 03/15/22 (144A)

    4,205,972        4,206,123   

2.200%, 09/16/19 (144A)

    262,454        262,979   

2.290%, 04/15/22 (144A)

    1,965,000        1,967,014   

3.120%, 03/16/20 (144A)

    2,595,000        2,608,494   

DT Auto Owner Trust

   

4.940%, 07/16/18 (144A)

    2,978,937        3,022,289   

Prestige Auto Receivables Trust

   

0.970%, 03/15/18 (144A)

    3,819,755        3,820,221   

1.090%, 02/15/18 (144A)

    2,883,542        2,887,170   

1.330%, 05/15/19 (144A)

    6,000,000        6,008,922   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust

   

1.190%, 05/15/18

    8,640,000        8,643,560   

1.420%, 08/16/18 (144A)

    779,400        779,400   

1.430%, 11/16/18 (144A)

    1,611,000        1,617,234   

1.430%, 02/19/19 (144A)

    905,750        905,750   

1.430%, 04/16/19 (144A)

    1,389,216        1,384,076   

1.430%, 06/18/19 (144A)

    1,446,087        1,445,653   

1.430%, 12/17/19 (144A)

    2,937,725        2,950,181   

1.820%, 05/15/19

    9,415,000        9,418,606   

1.940%, 12/15/16

    3,786,532        3,792,076   

2.330%, 11/15/19

    4,731,000        4,751,419   

2.760%, 02/18/20

    3,040,000        3,031,263   
   

 

 

 
      95,970,757   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Asset-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Asset-Backed - Credit Card—0.1%

  

CHLUPA Trust

   

3.326%, 08/15/20 (144A)

    4,356,784      $ 4,374,473   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Home Equity—0.2%

  

GSAA Home Equity Trust

   

0.450%, 10/25/35 (b)

    4,670,618        4,318,252   

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.390%, 04/25/37 (b)

    11,130,969        5,332,580   

Option One Mortgage Loan Trust

   

1.295%, 11/25/32 (b)

    165,209        151,647   
   

 

 

 
      9,802,479   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Other—6.4%

  

ALM X, Ltd.

   

2.231%, 01/15/25 (144A) (b)

    2,750,000        2,681,786   

American Homes 4 Rent Trust

   

3.678%, 12/17/36 (144A)

    3,750,000        3,791,014   

3.786%, 10/17/36 (144A)

    2,429,362        2,478,586   

Battalion CLO, Ltd.

   

1.632%, 10/22/25 (144A) (b)

    5,205,000        5,154,871   

Bayview Opportunity Master Fund lIIa Trust

   

3.844%, 11/28/29 (144A) (b)

    4,029,965        4,032,045   

Benefit Street Partners CLO II, Ltd.

   

1.431%, 07/15/24 (144A) (b)

    2,240,000        2,187,506   

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO, Ltd.

   

1.621%, 01/20/25 (144A) (b)

    7,820,000        7,771,625   

Chase Funding Trust

   

6.333%, 04/25/32

    775,855        790,679   

CIFC Funding, Ltd.

   

1.713%, 05/24/26 (144A) (b)

    2,780,000        2,758,107   

1.820%, 01/17/27 (144A) (b)

    4,035,000        3,958,335   

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates

   

0.330%, 01/25/46 (b)

    5,820,309        5,044,083   

0.390%, 12/25/25 (b)

    185,472        492,608   

CT CDO IV, Ltd.

   

0.475%, 10/20/43 (144A) (b)

    3,450,036        3,418,365   

DCP Rights LLC

   

5.463%, 10/25/44 (144A)

    7,094,000        7,068,781   

Dryden XXIV Senior Loan Fund

   

1.662%, 11/15/23 (144A) (b)

    4,250,000        4,220,870   

Dryden XXVIII Senior Loan Fund

   

1.332%, 08/15/25 (144A) (b)

    1,035,000        1,008,533   

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.380%, 12/25/36 (b)

    14,109,454        8,781,103   

GT Loan Financing I, Ltd.

   

1.503%, 10/28/24 (144A) (b)

    5,670,000        5,600,650   

ING Investment Management Co.

   

1.384%, 04/25/25 (144A) (b)

    1,780,000        1,748,501   

1.621%, 10/15/23 (144A) (b)

    1,180,000        1,171,418   

1.681%, 01/18/26 (144A) (b)

    3,140,000        3,113,859   

1.761%, 10/15/22 (144A) (b)

    3,395,000        3,384,245   

Invitation Homes Trust

   

1.162%, 06/17/31 (144A) (b)

    4,180,000        4,124,828   

1.262%, 09/17/31 (144A) (b)

    1,420,000        1,402,361   

1.362%, 12/17/31 (144A) (b)

    2,577,000        2,562,633   

Asset-Backed - Other—(Continued)

  

KKR Financial CLO, Ltd.

   

1.381%, 07/15/25 (144A) (b)

    4,895,000      4,776,335   

Knollwood CDO, Ltd.

   

3.433%, 01/10/39 (144A) (b) (h)

    760,362        8   

Merrill Lynch First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.410%, 05/25/37 (b)

    14,408,616        8,493,361   

NextGear Floorplan Master Owner Trust

   

1.920%, 10/15/19 (144A)

    7,445,000        7,428,427   

Northwoods Capital IX, Ltd.

   

1.651%, 01/18/24 (144A) (b)

    5,070,000        5,021,977   

Oaktree EIF II, Ltd.

   

2.604%, 11/15/25 (144A) (b)

    1,445,000        1,416,244   

Octagon Investment Partners XVI, Ltd.

   

1.348%, 07/17/25 (144A) (b)

    5,600,000        5,471,474   

OHA Loan Funding, Ltd.

   

1.503%, 08/23/24 (144A) (b)

    5,670,000        5,608,033   

OneMain Financial Issuance Trust

   

2.430%, 06/18/24 (144A)

    8,865,000        8,864,823   

2.470%, 09/18/24 (144A)

    9,640,000        9,677,789   

3.020%, 09/18/24 (144A)

    1,325,000        1,325,822   

4.330%, 09/18/24 (144A)

    3,075,000        3,091,236   

OZLM Funding IV, Ltd.

   

1.382%, 07/22/25 (144A) (b)

    9,625,000        9,437,823   

OZLM Funding, Ltd.

   

1.713%, 10/30/23 (144A) (b)

    8,930,000        8,879,742   

PFS Financing Corp.

   

0.761%, 10/15/19 (144A) (b)

    9,335,000        9,334,505   

1.261%, 02/15/18 (144A) (b)

    4,230,000        4,243,934   

PFS Tax Lien Trust

   

1.440%, 05/15/29 (144A)

    4,667,759        4,670,209   

Race Point VIII CLO, Ltd.

   

1.482%, 02/20/25 (144A) (b)

    1,635,000        1,614,134   

Silvermore CLO, Ltd.

   

1.682%, 05/15/26 (144A) (b)

    6,520,000        6,443,677   

Sound Point CLO, Ltd.

   

1.601%, 01/21/26 (144A) (b)

    2,185,000        2,153,737   

1.785%, 01/23/27 (144A) (b)

    3,035,000        3,020,044   

SpringCastle America Funding LLC

   

2.700%, 05/25/23 (144A)

    13,613,809        13,592,122   

4.610%, 10/25/27 (144A)

    7,845,000        7,906,489   

Sunset Mortgage Loan Co. LLC

   

3.721%, 11/16/44 (144A)

    2,984,745        2,984,745   

SWAY Residential Trust

   

1.457%, 01/17/20 (144A) (b)

    6,136,000        6,118,392   

Symphony CLO XII, Ltd.

   

1.531%, 10/15/25 (144A) (b)

    8,810,000        8,696,924   

Symphony CLO XV, Ltd.

   

2.403%, 10/17/26 (144A) (b)

    6,170,000        6,036,148   

TICP CLO III, Ltd.

   

2.590%, 01/20/27 (144A) (b)

    1,000,000        981,384   

Venture XIX CLO, Ltd.

   

1.840%, 01/15/26 (144A) (b) (i)

    1,715,000        1,708,819   

2.690%, 01/15/26 (144A) (b) (i)

    715,000        706,379   

Vibrant CLO, Ltd.

   

1.708%, 07/17/24 (144A) (b)

    16,240,000        16,130,689   

2.628%, 07/17/24 (144A) (b)

    3,060,000        3,015,768   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Asset-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Asset-Backed - Other—(Continued)

  

Ziggurat CLO I, Ltd.

   

1.813%, 10/17/26 (144A) (b)

    12,105,000      $ 12,083,598   
   

 

 

 
      279,682,183   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Student Loan—4.3%

  

Navient Private Education Loan Trust

   

0.861%, 09/16/24 (144A) (b)

    4,331,150        4,331,912   

1.911%, 10/17/44 (144A) (b)

    3,250,000        3,218,104   

Nelnet Student Loan Trust

   

0.683%, 08/23/36 (144A) (b)

    4,030,000        3,757,909   

1.883%, 11/25/24 (b)

    6,095,000        6,377,278   

Scholar Funding Trust

   

0.820%, 01/30/45 (144A) (b)

    11,774,446        11,659,634   

1.133%, 10/28/43 (144A) (b)

    1,517,855        1,526,584   

SLC Private Student Loan Trust

   

0.401%, 07/15/36 (b)

    8,045,236        7,980,914   

3.661%, 07/15/42 (144A) (b)

    3,732,022        3,909,076   

SLM Private Credit Student Loan Trust

   

0.411%, 03/15/23 (b)

    1,166,737        1,150,615   

0.421%, 03/15/23 (b)

    8,791,304        8,714,521   

0.431%, 12/15/23 (b)

    12,611,959        12,503,521   

0.441%, 06/15/21 (b)

    4,254,790        4,224,862   

0.571%, 03/15/24 (b)

    1,510,000        1,442,831   

0.791%, 12/16/30 (b)

    4,406,757        4,341,868   

SLM Private Education Loan Trust

   

0.761%, 08/15/22 (144A) (b)

    4,807,436        4,812,388   

1.011%, 02/15/22 (144A) (b)

    3,305,260        3,316,607   

1.561%, 08/15/25 (144A) (b)

    7,680,405        7,760,288   

1.561%, 10/15/31 (144A) (b)

    3,740,000        3,808,259   

1.770%, 05/17/27 (144A)

    3,985,000        3,939,930   

1.850%, 06/17/30 (144A)

    25,300,000        24,860,691   

2.090%, 06/15/45 (144A)

    4,455,000        4,450,362   

2.411%, 06/16/42 (144A) (b)

    3,271,000        3,466,701   

2.500%, 03/15/47 (144A)

    720,000        690,127   

2.661%, 01/15/43 (144A) (b)

    5,200,000        5,530,798   

2.940%, 10/15/31 (144A)

    7,000,000        7,148,834   

3.000%, 05/16/44 (144A)

    970,000        943,361   

3.310%, 10/15/46 (144A)

    6,235,000        6,463,482   

3.411%, 10/17/44 (144A) (b)

    3,420,000        3,687,502   

3.480%, 10/15/30 (144A)

    870,000        903,836   

3.740%, 02/15/29 (144A)

    1,685,000        1,766,426   

3.830%, 01/17/45 (144A)

    8,460,000        8,893,558   

4.540%, 10/17/44 (144A)

    5,040,000        5,408,928   

SLM Student Loan Trust

   

1.934%, 07/25/23 (b)

    10,876,000        11,332,118   
   

 

 

 
      184,323,825   
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $568,815,473)

      574,153,717   
   

 

 

 
Mortgage-Backed Securities—8.7%   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—2.1%

  

Alternative Loan Trust

   

0.360%, 10/25/46 (b)

    2,352,670        1,993,239   

6.000%, 05/25/37

    5,227,887        4,406,021   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust
2.078%, 05/25/47 (c)

    3,774,970      645,822   

Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust
5.500%, 10/25/35

    2,776,363        2,540,717   

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust
5.750%, 12/25/35

    4,188,455        4,035,564   

5.750%, 02/25/36

    4,631,152        4,016,788   

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust
0.310%, 05/25/47 (b)

    5,535,101        4,566,630   

0.355%, 03/20/47 (b)

    3,252,034        2,565,016   

0.365%, 07/20/46 (b)

    5,613,783        3,879,501   

5.500%, 04/25/37

    1,647,726        1,374,957   

6.500%, 09/25/37

    11,998,100        9,685,598   

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
0.370%, 04/25/46 (b)

    1,208,796        977,610   

1.073%, 04/25/46 (b)

    5,982,375        3,371,056   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Certificates
2.615%, 05/27/36 (144A) (b)

    3,253,622        3,204,170   

2.880%, 08/27/46 (144A) (b)

    4,074,435        4,007,137   

5.228%, 03/27/37 (144A) (b)

    1,519,722        1,491,619   

Deutsche ALT-A Securities, Inc. Alternate Loan Trust
0.320%, 12/25/36 (b)

    5,138,250        4,426,274   

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities
4.570%, 01/25/24 (b)

    2,721,000        2,800,170   

5.420%, 10/25/23 (b)

    7,415,000        8,019,248   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust
6.000%, 07/25/37

    1,831,471        1,656,710   

JP Morgan Madison Avenue Securities Trust
2.402%, 11/25/24 (144A) (b)

    2,327,633        2,315,368   

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust
6.500%, 08/25/36

    660,454        560,205   

LSTAR Securities Investment Trust
3.255%, 09/01/21 (144A) (b)

    9,708,269        9,708,013   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust
2.716%, 05/25/36 (b)

    3,418,278        2,770,405   

Morgan Stanley Resecuritization Trust
0.340%, 11/26/33 (144A) (b)

    1,997,864        1,778,099   

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust
2.699%, 04/25/47 (b)

    2,335,659        1,843,704   

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust
0.400%, 02/25/36 (b)

    3,188,576        2,544,532   

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
2.615%, 07/25/36 (b)

    1,278,987        1,268,193   
   

 

 

 
      92,452,366   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—6.6%

  

BAMLL Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
1.562%, 12/15/31 (b)

    2,510,000        2,508,188   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust
5.482%, 01/15/49 (b)

    630,000        660,188   

5.547%, 06/10/49 (b)

    7,778,033        8,323,955   

5.772%, 02/10/51 (b)

    2,590,000        2,739,412   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
4.621%, 07/10/43

    2,087,938      $ 2,089,412   

BB-UBS Trust
0.596%, 11/05/36 (144A) (b) (c)

    85,480,000        4,613,014   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
5.317%, 02/11/44

    6,479,255        6,914,881   

5.707%, 06/11/40 (b)

    1,281,000        1,396,182   

BHMS Mortgage Trust
1.657%, 07/05/33 (144A) (b)

    2,695,000        2,682,121   

Carefree Portfolio Trust
1.485%, 11/15/19 (144A) (b)

    1,370,000        1,364,671   

3.415%, 11/15/19 (144A) (b)

    2,215,000        2,202,998   

CD Mortgage Trust
6.124%, 11/15/44 (b)

    661,500        725,161   

CDGJ Commercial Mortgage Trust
1.550%, 12/15/27 (144A) (b)

    4,070,000        4,071,339   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust
0.911%, 06/15/33 (144A) (b)

    6,691,000        6,697,370   

COBALT CMBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
5.766%, 05/15/46 (b)

    4,494,000        4,855,736   

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
1.530%, 03/10/46 (b) (c)

    66,027,753        4,365,887   

1.544%, 03/10/46 (b) (c)

    40,795,228        3,316,040   

1.678%, 10/13/28 (144A) (b)

    5,888,061        5,901,527   

1.773%, 01/10/46 (b) (c)

    117,232,234        9,857,472   

2.462%, 10/15/31 (144A) (b)

    2,845,000        2,605,488   

3.367%, 02/10/28 (144A)

    3,665,000        3,691,436   

3.400%, 10/05/30 (144A)

    4,845,000        4,811,104   

3.590%, 11/10/47

    351,000        365,072   

3.659%, 06/11/27 (144A) (b)

    4,175,000        4,159,385   

4.339%, 12/10/47

    555,000        573,317   

5.543%, 12/11/49 (144A) (b)

    2,690,000        2,806,985   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust
5.448%, 01/15/49 (b)

    5,729        5,687   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.
4.771%, 07/15/37

    1,090,000        1,099,905   

DBRR Trust
1.636%, 12/18/49 (144A) (b)

    3,897,597        3,917,693   

5.716%, 06/17/49 (144A) (b)

    3,160,000        3,396,068   

Del Coronado Trust
5.161%, 03/15/18 (144A) (b)

    2,555,000        2,557,044   

Extended Stay America Trust
2.675%, 12/05/31 (144A)

    3,210,000        3,179,402   

2.958%, 12/05/31 (144A)

    4,640,000        4,701,369   

Greenwich Capital Commercial Mortgage Trust
5.867%, 12/10/49 (b)

    3,255,000        3,527,948   

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II
1.733%, 02/10/46 (b) (c)

    106,829,792        10,365,374   

3.435%, 12/10/27 (144A) (b)

    9,462,358        8,902,820   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
1.219%, 04/10/47 (b) (c)

    11,377,518        867,991   

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

  

Hilton USA Trust
1.668%, 11/05/30 (144A) (b) (c)

    64,000,000      55,232   

5.222%, 11/05/30 (144A) (b)

    6,747,000        6,912,727   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp.
1.927%, 12/15/47 (b) (c)

    9,668,907        923,903   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
0.585%, 04/15/46 (b) (c)

    4,900,000        203,982   

1.008%, 08/15/46 (b) (c)

    74,698,844        3,288,318   

1.558%, 11/15/31 (144A) (b)

    3,355,000        3,355,577   

1.572%, 04/15/46 (b) (c)

    27,665,811        2,376,604   

3.429%, 06/10/27 (144A)

    1,140,000        1,173,459   

3.958%, 04/15/46 (b)

    2,230,000        2,235,693   

5.431%, 06/12/47 (b)

    11,247,147        12,000,874   

5.439%, 01/15/49

    2,341,175        2,502,281   

6.074%, 02/12/51 (b)

    640,000        673,935   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
5.205%, 04/15/30 (b)

    3,610,000        3,636,404   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust
5.288%, 11/12/37 (b)

    5,045,000        5,181,921   

5.835%, 06/12/50 (b)

    3,045,561        3,244,196   

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

   

1.232%, 11/15/46 (b) (c)

    33,564,192        2,507,447   

3.101%, 12/15/47

    1,018,000        1,048,966   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

   

0.331%, 02/12/44 (b)

    720,000        697,697   

5.312%, 03/15/44

    2,150,439        2,284,968   

5.406%, 03/15/44

    3,090,000        3,288,804   

5.592%, 04/12/49 (b)

    8,065,000        8,580,821   

5.665%, 04/15/49 (b)

    3,893,102        4,200,003   

5.908%, 06/11/49 (b)

    8,726,000        9,372,876   

Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust

   

Zero Coupon, 03/23/51 (144A) (j)

    3,705,171        3,578,170   

Zero Coupon, 07/17/56 (144A) (j)

    333,931        332,512   

1.000%, 03/27/51 (144A)

    3,293,450        3,248,862   

2.000%, 07/27/49 (144A)

    3,463,599        3,472,258   

5.796%, 08/15/45 (144A) (b)

    1,560,000        1,678,755   

Motel 6 Trust

   

2.743%, 10/05/25 (144A)

    3,135,000        3,123,159   

RBSCF Trust

   

5.941%, 02/16/51 (144A) (b)

    9,170,683        9,554,870   

SCG Trust

   

1.556%, 11/15/26 (144A) (b)

    5,285,000        5,291,421   

2.106%, 11/15/26 (144A) (b)

    3,290,000        3,300,107   

STRIPs, Ltd.

   

1.500%, 12/25/44 (144A)

    4,957,619        4,957,619   

VFC LLC

   

2.750%, 07/20/30 (144A)

    2,977,096        2,977,519   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

0.562%, 09/15/21 (144A) (b)

    4,285,000        4,169,018   

5.339%, 11/15/48

    945,000        1,006,426   

5.941%, 02/15/51 (b)

    4,472,000        4,673,912   

Wells Fargo Resecuritization Trust

   

1.750%, 08/20/21 (144A)

    2,471,839        2,471,072   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

0.626%, 08/15/46 (b) (c)

    43,711,110      $ 1,538,544   

0.994%, 11/15/47 (b) (c)

    25,903,966        1,804,056   

1.241%, 05/15/47 (b) (c)

    12,257,757        933,722   

1.461%, 03/15/47 (b) (c)

    27,562,405        2,321,388   

1.496%, 03/15/48 (144A) (b) (c)

    64,885,512        5,203,234   

1.795%, 12/15/45 (144A) (b) (c)

    42,183,726        4,148,812   
   

 

 

 
      286,351,766   
   

 

 

 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $392,304,244)

      378,804,132   
   

 

 

 
Foreign Government—4.0%   

Sovereign—4.0%

  

Brazilian Government International Bonds

   

4.250%, 01/07/25

    9,653,000        9,653,000   

Colombia Government International Bonds

   

4.000%, 02/26/24

    5,175,000        5,291,437   

4.375%, 03/21/23 (COP)

    792,000,000        292,005   

Hellenic Republic Government Bonds

   

2.000%, 02/24/23 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        29,888   

2.000%, 02/24/24 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        29,645   

2.000%, 02/24/25 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        27,945   

2.000%, 02/24/26 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        26,744   

2.000%, 02/24/27 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        26,010   

2.000%, 02/24/28 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        25,317   

2.000%, 02/24/29 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        25,103   

2.000%, 02/24/30 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        24,766   

2.000%, 02/24/31 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        24,540   

2.000%, 02/24/32 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        24,201   

2.000%, 02/24/33 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        24,172   

2.000%, 02/24/34 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,894   

2.000%, 02/24/35 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,786   

2.000%, 02/24/36 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,601   

2.000%, 02/24/37 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,374   

2.000%, 02/24/38 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,530   

2.000%, 02/24/39 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,554   

2.000%, 02/24/40 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,577   

2.000%, 02/24/41 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,596   

2.000%, 02/24/42 (EUR) (k)

    39,000        23,705   

Indonesia Government International Bonds

   

5.375%, 10/17/23 (144A)

    1,350,000        1,471,500   

5.875%, 01/15/24 (144A)

    3,190,000        3,604,700   

Italy Buoni Poliennali Del Tesoro

   

2.350%, 09/15/19 (EUR)

    57,421,653        75,006,988   

Mexican Bonos

   

4.750%, 06/14/18 (MXN)

    87,800,000        5,937,788   

5.000%, 12/11/19 (MXN)

    19,000,000        1,279,437   

6.500%, 06/09/22 (MXN)

    134,800,000        9,579,569   

10.000%, 12/05/24 (MXN)

    40,200,000        3,568,836   

Mexico Government International Bonds

   

4.000%, 10/02/23

    16,050,000        16,651,875   

Peruvian Government International Bond

   

7.350%, 07/21/25

    2,900,000        3,849,750   

Sovereign—(Continued)

  

Poland Government International Bond

   

5.000%, 03/23/22

    3,500,000      3,920,700   

Slovenia Government International Bonds

   

4.125%, 02/18/19 (144A)

    2,015,000        2,110,753   

5.250%, 02/18/24 (144A)

    1,744,000        1,916,220   

5.500%, 10/26/22 (144A)

    1,393,000        1,544,489   

South Africa Government Bond

   

7.750%, 02/28/23 (ZAR)

    31,461,000        2,706,118   

South Africa Government International Bond

   

4.665%, 01/17/24 (f)

    2,600,000        2,691,000   

Turkey Government Bonds

   

7.100%, 03/08/23 (TRY)

    1,220,000        498,023   

8.500%, 09/14/22 (TRY)

    4,623,000        2,047,582   

8.800%, 09/27/23 (TRY)

    10,576,000        4,792,961   

9.000%, 07/24/24 (TRY)

    8,535,000        3,944,771   

Turkey Government International Bonds

   

5.750%, 03/22/24 (f)

    10,500,000        11,733,750   
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Government
(Cost $178,699,696)

      174,594,200   
   

 

 

 
Municipals—0.8%                

Los Angeles Community College District

   

6.600%, 08/01/42

    1,150,000        1,655,816   

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Build America Bonds

   

6.668%, 11/15/39

    170,000        232,137   

6.814%, 11/15/40

    1,005,000        1,389,955   

Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Build America Bonds

   

6.637%, 04/01/57

    1,000,000        1,325,720   

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority

   

7.414%, 01/01/40

    1,451,000        2,180,476   

New York City Water & Sewer System

   

5.375%, 06/15/43

    2,360,000        2,753,695   

5.500%, 06/15/43

    2,825,000        3,329,488   

5.882%, 06/15/44

    1,150,000        1,552,972   

New York State Dormitory Authority Build America Bonds

   

5.389%, 03/15/40

    1,075,000        1,366,820   

Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

   

4.960%, 08/01/46

    1,910,000        2,162,139   

State of California General Obligation Unlimited, Build America Bonds

   

7.550%, 04/01/39

    780,000        1,203,688   

7.600%, 11/01/40

    4,580,000        7,146,311   

State of Illinois, Build America Bonds

   

5.100%, 06/01/33

    5,120,000        5,082,573   

University of California CA, Revenue

   

4.858%, 05/15/2112

    980,000        1,021,003   
   

 

 

 

Total Municipals
(Cost $29,387,944)

      32,402,793   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Purchased Options—0.6%

 

Security Description   Notional
Amount*
    Value  

Call Options—0.5%

   

1 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 11.40, Expires 07/01/15 (Counterparty - Credit Suisse International) (BRL)

    65,256,000      $ 18,142   

1 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 11.40, Expires 07/01/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG) (BRL)

    23,305,000        6,479   

1 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 11.50, Expires 01/02/15 (Counterparty - Credit Suisse International) (BRL)

    43,674,000        0   

1 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 11.50, Expires 01/02/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (BRL)

    46,710,000        0   

1 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 11.75, Expires 01/02/15 (Counterparty - Bank of America N.A.) (BRL)

    58,181,000        0   

2 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 12.00, Expires 01/02/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG) (BRL)

    32,003,000        0   

2 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 11.80, Expires 01/02/15 (Counterparty - Credit Suisse International) (BRL)

    38,698,000        0   

5 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 2.53, Expires 09/30/15 (Counterparty - Barclays Bank plc)

    71,285,000        1,822,779   

EUR Currency, Strike Price PLN 4.39, Expires 02/19/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (EUR)

    2,379,000        12,140   

USD Currency, Strike Price BRL 2.65, Expires 01/08/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG)

    4,380,600        46,386   

USD Currency, Strike Price BRL 2.80, Expires 01/08/15 (Counterparty - Goldman Sachs & Co.)

    4,380,600        806   

USD Currency, Strike Price CHF 1.025, Expires 05/18/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG)

    1,091,000        285,840   

USD Currency, Strike Price CHF 1.035, Expires 05/18/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG)

    589,000        129,360   

USD Currency, Strike Price JPY 102.00, Expires 01/12/15 (Counterparty - Bank of America N.A.)

    48,955,000        7,284,210   

USD Currency, Strike Price JPY 105.00, Expires 01/12/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG)

    97,910,000        12,117,439   

USD Currency, Strike Price KRW 1100.00, Expires 01/09/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

    3,775,000        13,726   

USD Currency, Strike Price KRW 1115.00, Expires 01/09/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

    2,230,000        2,509   

USD Currency, Strike Price KRW 1130.00, Expires 01/09/15 (Counterparty - BNP Paribas S.A.)

    1,887,500        568   

Call Options—(Continued)

   

USD Currency, Strike Price ZAR 11.30, Expires 01/16/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG)

    4,500,000      120,852   
   

 

 

 
      21,861,236   
   

 

 

 

Put Options—0.1%

   

1 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 12.30, Expires 01/02/15 (Counterparty - Bank of America N.A.) (BRL)

    66,862,000        146,970   

10 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 1.30, Expires 01/20/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG) (EUR)

    40,240,000        107   

10 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 1.30, Expires 01/20/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG) (EUR)

    45,180,000        120   

10 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 1.33, Expires 01/29/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG) (EUR)

    40,930,000        1,075   

10 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 1.36, Expires 01/21/15 (Counterparty - Deutsche Bank AG) (EUR)

    42,080,000        46   

10 Year U.S. Treasury Note Futures, Exercise Rate 126.00, Expires 01/23/15

    29        8,156   

2 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 12.50, Expires 01/02/15 (Counterparty - Credit Suisse International) (BRL)

    12,929,000        35,267   

5 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 2.53, Expires 09/30/15 (Counterparty - Barclays Bank plc)

    71,285,000        486,178   

EUR Currency, Strike Price PLN 4.26, Expires 02/19/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (EUR)

    5,947,000        46,581   

EUR Currency, Strike Price USD 1.17, Expires 05/08/15 (Counterparty - Citibank N.A.) (EUR)

    2,340,000        620,060   

EUR Currency, Strike Price USD 1.215, Expires 03/03/15 (Counterparty - Citibank N.A.) (EUR)

    106,158,000        2,180,549   

Eurodollar Futures @ 99.625, Expires 03/16/15

    2,340        58,500   

Eurodollar Midcurve 1 Year Futures @ 98.500, Expires 03/13/15

    4,490        449,000   

Eurodollar Midcurve 1 Year Futures @ 98.625, Expires 03/13/15

    223        37,631   

Eurodollar Midcurve 1 Year Futures @ 98.750, Expires 03/13/15

    1,941        533,775   

USD Currency, Strike Price BRL 2.10, Expires 01/08/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

    649,000        0   
   

 

 

 
      4,604,015   
   

 

 

 

Total Purchased Options
(Cost $12,461,772)

      26,465,251   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Floating Rate Loans (m)—0.4%

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Lodging—0.2%

  

Motel 6

   

Mezzanine Term Loan,
10.000%, 10/15/17

    7,086,486      $ 7,121,918   
   

 

 

 

Media—0.2%

  

Charter Communications Operating LLC

   

Term Loan G, 4.250%, 09/12/21

    7,865,000        7,914,699   
   

 

 

 

Total Floating Rate Loans
(Cost $14,913,676)

      15,036,617   
   

 

 

 
Preferred Stocks—0.2%   

Diversified Financial Services—0.2%

  

Citigroup Capital XIII, 7.875% (b) (f)

    292,339        7,770,371   
   

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—0.0%

  

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Series Z, 8.375% (b) (f)

    70,000        276,500   

Federal National Mortgage Association
Series S, 8.250% (b) (l)

    70,000        270,900   
   

 

 

 
      547,400   
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $8,194,785)

      8,317,771   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—5.6%   

Mutual Fund—3.3%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (o)

    145,436,473        145,436,473   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—2.3%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp.
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $101,992,557 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $105,510,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750%, due 03/31/18, with a value of $104,036,658.

    101,992,557        101,992,557   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $247,429,030)

      247,429,030   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—114.9%
(Cost $4,969,596,937) (p)

      4,999,448,645   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(14.9)%

      (649,312,263
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 4,350,136,382   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal and notional amounts stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) TBA (To Be Announced) Securities are purchased on a forward commitment basis with an approximate principal amount and no defined maturity date. The actual principal and maturity date will be determined upon settlement date.
(b) Variable or floating rate security. The stated rate represents the rate at December 31, 2014. Maturity date shown for callable securities reflects the earliest possible call date.
(c) Interest only security.
(d) All or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral against open reverse repurchase agreements. As of December 31, 2014, the value of securities pledged amounted to $98,053,929.
(e) All or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral against open futures contracts. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities pledged was $6,749,687.
(f) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $165,684,478 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $145,436,473 and non-cash collateral with a value of $25,243,323. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(g) Payment-in-kind security for which part of the income earned may be paid as additional principal.
(h) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of restricted securities was $8, which is 0.0% of net assets. See details shown in the Restricted Securities table that follows.
(i) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.1% of net assets.
(j) Principal only security.
(k) Security is a “step-up” bond where coupon increases or steps up at a predetermined date. Rate shown is current coupon rate.
(l) Non-income producing security.
(m) Floating rate loans (Senior Loans) often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrowers to repay at their election. The degree to which borrowers repay, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown. However, Senior Loans will have an expected average life of approximately two to four years. The stated interest rate represents the weighted average interest rate of all contracts within the senior loan facility and includes commitment fees on unfunded loan commitments, if any. Senior Loans typically have rates of interest which are determined either daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium. These base rates are primarily the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and secondarily, the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks (the “Prime Rate”) and the certificate of deposit (“CD”) rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.
(n) Principal amount of security is adjusted for inflation.
(o) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(p) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $4,975,013,148. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $118,121,989 and $(93,686,492), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $24,435,497 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

(144A)— Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of 144A securities was $728,397,814, which is 16.7% of net assets.
(ACES)— Alternative Credit Enhancement Securities.
(ARM)— Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
(BRL)— Brazilian Real
(CDO)— Collateralized Debt Obligation
(CLO)— Collateralized Loan Obligation
(CMO)— Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
(COP)— Colombian Peso
(EUR)— Euro
(GBP)— British Pound
(LIBOR)— London InterBank Offered Rate
(MXN)— Mexican Peso
(REMIC)— Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit
(TRY)— Turkish Lira
(ZAR)— South African Rand

 

Restricted Securities

   Acquisition
Date
     Principal
Amount
     Cost      Value  

Knollwood CDO, Ltd. Series 2004-1A Class C

     02/10/04       $ 760,362       $ 760,362       $ 8   
           

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Contracts to Buy

    

Counterparty

     Settlement
Date
       In Exchange
for
       Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
BRL     2,661,925      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/05/15           USD         1,025,000         $ (23,599
BRL     3,511,986      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/05/15           USD         1,366,000           (44,810
BRL     2,827,591      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/05/15           USD         1,093,000           (29,276
BRL     3,753,702      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/05/15           USD         1,413,185           (1,063
BRL     5,358,135      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/05/15           USD         2,049,000           (33,300
BRL     2,222,208      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         836,612           (629
BRL     8,350,344      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         3,235,000           (93,647
BRL     11,609,308      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         4,370,645           (3,288
BRL     13,561,606      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         5,105,642           (3,841
BRL     8,021,603      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/05/15           USD         3,074,000           (56,318
CLP     904,175,000      

Credit Suisse International

       01/13/15           USD         1,475,000           13,433   
COP     2,643,712,626      

Credit Suisse International

       01/13/15           USD         1,080,831           31,415   
COP     3,945,794,543      

Credit Suisse International

       01/13/15           USD         1,696,309           (36,259
COP     6,966,028,871      

Credit Suisse International

       01/13/15           USD         2,882,220           48,484   
COP     2,631,378,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         1,086,000           21,057   
COP     2,036,826,000      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         891,000           (34,079
COP     2,082,125,360      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         864,670           11,309   
COP     2,589,716,600      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         1,080,850           8,679   
EUR     107,168      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/21/15           USD         133,331           (3,630
EUR     107,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         133,910           (4,412
EUR     180,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         217,972           (126
EUR     237,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         295,678           (8,848
EUR     1,369,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         1,717,220           (60,379
INR     187,367,435      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       02/18/15           USD         3,001,000           (59,864
KRW     1,422,102,500      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/09/15           USD         1,274,000           19,547   
KRW     576,888,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/13/15           USD         516,000           8,627   
MXN     13,031,779      

Credit Suisse International

       01/16/15           USD         879,500           3,197   
MXN     12,970,382      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/16/15           USD         879,500           (962
TRY     36,396,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/07/15           USD         15,333,024           238,596   
TRY     41,858,500      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/07/15           USD         17,921,564           (12,874
TRY     30,330,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/07/15           USD         12,743,697           232,653   
TRY     30,330,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/07/15           USD         12,743,697           232,653   
TRY     1,568,758      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         656,000           14,379   
TRY     1,695,476      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         728,000           (3,471
TRY     3,103,334      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         1,311,000           15,150   
TRY     7,033,390      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         2,950,000           55,583   
TRY     6,373,870      

Citibank N.A.

       01/12/15           USD         2,738,558           (14,807
TRY     2,340,523      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       01/12/15           USD         983,000           17,177   
TRY     41,858,500      

UBS AG

       01/15/15           USD         17,996,689           (122,004

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts—(Continued)

 

Contracts to Buy

    

Counterparty

     Settlement
Date
       In Exchange
for
       Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
TRY     12,354,681      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/22/15           USD         5,197,594         $ 69,430   
TRY     1,124,535      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/22/15           USD         473,587           5,822   
TRY     25,867,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       03/03/15           USD         11,606,318           (676,388
TRY     2,847,832      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/07/15           USD         1,248,294           (61,538
TRY     3,335,345      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/07/15           USD         1,452,866           (62,952
TRY     4,617,728      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/07/15           USD         2,014,952           (90,640
TRY     5,227,933      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/07/15           USD         2,296,430           (117,831
TRY     7,534,248      

Barclays Bank plc

       05/07/15           USD         3,302,742           (163,049
TRY     25,968,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/26/15           USD         11,448,726           (671,949
TRY     28,892,500      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/26/15           USD         12,603,603           (613,152
TRY     46,289,500      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/26/15           USD         20,236,732           (1,026,488
TRY     46,289,500      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       05/26/15           USD         20,118,872           (908,628
TRY     25,760,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       10/28/15           USD         10,651,230           (302,869
ZAR     9,095,720      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         783,000           2,296   
ZAR     12,560,748      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,068,000           16,456   
ZAR     12,561,442      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,068,000           16,516   
ZAR     14,792,225      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,267,000           10,114   
ZAR     16,442,363      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,425,000           (5,418
ZAR     16,664,948      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,425,000           13,799   
ZAR     11,294,910      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/13/15           USD         990,000           (14,833
ZAR     16,415,989      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,404,000           13,305   

Contracts to Deliver

                                        
AUD     1,977,000      

UBS AG

       01/21/15           USD         1,709,780           97,657   
AUD     23,529,383      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       03/18/15           USD         19,284,282           174,930   
BRL     3,511,986      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/05/15           USD         1,322,184           995   
BRL     2,661,925      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/05/15           USD         1,002,155           754   
BRL     5,358,135      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/05/15           USD         2,017,218           1,518   
BRL     3,753,702      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/05/15           USD         1,429,709           17,588   
BRL     2,827,591      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/05/15           USD         1,064,525           801   
BRL     13,561,606      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         5,123,000           21,200   
BRL     11,609,308      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         4,425,291           57,934   
BRL     8,350,344      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         3,143,718           2,365   
BRL     2,222,208      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/05/15           USD         864,000           28,018   
BRL     8,021,603      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/05/15           USD         3,019,955           2,272   
CAD     25,063,050      

Royal Bank of Canada

       03/18/15           USD         21,620,000           83,324   
CLP     904,912,500      

Credit Suisse International

       01/13/15           USD         1,475,000           (14,647
COP     2,555,690,500      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,109,000           33,786   
COP     2,100,758,400      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/13/15           USD         868,800           (15,018
COP     1,927,260,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         860,000           49,175   
COP     1,714,920,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         744,000           22,510   
COP     805,447,533      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         351,111           12,248   
COP     10,438,602,252      

Royal Bank of Scotland plc

       01/13/15           USD         4,552,080           160,416   
COP     3,407,144,000      

Standard Chartered Bank

       01/13/15           USD         1,448,000           14,568   
EUR     12,584,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/21/15           USD         15,970,844           740,975   
EUR     199,900      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       01/21/15           USD         254,399           12,468   
EUR     40,488,430      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         51,657,163           2,655,773   
EUR     280,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         354,412           15,540   
EUR     406,000      

State Street Bank and Trust

       01/21/15           USD         513,877           22,513   
EUR     9,111,000      

UBS AG

       01/21/15           USD         11,377,826           351,178   
EUR     5,698,000      

UBS AG

       01/21/15           USD         7,221,611           325,569   
EUR     361,000      

UBS AG

       01/21/15           USD         449,636           12,734   
EUR     7,749,000      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       03/18/15           USD         9,658,297           275,419   
GBP     3,076,000      

Barclays Bank plc

       01/21/15           USD         4,904,559           110,905   
INR     60,945,100      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/12/15           USD         970,000           5,926   
INR     87,135,481      

Standard Chartered Bank

       01/12/15           USD         1,369,000           (9,372

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts—(Continued)

 

Contracts to Deliver

    

Counterparty

     Settlement
Date
       In Exchange
for
       Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
INR     187,562,500      

Deutsche Bank AG

       02/18/15           USD         3,001,000         $ 56,802   
JPY     2,570,493,536      

State Street Bank and Trust

       03/18/15           USD         21,680,000           206,133   
KRW     1,395,030,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/09/15           USD         1,274,000           5,078   
KRW     576,888,000      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         516,000           (8,628
MXN     26,163,121      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/07/15           USD         1,920,711           147,606   
MXN     26,101,224      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/16/15           USD         1,759,000           (8,945
MXN     16,750,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/21/15           USD         1,222,689           88,485   
MXN     46,764,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         3,396,430           229,869   
MXN     43,730,000      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       01/21/15           USD         3,176,800           215,682   
MXN     27,888,746      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/28/15           USD         2,037,469           149,821   
MXN     55,656,560      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/30/15           USD         4,055,172           288,518   
MXN     63,995,337      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       02/24/15           USD         4,664,138           340,206   
MXN     19,368,114      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       02/25/15           USD         1,416,165           107,619   
TRY     1,376,996      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/05/15           USD         611,221           21,809   
TRY     7,042,196      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         3,041,000           31,654   
TRY     6,904,743      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         3,041,000           90,392   
TRY     3,752,900      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         1,639,000           35,271   
TRY     3,722,100      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         1,609,000           18,433   
TRY     3,155,053      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         1,311,000           (37,251
TRY     3,129,616      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/12/15           USD         1,299,000           (38,381
TRY     83,533      

Citibank N.A.

       01/12/15           USD         35,900           204   
TRY     1,000,281      

Royal Bank of Scotland plc

       01/12/15           USD         426,000           (1,451
TRY     3,461,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/21/15           USD         1,522,138           46,302   
TRY     1,679,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/21/15           USD         748,429           32,471   
TRY     2,067,231      

Citibank N.A.

       01/21/15           USD         918,590           37,083   
TRY     3,431,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/21/15           USD         1,531,232           68,188   
TRY     18,210,259      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/22/15           USD         7,954,336           190,972   
TRY     2,055,004      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/22/15           USD         897,568           21,483   
TRY     1,392,694      

Deutsche Bank AG

       01/22/15           USD         608,263           14,532   
TRY     83,716,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       02/04/15           USD         36,648,426           1,067,067   
TRY     25,760,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       02/04/15           USD         11,276,978           328,344   
TRY     2,431,831      

Citibank N.A.

       02/20/15           USD         1,073,488           43,490   
TRY     16,732,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       03/03/15           USD         7,501,457           431,461   
TRY     9,135,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       03/03/15           USD         4,096,229           236,295   
TRY     30,330,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       03/16/15           USD         12,557,186           (224,084
TRY     30,283,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       03/16/15           USD         12,535,392           (226,072
TRY     2,294,954      

Deutsche Bank AG

       03/17/15           USD         978,392           11,483   
TRY     36,396,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       04/16/15           USD         14,982,710           (254,152
TRY     6,577,228      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       05/07/15           USD         2,917,119           176,238   
TRY     1,958,725      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/07/15           USD         864,455           48,210   
TRY     1,910,275      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/07/15           USD         833,563           37,507   
TRY     1,413,154      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/07/15           USD         623,441           34,548   
TRY     23,563,085      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/07/15           USD         10,029,367           210,093   
TRY     4,567,366      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/07/15           USD         2,027,868           124,542   
TRY     3,340,422      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/07/15           USD         1,455,205           63,175   
TRY     3,795,915      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       05/07/15           USD         1,683,258           101,414   
TRY     30,159,500      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/26/15           USD         13,287,294           771,035   
TRY     17,631,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       05/26/15           USD         7,848,208           531,305   
TRY     30,159,500      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/26/15           USD         13,181,600           665,341   
TRY     9,135,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/26/15           USD         4,037,212           246,167   
TRY     6,851,000      

Deutsche Bank AG

       05/26/15           USD         3,030,343           187,163   
TRY     13,702,500      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       05/26/15           USD         6,023,077           336,509   
TRY     13,267,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       05/26/15           USD         5,853,777           347,943   
TRY     13,267,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       05/26/15           USD         5,859,982           354,148   
TRY     8,845,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       05/26/15           USD         3,931,461           260,766   
TRY     4,422,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

       05/26/15           USD         1,975,871           140,732   
ZAR     23,299,101      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         2,062,000           50,429   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts—(Continued)

 

Contracts to Deliver

    

Counterparty

     Settlement
Date
       In Exchange
for
       Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
ZAR     21,074,217      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,781,000         $ (38,482
ZAR     19,032,490      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,622,000           (21,206
ZAR     12,515,739      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,070,000           (10,570
ZAR     12,205,235      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,053,000           (762
ZAR     10,006,068      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         889,000           25,107   
ZAR     8,312,600      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       01/13/15           USD         712,000           (5,684
ZAR     32,493,242      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/13/15           USD         2,794,000           (11,365
ZAR     16,968,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/13/15           USD         1,500,000           35,036   
ZAR     24,335,129      

Citibank N.A.

       01/13/15           USD         2,106,000           4,981   
ZAR     8,303,841      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       01/13/15           USD         710,000           (6,928
ZAR     32,679,968      

UBS AG

       01/20/15           USD         2,795,238           (23,100

Cross Currency Contracts to Buy

                                 
EUR     1,486,750      

Morgan Stanley & Co.

       02/20/15           PLN         6,408,343           (6,369
EUR     240,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       02/20/15           PLN         1,059,146           (7,982
EUR     892,000      

Citibank N.A.

       02/20/15           PLN         3,864,941           (9,501
PLN     4,603,350      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       02/20/15           EUR         1,067,000           5,770   
                      

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation

  

     $ 9,404,477   
                      

 

 

 

TBA Forward Sale Commitments

 

Security Description

   Interest Rate     Maturity      Face
Amount
    Cost     Value  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

     4.000     TBA       $ (17,200,000   $ (18,217,219   $ (18,223,937

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

     3.500     TBA         (31,192,000     (32,926,848     (32,951,422

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

     3.000     TBA         (8,805,000     (8,817,382     (8,906,808

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

     5.000     TBA         (73,200,000     (80,992,703     (80,873,131

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

     4.000     TBA         (114,990,000     (122,352,093     (122,723,526

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

     4.500     TBA         (70,580,000     (76,521,402     (76,612,388

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

     3.000     TBA         (17,780,000     (17,793,891     (17,960,577

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

     3.500     TBA         (18,600,000     (19,439,906     (19,524,187

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

     5.000     TBA         (1,200,000     (1,318,500     (1,313,695

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

     4.000     TBA         (250,500,000     (267,787,688     (268,580,038

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

     3.500     TBA         (59,400,000     (61,937,938     (62,351,438
         

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ (708,105,570   $ (710,021,147
         

 

 

   

 

 

 

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Australian 10 Year Treasury Bond Futures

     03/16/15         654        AUD         82,774,190      $ 843,053   

Australian 3 Year Treasury Bond Futures

     03/16/15         403        AUD         44,679,784        136,157   

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures

     03/20/15         935        USD         131,913,423        3,252,515   

U.S. Treasury Note 10 Year Futures

     03/20/15         23        USD         2,916,125        204   

U.S. Treasury Note 2 Year Futures

     03/31/15         1,339        USD         293,021,418        (324,387

U.S. Treasury Note 5 Year Futures

     03/31/15         1,547        USD         183,907,669        76,558   

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures

     03/20/15         1,033        USD         164,254,642        6,384,045   

Futures Contracts—Short

                                

90 Day EuroDollar Futures

     03/14/16         (951     USD         (235,000,444     55,894   

90 Day EuroDollar Futures

     06/13/16         (542     USD         (133,579,360     17,010   

90 Day EuroDollar Futures

     09/19/16         (542     USD         (133,247,122     3,197   

90 Day EuroDollar Futures

     12/19/16         (1,675     USD         (411,162,809     243,433   

90 Day PoundSterling Futures

     12/16/15         (1,106     GBP         (136,873,507     (378,495
            

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation

  

  $ 10,309,184   
            

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Written Options

 

Foreign Currency
Written
Options

  Strike
Price
    Counterparty   Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Call - EUR vs PLN

  PLN 4.35      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     02/19/15        (5,947,000   $ (46,321   $ (44,616   $ 1,705   

Call - USD vs BRL

  BRL 2.80      Deutsche Bank AG     01/08/15        (4,380,600     (38,724     (806     37,918   

Call - USD vs BRL

  BRL 2.65      Goldman Sachs & Co.     01/08/15        (4,380,600     (38,593     (46,386     (7,793

Call - USD vs INR

  INR 62.30      Barclays Bank plc     01/08/15        (2,339,000     (20,045     (38,493     (18,448

Call - USD vs JPY

  JPY 102.00      Deutsche Bank AG     01/12/15        (48,955,000     (2,396,837     (7,284,210     (4,887,373

Call - USD vs JPY

  JPY 105.00      Bank of America N.A.     01/12/15        (97,910,000     (524,798     (12,117,440     (11,592,642

Call - USD vs KRW

  KRW 1,140.00      Morgan Stanley & Co.     01/09/15        (2,230,000     (15,164     (250     14,914   

Call - USD vs KRW

  KRW 1,130.00      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     01/09/15        (1,887,500     (11,986     (568     11,418   

Call - USD vs KRW

  KRW 1,100.00      BNP Paribas S.A.     01/09/15        (1,887,500     (33,465     (6,863     26,602   

Call - USD vs ZAR

  ZAR 11.60      Deutsche Bank AG     01/08/15        (3,000,000     (27,510     (17,193     10,317   

Call - USD vs ZAR

  ZAR 11.65      Deutsche Bank AG     01/16/15        (4,500,000     (34,245     (40,959     (6,714

Put - EUR vs USD

  USD 1.155      Citibank N.A.     03/03/15        (106,158,000     (355,392     (393,590     (38,198
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ (3,543,080   $ (19,991,374   $ (16,448,294
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Interest
Rate
Swaptions

  Strike
Rate
   

Counterparty

 

Floating
Rate
Index

  Pay/
Receive
Floating
Rate
  Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Put - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    14.000   Credit Suisse International   1-Year BRL-CDI   Pay     01/02/15        BRL        (51,995,000   $ (44,908   $      $ 44,908   

Call - 2-Year Interest Rate Swap

    11.500   Deutsche Bank AG   1-Year BRL-CDI   Receive     01/02/15        BRL        (32,003,000     (62,567            62,567   

Call - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    11.000   Credit Suisse International   1-Year BRL-CDI   Receive     01/02/15        BRL        (29,348,000     (43,401            43,401   

Call - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    10.900   Credit Suisse International   1-Year BRL-CDI   Receive     01/02/15        BRL        (43,674,000     (9,344            9,344   

Call - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    11.250   Bank of America N.A.   1-Year BRL-CDI   Receive     01/02/15        BRL        (116,362,000     (38,522            38,522   

Call - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    11.700   Bank of America N.A.   1-Year BRL-CDI   Receive     01/02/15        BRL        (44,669,000     (20,722            20,722   

Call - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    10.600  

Deutsche Bank AG

  1-Year BRL-CDI   Receive     07/01/15        BRL        (23,305,000     (50,253     (1,876     48,377   

Call - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    10.600   Credit Suisse International   1-Year BRL-CDI   Receive     07/01/15        BRL        (65,256,000     (114,176     (5,254     108,922   

Call - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    6.500   JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.   3-Month ZAR-LIBOR   Receive     05/18/15        ZAR        (186,595,000     (25,966     (15,308     10,658   

Put - 2-Year Interest Rate Swap

    12.500   Deutsche Bank AG   1-Year BRL-CDI   Pay     01/02/15        BRL        (12,929,000     (22,677     (35,267     (12,590

Put - 2-Year Interest Rate Swap

    12.500   Bank of America N.A.   1-Year BRL-CDI   Pay     01/02/15        BRL        (19,640,000     (45,185     (53,574     (8,389

Put - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    12.300   Credit Suisse International   1-Year BRL-CDI   Pay     01/02/15        BRL        (43,674,000     (14,950     (96,000     (81,050

Put - 1-Year Interest Rate Swap

    12.250   Credit Suisse International   1-Year BRL-CDI   Pay     07/01/15        BRL        (32,628,000     (60,016     (146,680     (86,664

Put - 10-Year Interest Rate Swap

    3.005   Barclays Bank plc   3-Month USD-LIBOR   Pay     09/30/15        USD        (37,775,000     (1,063,366     (326,365     737,001   

Call - 10-Year Interest Rate Swap

    3.005   Barclays Bank plc   3-Month USD-LIBOR   Receive     09/30/15        USD        (37,775,000     (1,063,366     (2,013,887     (950,521
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ (2,679,419   $ (2,694,211   $ (14,792
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Written Options—(Continued)

 

 

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts

   Strike
Price
     Expiration
Date
    

Number
of Contracts

   Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
 

Call - Eurodollar Midcurve 1 Year Futures

   $ 99.000         03/13/15       (156)    $ (30,696   $ (26,325   $ 4,371   

Put - Eurodollar Midcurve 1 Year Futures

     98.130         03/13/15       (134)      (13,192     (1,675     11,517   

Put - 10 Year U.S. Treasury Note Futures

     125.000         01/23/15       (44)      (12,314     (4,125     8,189   
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

   $ (56,202   $ (32,125   $ 24,077   
           

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

Counterparty

   Interest
Rate
    Settlement
Date
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
     Net Closing
Amount
 

BNP Paribas S.A.

     (0.260 )%      12/31/14         01/02/15         USD         10,503,675       $ 10,503,675   

Bank of America N.A.

     (1.830 )%      12/31/14         01/02/15         USD         87,667,261         87,667,261   
                

 

 

 

Total

  

   $ 98,170,936   
                

 

 

 

Securities pledged as collateral against open reverse repurchase agreements are noted in the Schedule of Investments.

Swap Agreements

OTC Interest Rate Swap Agreements

 

Pay/Receive
Floating Rate

  Floating
Rate Index
  Fixed
Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Pay

  1-Year BRL CDI     11.910     01/04/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        13,920,000      $ (13,186   $      $ (13,186

Pay

  1-Year BRL CDI     11.825     01/04/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        32,000,000        (45,322            (45,322

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     4.215     12/15/16      Bank of America N.A.     MXN        65,630,000        1,319               1,319   

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     4.130     12/15/16      Bank of America N.A.     MXN        88,758,000        (7,975            (7,975

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     4.190     12/16/16      Deutsche Bank AG     MXN        86,478,000        (1,210            (1,210

Receive

  28-Day MXN TIIE     4.350     11/17/17      Bank of America N.A.     MXN        29,359,000        16,431               16,431   

Receive

  28-Day MXN TIIE     4.850     11/01/18      Bank of America N.A.     MXN        22,482,829        9,395               9,395   

Receive

  28-Day MXN TIIE     5.040     11/18/19      Bank of America N.A.     MXN        18,760,000        18,143               18,143   

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     6.200     07/25/24      Citibank N.A.     MXN        85,160,000        60,144               60,144   

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     5.990     08/26/24      Morgan Stanley & Co.     MXN        28,466,000        (11,628            (11,628

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     6.260     09/09/24      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     MXN        34,371,000        32,681               32,681   

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     6.423     09/16/24      Deutsche Bank AG     MXN        23,107,000        41,036               41,036   

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     6.365     09/18/24      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     MXN        23,107,000        34,135               34,135   

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     6.330     09/23/24      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     MXN        34,287,000        44,276               44,276   

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     5.847     11/14/24      Bank of America N.A.     MXN        45,310,509        (58,200            (58,200

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     5.850     11/14/24      Deutsche Bank AG     MXN        14,974,997        (18,979            (18,979

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     5.842     11/14/24      Deutsche Bank AG     MXN        34,442,494        (45,062            (45,062

Pay

  28-Day MXN TIIE     6.180     12/05/24      Bank of America N.A.     MXN        31,503,000        12,955               12,955   

Receive

  3-Month USD-LIBOR     1.758     06/25/22      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     USD        18,000,000        424,672               424,672   

Pay

  3-Month ZAR-JIBAR     6.460     09/25/15      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     ZAR        93,297,500        6,089               6,089   

Pay

  3-Month ZAR-JIBAR     7.772     10/22/24      Barclays Bank plc     ZAR        35,506,000        (32,234            (32,234

Pay

  3-Month ZAR-JIBAR     7.770     10/22/24      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     ZAR        26,295,000        (24,247            (24,247

Pay

  3-Month ZAR-JIBAR     7.710     11/18/24      Barclays Bank plc     ZAR        19,721,250        (26,204            (26,204

Pay

  3-Month ZAR-JIBAR     7.600     11/20/24      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     ZAR        19,721,250        (39,252            (39,252

Pay

  3-Month ZAR-JIBAR     7.590     11/25/24      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     ZAR        11,832,750        (24,346            (24,346

Pay

  6-Month EURIBOR     2.800     11/10/41      Bank of America N.A.     EUR        8,300,000        3,171,895               3,171,895   

Receive

  6-Month EURIBOR     2.783     11/10/41      Deutsche Bank AG     EUR        8,300,000        (3,131,219            (3,131,219

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.988     07/01/15      Bank of America N.A.     BRL        43,093,000        (32,558            (32,558

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.120     01/04/16      Credit Suisse International     BRL        7,208,000        (37,966            (37,966

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.360     01/04/16      Credit Suisse International     BRL        27,646,823        (118,307            (118,307

Receive

  BRL CDI     12.140     01/04/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        58,430,000        111,974               111,974   

Receive

  BRL CDI     11.800     01/04/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        33,569,015        69,813               69,813   

Receive

  BRL CDI     12.130     01/04/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        26,578,000        51,860               51,860   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Swap Agreements—(Continued)

 

Pay/Receive
Floating Rate

  Floating
Rate Index
  Fixed
Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Notional
Amount
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.850     01/04/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        17,400,000      $ (48,662   $      $ (48,662

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.255     01/04/16      Morgan Stanley & Co.     BRL        6,692,000        (32,253            (32,253

Receive

  BRL CDI     11.170     01/02/17      Credit Suisse International     BRL        16,427,323        141,503               141,503   

Pay

  BRL CDI     12.110     01/02/17      Credit Suisse International     BRL        6,397,000        (22,818            (22,818

Receive

  BRL CDI     12.180     01/02/17      Deutsche Bank AG     BRL        7,040,000        21,047               21,047   

Receive

  BRL CDI     12.223     01/02/17      Deutsche Bank AG     BRL        3,845,740        10,541               10,541   

Pay

  BRL CDI     12.100     01/02/17      Deutsche Bank AG     BRL        6,446,500        (23,355            (23,355

Pay

  BRL CDI     12.180     01/02/17      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        8,036,000        (23,588            (23,588

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.490     01/02/17      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        20,889,000        (133,084            (133,084

Pay

  BRL CDI     12.415     01/02/19      Credit Suisse International     BRL        4,597,683        (114            (114

Receive

  BRL CDI     11.410     01/04/21      Bank of America N.A.     BRL        5,126,000        32,326               32,326   

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.681     01/04/21      Deutsche Bank AG     BRL        2,455,000        (8,445            (8,445

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.700     01/04/21      Deutsche Bank AG     BRL        2,714,000        (8,757            (8,757

Pay

  BRL CDI     12.000     01/04/21      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        2,944,700        (750            (750

Pay

  BRL CDI     11.720     01/04/21      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     BRL        1,306,000        (3,936            (3,936

Pay

  3-Month KRW-CDR     2.098     11/13/16      Barclays Bank plc     KRW        12,173,300,000        8,365               8,365   

Pay

  3-Month KRW-CDR     2.028     11/24/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     KRW        12,173,300,000        (6,618            (6,618

Pay

  3-Month KRW-CDR     2.543     11/13/24      Morgan Stanley & Co.     KRW        1,341,939,000        12,127               12,127   

Pay

  3-Month KRW-CDR     2.545     11/20/24      Deutsche Bank AG     KRW        1,341,938,000        12,268               12,268   

Pay

  3-Month KRW-CDR     2.485     11/24/24      Deutsche Bank AG     KRW        2,683,876,000        11,250               11,250   

Pay

  3-Month KRW-CDR     2.425     11/26/24      Barclays Bank plc     KRW        2,700,000,000        (1,861            (1,861
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ 374,109      $      $ 374,109   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements

 

Pay/Receive Floating Rate

   Floating
Rate Index
     Fixed
Rate
    Maturity
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         0.648     11/26/16         USD         14,540,000       $ 53,843   

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.097     11/26/21         USD         1,000,000         (3,967

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.063     11/28/21         USD         889,000         (1,558

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.087     11/28/21         USD         800,000         (2,626

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.227     11/26/22         USD         1,000,000         (6,798

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.191     11/28/22         USD         700,000         (2,980

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.214     11/28/22         USD         629,000         (3,743

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.375     10/24/24         USD         271,250         (2,366

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.374     10/24/24         USD         813,750         (7,027

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.354     10/24/24         USD         1,085,000         (7,485

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         2.254     12/19/24         USD         1,925,000         5,614   
                

 

 

 

Total

  

   $ 20,907   
                

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements—Buy Protection (a)

 

Reference Obligation

   Fixed Deal
Receive Rate
     Maturity
Date
    

Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)

   Notional
Amount(c)
     Unrealized
Depreciation
 

Markit CDX North America Investment Grade Index, Series 23

     1.000%         12/20/19       0.661%      USD         9,166,667       $ (41,723
                 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements—Sell Protection (d)

 

 

Reference Obligation

   Fixed Deal
Receive Rate
     Maturity
Date
    

Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)

   Notional
Amount(c)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
 

Markit CDX North America High Yield Index, Series 23

     5.000%         12/20/19       3.557%      USD         88,203,000       $ 1,224,068   
                 

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Corporate and Sovereign Issues—Buy Protection (a)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixed Deal
(Pay) Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Genworth Holdings, Inc.
6.515%, due 05/22/18

    (1.000%)        12/20/16      Deutsche Bank AG     3.149%        USD        7,300,000      $ 299,109      $ 295,377      $ 3,732   

Genworth Holdings, Inc.
6.515%, due 05/22/18

    (1.000%)        12/20/16      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     3.149%        USD        7,235,000        296,446        127,133        169,313   

Republic of South Africa
5.50%, due 03/09/20

    (1.000%)        03/20/20     

BNP Paribas S.A.

    1.897%        USD        3,437,500        149,769        166,444        (16,675
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ 745,324      $ 588,954      $ 156,370   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Corporate and Sovereign Issues—Sell Protection (d)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixed Deal
Receive Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Barrick Gold Corp.
5.800%, due 11/15/34

    1.000%        06/20/21      Credit Suisse International     2.291%        USD        3,645,000      $ (271,283)      $ (310,266)      $ 38,983   

Barrick Gold Corp.
5.800%, due 11/15/34

    1.000%        12/20/19      Deutsche Bank AG     1.800%        USD        1,932,500        (72,098)        (78,957)        6,859   

Transocean, Inc.
7.375%, due 04/15/18

    1.000%        12/20/19      Bank of America N.A.     6.675%        USD        875,000        (194,470)        (73,375)        (121,095

Transocean, Inc.
7.375%, due 04/15/18

    1.000%        12/20/19      Bank of America N.A.     6.466%        USD        1,175,000        (253,193)        (93,454)        (159,739

Transocean, Inc.
7.375%, due 04/15/18

    1.000%        12/20/19      Bank of America N.A.     6.466%        USD        1,180,000        (254,270)        (104,719)        (149,551

Transocean, Inc.
7.375%, due 04/15/18

    1.000%        12/20/19      Bank of America N.A.     6.466%        USD        1,180,000        (254,270)        (96,360)        (157,910
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ (1,299,584)      $ (757,131)      $ (542,453
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices—Sell Protection (a)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixed Deal
Receive Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Markit CMBX North America AAA-Rated Index, AM Tranche, Version 4

    0.500%        02/17/51      Deutsche Bank AG     0.000%        USD        2,370,000      $ (75,618)      $ (359,977)      $ 284,359   

Markit CMBX North America AAA-Rated Index, AM Tranche, Version 7

    0.500%        01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     0.000%        USD        14,500,000        (459,171)        (453,555)        (5,616)   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ (534,789)      $ (813,532)      $ 278,743   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

(a) If the Portfolio is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Portfolio will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.
(b) Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on corporate issues or indices as of period end serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced entity or obligation.
(c) The maximum potential amount of future undiscounted payments that the Portfolio could be required to make under a credit default swap contract would be the notional amount of the contract. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the referenced debt obligation or net amounts received from the settlement of purchased protection credit default swap contracts entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced debt obligation.
(d) If the Portfolio is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Portfolio will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.
(AUD)— Australian Dollar
(BRL)— Brazilian Real
(CAD)— Canadian Dollar
(CDI)— Brazil Interbank Deposit Rate
(CDR)— Certificate of Deposit Rate
(CLP)— Chilean Peso
(COP)— Colombian Peso
(EUR)— Euro
(EURIBOR) Euro InterBank Offered Rate
(GBP)— British Pound
(INR)— Indian Rupee
(JPY)— Japanese Yen
(KRW)— South Korea Won
(LIBOR)— London Interbank Offered Rate
(MXN)— Mexican Peso
(PLN)— Polish Zloty
(TIIE)— Interbank Equilibrium Interest Rate
(TRY)— Turkish Lira
(USD)— United States Dollar
(ZAR)— South African Rand

Fair Value Hierarchy

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies*

   $ —        $ 2,516,127,617      $ —         $ 2,516,127,617   

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes*

     —          1,026,117,517        —           1,026,117,517   
Asset-Backed Securities          

Asset-Backed - Automobile

     —          95,970,757        —           95,970,757   

Asset-Backed - Credit Card

     —          4,374,473        —           4,374,473   

Asset-Backed - Home Equity

     —          9,802,479        —           9,802,479   

Asset-Backed - Other

     —          277,266,985        2,415,198         279,682,183   

Asset-Backed - Student Loan

     —          184,323,825        —           184,323,825   

Total Asset-Backed Securities

     —          571,738,519        2,415,198         574,153,717   

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities*

     —          378,804,132        —           378,804,132   

Total Foreign Government*

     —          174,594,200        —           174,594,200   

Total Municipals

     —          32,402,793        —           32,402,793   
Purchased Options          

Call Options

     —          21,861,236        —           21,861,236   

Put Options

     1,087,062        3,516,953        —           4,604,015   

Total Purchased Options

     1,087,062        25,378,189        —           26,465,251   

Total Floating Rate Loans*

     —          15,036,617        —           15,036,617   

Total Preferred Stocks*

     8,317,771        —          —           8,317,771   
Short-Term Investments          

Mutual Fund

     145,436,473        —          —           145,436,473   

Repurchase Agreement

     —          101,992,557        —           101,992,557   

Total Short-Term Investments

     145,436,473        101,992,557        —           247,429,030   

Total Investments

   $ 154,841,306      $ 4,842,192,141      $ 2,415,198       $ 4,999,448,645   
                                   

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —        $ (145,436,473   $ —         $ (145,436,473

TBA Forward Sales Commitments

   $ —        $ (710,021,147   $ —         $ (710,021,147
Forward Contracts          

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ —        $ 15,751,648      $ —         $ 15,751,648   

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     —          (6,347,171     —           (6,347,171

Total Forward Contracts

   $ —        $ 9,404,477      $ —         $ 9,404,477   
Futures Contracts   

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 11,012,066      $ —        $ —         $ 11,012,066   

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     (702,882     —          —           (702,882

Total Futures Contracts

   $ 10,309,184      $ —        $ —         $ 10,309,184   
Written Options          

Foreign Currency Written Options at Value

   $ —        $ (19,991,374   $ —         $ (19,991,374

Interest Rate Swaptions at Value

     —          (2,694,211     —           (2,694,211

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts at Value

     (32,125     —          —           (32,125

Total Written Options

   $ (32,125   $ (22,685,585   $ —         $ (22,717,710
Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts          

Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ —        $ 1,283,525      $ —         $ 1,283,525   

Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     —          (80,273     —           (80,273

Total Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts

   $ —        $ 1,203,252      $ —         $ 1,203,252   
OTC Swap Contracts          

OTC Swap Contracts at Value (Assets)

   $ —        $ 5,101,569      $ —         $ 5,101,569   

OTC Swap Contracts at Value (Liabilities)

     —          (5,816,509     —           (5,816,509

Total OTC Swap Contracts

   $ —        $ (714,940   $ —         $ (714,940

Total Reverse Repurchase Agreements (Liability)

   $ —        $ (98,170,936   $ —         $ (98,170,936

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
     Purchases      Balance as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation) from
Investments Still Held at
December 31, 2014
 
Asset-Backed Securities               

Asset-Backed - Other

   $       $       $ 2,415,198       $ 2,415,198       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $       $       $ 2,415,198       $ 2,415,198       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

Investments at value (a) (b)

$ 4,999,448,645   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

  2,546,999   

Cash collateral (d)

  8,756,000   

OTC swap contracts at market value (e)

  5,101,569   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  15,751,648   

Receivable for:

Investments sold

  278,989   

TBA securities sold (f)

  738,043,939   

Fund shares sold

  847,774   

Principal paydowns

  107,811   

Interest

  20,671,442   

Variation margin on futures contracts

  896,468   

Interest on OTC swap contracts

  244,143   

Variation margin on swap contracts

  74,350   

Due from broker

  523,505   

Prepaid expenses

  10,985   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  5,793,304,267   

Liabilities

Due to custodian

  1,123,365   

Written options at value (g)

  22,717,710   

Forward sales commitments, at value

  710,021,147   

Reverse repurchase agreements

  98,170,936   

OTC swap contracts at market value (h)

  5,816,509   

Cash collateral (i)

  3,110,000   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  6,347,171   

Collateral for securities loaned

  145,436,473   

Payables for:

Investments purchased

  14,259,393   

TBA securities purchased (f)

  432,063,608   

Fund shares redeemed

  891,084   

Payable for premium on purchased options

  18,726   

Interest on forward sales commitments

  1,247,353   

Interest on OTC swap contracts

  197,645   

Accrued expenses:

Management fees

  1,176,230   

Distribution and service fees

  128,290   

Deferred trustees’ fees

  63,488   

Other expenses

  378,757   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

  1,443,167,885   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

$ 4,350,136,382   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

Paid in surplus

$ 4,136,962,761   

Undistributed net investment income

  147,342,732   

Accumulated net realized gain

  33,130,516   

Unrealized appreciation on investments, written options, futures contracts, swap contracts and foreign currency transactions

  32,700,373   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

$ 4,350,136,382   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

Class A

$ 3,686,869,196   

Class B

  519,456,841   

Class E

  143,810,345   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

Class A

  33,223,264   

Class B

  4,758,578   

Class E

  1,307,331   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

Class A

$ 110.97   

Class B

  109.16   

Class E

  110.00   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $4,969,596,937.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $165,684,478.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $2,591,656.
(d) Includes collateral of $4,010,000 for OTC swap contracts and $4,746,000 for centrally cleared swap contracts.
(e) Net premium paid on OTC swap contracts was $588,954.
(f) Included within TBA securities sold is $724,753,760 related to TBA forward sale commitments and included within TBA securities purchased is $15,433,443 related to TBA forward sale commitments.
(g) Premiums received on written options were $6,278,701.
(h) Net premium received on OTC swap contracts was $1,570,663.
(i) Includes collateral of $2,580,000 for OTC swap contracts and $530,000 for TBA securities.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

Dividends

$ 592,228   

Interest

  135,418,932   

Securities lending income

  356,027   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

  136,367,187   

Expenses

Management fees

  13,434,344   

Administration fees

  99,210   

Custodian and accounting fees

  666,874   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

  1,252,879   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

  222,362   

Interest expense

  37,755   

Audit and tax services

  108,055   

Legal

  30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

  38,559   

Shareholder reporting

  306,742   

Insurance

  25,807   

Miscellaneous

  28,955   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

  16,251,556   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

  120,115,631   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments

  51,808,093   

Futures contracts

  33,385,218   

Written options

  9,806,848   

Swap contracts

  (4,479,228

Foreign currency transactions

  10,871,605   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

  101,392,536   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

  56,754,091   

Futures contracts

  9,047,496   

Written options

  (16,201,906

Swap contracts

  (855,756

Foreign currency transactions

  10,344,276   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation

  59,088,201   
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

  160,480,737   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

$ 280,596,368   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-32


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 120,115,631      $ 116,338,266   

Net realized gain (loss)

     101,392,536        (1,363,341

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     59,088,201        (142,835,768
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     280,596,368        (27,860,843
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (114,100,078     (118,542,001

Class B

     (16,176,056     (18,814,715

Class E

     (4,962,107     (6,389,864

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     0        (72,254,675

Class B

     0        (12,218,854

Class E

     0        (4,063,983
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (135,238,241     (232,284,092
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     353,029,632        (42,270,795
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     498,387,759        (302,415,730

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     3,851,748,623        4,154,164,353   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 4,350,136,382      $ 3,851,748,623   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 147,342,732      $ 135,358,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,826,436      $ 411,591,766        3,864,722      $ 423,292,236   

Reinvestments

     1,066,855        114,100,078        1,737,516        190,796,676   

Redemptions

     (1,604,549     (175,376,537     (5,807,267     (663,471,380
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     3,288,742      $ 350,315,307        (205,029   $ (49,382,468
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     523,199      $ 56,307,357        566,927      $ 61,547,056   

Reinvestments

     153,473        16,176,056        286,658        31,033,569   

Redemptions

     (539,073     (57,911,733     (667,478     (71,881,722
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     137,599      $ 14,571,680        186,107      $ 20,698,903   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     123,987      $ 13,408,995        99,801      $ 10,863,633   

Reinvestments

     46,755        4,962,107        95,925        10,453,847   

Redemptions

     (279,217     (30,228,457     (321,377     (34,904,710
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (108,475   $ (11,857,355     (125,651   $ (13,587,230
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 353,029,632        $ (42,270,795
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-33


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 107.33      $ 115.27      $ 110.90      $ 108.32       $ 104.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     3.18        3.36        3.21        3.69         4.08   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     4.28        (4.07     4.95        3.22         4.39   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     7.46        (0.71     8.16        6.91         8.47   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (3.82     (4.49     (3.05     (4.33      (4.30

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     0.00        (2.74     (0.74     0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.82     (7.23     (3.79     (4.33      (4.30
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 110.97      $ 107.33      $ 115.27      $ 110.90       $ 108.32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     7.08        (0.77     7.55        6.56         8.34   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.35        0.35        0.36        0.37         0.40   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.35        0.35        0.36        0.36         0.38   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.91        3.07        2.85        3.44         3.82   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     679  (d)      801  (d)      1,002  (d)      1,483         2,064   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 3,686.9      $ 3,213.0      $ 3,474.3      $ 3,123.2       $ 1,522.5   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 105.64      $ 113.56      $ 109.31      $ 106.83       $ 102.78   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     2.87        3.05        2.89        3.48         3.77   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     4.20        (4.01     4.88        3.06         4.32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     7.07        (0.96     7.77        6.54         8.09   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (3.55     (4.22     (2.78     (4.06      (4.04

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     0.00        (2.74     (0.74     0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.55     (6.96     (3.52     (4.06      (4.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 109.16      $ 105.64      $ 113.56      $ 109.31       $ 106.83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     6.81        (1.01     7.28        6.30         8.07   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.60        0.60        0.61        0.62         0.65   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.60        0.60        0.61        0.61         0.63   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.67        2.82        2.60        3.25         3.57   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     679  (d)      801  (d)      1,002  (d)      1,483         2,064   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 519.5      $ 488.1      $ 503.6      $ 477.1       $ 453.5   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-34


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 106.41      $ 114.32      $ 110.02      $ 107.49       $ 103.38   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     3.00        3.18        3.02        3.63         3.91   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     4.23        (4.04     4.91        3.07         4.34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     7.23        (0.86     7.93        6.70         8.25   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (3.64     (4.31     (2.89     (4.17      (4.14

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     0.00        (2.74     (0.74     0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.64     (7.05     (3.63     (4.17      (4.14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 110.00      $ 106.41      $ 114.32      $ 110.02       $ 107.49   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     6.92        (0.91     7.38        6.41         8.18   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.50        0.50        0.51        0.52         0.55   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.50        0.50        0.51        0.51         0.53   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.78        2.92        2.70        3.36         3.67   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     679  (d)      801  (d)      1,002  (d)      1,483         2,064   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 143.8      $ 150.7      $ 176.2      $ 193.9       $ 226.6   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Includes mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions; excluding these transactions the portfolio turnover rates would have been 276%, 267% and 390% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-35


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-36


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Swap contracts (other than centrally cleared swaps) are marked-to-market daily based on quotations and prices supplied by market makers, broker-dealers and other pricing services. Such quotations and prices are derived utilizing significant observable data, including the underlying reference securities or indices, credit spread quotations and expected default recovery rates determined by the pricing service. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Centrally cleared swaps listed or traded on a multilateral or trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange, are valued at the daily settlement price determined by the respective exchange or an independent pricing service when the exchange price is not available. For centrally cleared credit default swaps, the clearing facility requires its members to provide actionable price levels across complete term structures. These levels along with external third party prices are used to produce daily settlement prices. These securities are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Centrally cleared interest rate swaps are valued using a pricing model that references the underlying rates, including the overnight index swap rate and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) forward rate to produce the daily settlement price. These securities are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

 

MSF-37


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, amortization of debt securities, convertible preferred stock, paydown gain/loss reclasses, dollar roll transactions, and swap contract transactions. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $101,992,557, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with qualified institutions. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio transfers securities in exchange for cash to a financial institution or counterparty, concurrently with an agreement by the Portfolio to re-acquire the same securities at an agreed upon price and date. During the reverse repurchase agreement period, the Portfolio continues to receive principal and interest payments on these securities. The Portfolio will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which it will maintain liquid assets equal in value to its obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities transferred by the Portfolio may decline below the agreed-upon reacquisition price of the securities. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any reverse repurchase transaction, the MRA entitles the non-defaulting party with a right to set-off claims and apply property held by it in respect of any reverse repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it. Cash received in exchange for securities transferred under reverse repurchase agreements plus accrued interest payments to be made by the Portfolio to counterparties are reflected as Reverse repurchase agreements on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had an outstanding reverse repurchase agreement balance for 294 days. The average amount of borrowings was $149,406,787 and the weighted average interest rate was (0.35)% during the 294 day period.

 

MSF-38


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The following table is a summary of open reverse repurchase agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under a MRA on a net basis as of December 31, 2014:

 

Counterparty

   Reverse Repurchase
Agreements
     Collateral Pledged      Net Amount1  

BNP Paribas S.A.

   $ 10,503,675       $ (10,503,675    $   

Bank of America N.A.

     87,667,261         (87,550,254      117,007   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 98,170,936       $ (98,053,929    $ 117,007   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  1  Net Amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

Secured Borrowing Transactions - The Portfolio may enter into transactions consisting of a transfer of a security by the Portfolio to a financial institution or counterparty, with a simultaneous agreement to reacquire the same, or substantially the same security, at an agreed-upon price and future settlement date. Such transactions are treated as secured borrowings, and not as purchases and sales. The Portfolio receives cash from the transfer of the security to use for other investment purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into secured borrowing transactions involving U.S. Treasury securities. During the term of the borrowing, the Portfolio is not entitled to receive principal and interest payments, if any, made on the security transferred to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. The difference between the transfer price and the reacquisition price, known as the “price drop”, is included in net investment income with the cost of the secured borrowing transaction being recorded as interest expense over the term of the borrowing.

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio’s average amount of borrowings was $65,176,810 and the weighted average interest rate was (0.76)%. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no outstanding borrowings. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had an outstanding secured borrowing transaction balance for 52 days.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls - The Portfolio may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which a Portfolio sells to-be-announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon, and maturity) securities on a specified future date. For the duration of the transaction, or roll period, the Portfolio foregoes principal (including prepayments of principal) and interest paid on the securities sold. Dollar rolls are accounted for as purchase and sale transactions; gain or loss is recognized at the commencement of the term of the dollar roll and each time the mortgage-backed security is rolled.

Treasury and mortgage dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities that the Portfolio is required to repurchase or reacquire may be less than the agreed-upon repurchase price of those securities and that the investment performance of securities purchased with proceeds from these transactions does not exceed the income, capital appreciation, and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities transferred or sold, as applicable, as part of the treasury or mortgage dollar roll.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities - The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. These securities may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage backed securities (“SMBS”), and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by or payable from, mortgage loans on real property or other receivables. The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.

In one type of SMBS, one class receives all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). Because principal will not be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the book value of the security until maturity. These adjustments are netted against payments received for the IOs and the net amount is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities. Details of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are included in the Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments.

The Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers that hold mortgage and asset-backed securities and direct investments in securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets. The value and related income of these securities are sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults, and may be negatively impacted by increased volatility of market prices and periods of illiquidity.

TBA Purchase & Forward Sale Commitments - The Portfolio may enter into TBA commitments to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date. TBA commitments are considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the

 

MSF-39


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

security to be purchased or sold declines or increases prior to settlement date, which is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolio’s other assets. TBA forward sale commitments are valued at the current market value of the underlying securities, according to the procedures described under “Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements”.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities - The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase commitment is made. The Portfolio may purchase securities under such conditions only with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Portfolio may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.

Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Portfolio will hold liquid assets in a segregated account with the Portfolio’s custodian, or set aside liquid assets in the Portfolio’s records, worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary value.

High Yield Debt Securities - The Portfolio may invest in high yield debt securities, or “junk bonds,” which are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if not rated, are of equivalent quality. A portfolio with high yield debt securities generally will be exposed to greater market risk and credit risk than a portfolio that invests only in investment grade debt securities because issuers of high yield debt securities are generally less secure financially, are more likely to default on their obligations, and their securities are more sensitive to interest rate changes and downturns in the economy. In addition, the secondary market for lower-rated debt securities may not be as liquid as that for more highly rated debt securities. As a result, the Portfolio’s Subadviser may find it more difficult to value lower-rated debt securities or sell them and may have to sell them at prices significantly lower than the values assigned to them by the Portfolio.

Floating Rate Loans - The Portfolio may invest in loans arranged through private negotiation between one or more financial institutions. The Portfolio’s investment in any such loan may be in the form of a participation in or an assignment of the loan. In connection with purchasing participations or an assignment, the Portfolio generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower. The Portfolio may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation or assignment.

The Portfolio will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the participation, the Portfolio may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-40


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts - The Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to obtain investment exposure, enhance return or hedge or protect its portfolio holdings against the risk of future movements in certain foreign currency exchange rates. When entering into these contracts, the Portfolio agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Portfolio’s net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward foreign exchange rates at the valuation date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When a contract is closed, the Portfolio recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in the Statement of Operations. These contracts involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities of the Portfolio, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the currency holdings, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase. In addition, the Portfolio could be exposed to losses if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of the contracts. The Portfolio’s maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

Options Contracts - An option contract purchased by the Portfolio gives the Portfolio the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying instrument at a fixed exercise price during a specified period. Call options written by the Portfolio give the holder the right to buy the underlying instrument from the Portfolio at a fixed exercise price; put options written by the Portfolio give the holder the right to sell the underlying instrument to the Portfolio at a fixed exercise price.

The Portfolio may use options to hedge against changes in values of securities the Portfolio owns or expects to purchase, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. Writing puts or buying calls tends to increase the Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument and writing calls or buying puts tends to decrease the Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument, and can be used to hedge other Portfolio investments. For options used to hedge the Portfolio’s investments, the potential risk to the Portfolio is that the change in value of options contracts may not correspond perfectly to the change in value of the hedged instruments. The Portfolio also bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the value of the underlying instrument or the risk that the Portfolio may not be able to enter into a closing transaction due to an illiquid market. The Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk, as opposed to investment and other types of risk, in respect of purchased options is typically the premium initially paid for the option plus any unrealized gains.

The main risk associated with purchasing an option is that the option expires without being exercised. In this case, the option is worthless when it expires and the premium paid for the option is considered a realized loss. The risk associated with writing a call option is that the Portfolio may forgo the opportunity for a profit if the market value of the underlying instrument increases and the option is exercised, requiring the Portfolio to sell the underlying instrument at a price below its market value. When the Portfolio writes a call option on a security it does not own, its exposure on such an option is theoretically unlimited. The risk in writing a put option is that the Portfolio may incur a loss if the market value of the underlying instrument decreases and the option is exercised, requiring the Portfolio to purchase the underlying instrument at a price above its market value. In addition, the Portfolio risks not being able to enter into a closing transaction for the written option as the result of an illiquid market for the option.

 

MSF-41


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Purchases of put and call options are recorded as investments, the value of which are marked-to-market daily. When the Portfolio enters into a closing sale transaction, the Portfolio will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the sales proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the premium initially paid for the option. When the Portfolio exercises a put option, it will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying instrument and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid for the put option. When the Portfolio exercises a call option, the cost of the security which the Portfolio purchases upon exercise will be increased by the premium originally paid for the call option.

The premium received for a written option is recorded as an asset and an equivalent liability. The liability is subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires without being exercised or the Portfolio enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Portfolio realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying instrument and the liability related to such option is eliminated. When a written call option is exercised, the Portfolio realizes a gain or loss, as adjusted for the premium received, from the sale of the underlying instrument. When a written put option is exercised, the premium received is offset against the amount paid for the purchase of the underlying instrument.

The purpose of inflation-capped options is to protect the buyer from inflation, above a specified rate, eroding the value of investments in inflation-linked products with a given notional exposure. Inflation-capped options are used to give downside protection to investments in inflation-linked products by establishing a floor on the value of such products.

Options on swaps (“swaptions”) are similar to options on securities except that instead of selling or purchasing the right to buy or sell a security, the writer or purchaser of the swaptions is granting or buying the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate or credit default swap agreement (interest rate risk and/or credit risk) at any time before the expiration of the option.

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contract (“Futures Option”) is an option contract in which the underlying instrument is a single futures contract.

Written Options

The Portfolio transactions in written options during the year December 31, 2014:

 

Call Options

   Notional
Amount
     Number of
Contracts
     Premium
Received
 

Options outstanding December 31, 2013

     19,720,000               $ 78,387   

Options written

     1,553,537,637         3,242         8,742,702   

Options bought back

     (490,449,000      (302      (1,475,438

Options exercised

     (13,468,000      (2,667      (450,122

Options expired

     (312,936,437      (117      (2,248,828
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding December 31, 2014

     756,404,200         156       $ 4,646,701   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Put Options

   Notional
Amount
     Number of
Contracts
     Premium
Received
 

Options outstanding December 31, 2013

     10,391,505,000         1,901       $ 865,885   

Options written

     1,541,325,879         12,349         12,719,739   

Options bought back

     (535,448,079      (8,762      (4,134,757

Options exercised

     (6,619,900      (194      (26,123

Options expired

     (11,085,963,900      (5,116      (7,792,744
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding December 31, 2014

     304,799,000         178       $ 1,632,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Swap Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into swap agreements in which the Portfolio and a counterparty agree to either make periodic net payments on a specified notional amount or net payment upon termination. Swap agreements are either privately negotiated in the OTC market (“OTC swaps”) or executed in a multilateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered commodities exchange (“centrally-cleared swaps”). The Portfolio may enter into swap agreements for the purposes of managing exposure to interest rate, credit or market risk, or for other purposes. In connection with these agreements, securities or cash may be paid or received, as applicable, by the Portfolio as collateral or margin in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements to provide assets of value and recourse in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency. Securities posted by the Portfolio as collateral for swap contracts are identified in the Schedule of Investments and restricted cash, if any, is reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Centrally Cleared Swaps: Certain clearinghouses currently offer clearing for limited types of derivatives transactions, principally credit derivatives. In a cleared derivative transaction, a Portfolio typically enters into the transaction with a financial institution counterparty, and performance of the transaction is effectively guaranteed by a central clearinghouse, thereby reducing or eliminating

 

MSF-42


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the Portfolio’s exposure to the credit risk of the original counterparty. The Portfolio typically will be required to post specified levels of margin with the clearinghouse or at the instruction of the clearinghouse; the margin required by a clearinghouse may be greater than the margin the Portfolio would be required to post in an uncleared derivative transaction. Only a limited number of derivative transactions are currently eligible for clearing.

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily. The fair value of an OTC swap is reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The changes in value, if any, are reflected as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. Daily changes in valuation of centrally cleared swaps, if any, are recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. Upfront payments paid or received upon entering into the swap agreement compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (such as credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Upon termination or maturity of the swap, upfront premiums are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap is recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Portfolio are included as part of realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.

Swap transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of interest rate, credit, and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform, or that there may be unfavorable changes in market conditions or interest rates. In addition, entering into swap agreements involves documentation risk resulting from the possibility that the parties to a swap agreement may disagree as to the meaning of contractual terms in the agreement. The Portfolio may enter into swap transactions with counterparties in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. These guidelines provide for a minimum credit rating for each counterparty and various credit enhancement techniques (for example, collateralization of amounts due from counterparties) to limit exposure to counterparties that have lower credit ratings. A Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted value of the net cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive, or the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Counterparty risk related to centrally-cleared swaps is mitigated due to the protection against defaults provided by the exchange on which these contracts trade.

Credit Default Swaps: The Portfolio is subject to credit risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults of corporate and/or sovereign issuers, or to create exposure to corporate and/or sovereign issuers to which they are not otherwise exposed. Credit default swaps involve one party making a stream of payments (referred to as the buyer of protection) to another party (the seller of protection) in exchange for the right to receive a specified return if a credit event occurs for the referenced entity, obligation or index. A credit event is defined under the terms of each swap agreement and may include, but is not limited to, underlying entity default, bankruptcy, write-down, principal shortfall or interest shortfall. As the seller of protection, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Portfolio will either pay the buyer an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index), or pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index). In return, the Portfolio would receive from the counterparty an upfront or periodic stream of payments throughout the life of the credit default swap agreement provided that no credit event has occurred. As the seller of protection, the Portfolio would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the credit default swap.

The Portfolio may also purchase credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio. This would involve the risk that the investment may be worthless when it expires and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk, whereby the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Portfolio in the event of a default. As the buyer of protection, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Portfolio will either receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index), or receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index). If no credit event occurs and the Portfolio is a buyer of protection, the Portfolio will typically recover nothing under the credit default swap agreement, but it will have had to pay the required upfront payment or stream of continuing payments under the credit default swap agreement. Recovery values are at times established through the credit event auction process in which market participants are ensured that a transparent price has been set for the defaulted obligation.

Credit default swap agreements on credit indices involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising the credit index. A credit index is a basket of credit instruments or exposures designed to be

 

MSF-43


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

representative of some part of the credit market as a whole. An index credit default swap references all the names in the index, and if there is a credit event involving an entity in the index, the credit event is settled based on that entity’s weight in the index. A Portfolio may use credit default swaps on credit indices as a hedge for credit default swaps or bonds held in the portfolio, which is less expensive than it would be to buy many individual credit default swaps to achieve similar effect. Credit default swaps on indices are benchmarks for protecting investors owning bonds against default, and may be used to speculate on changes in credit quality.

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on a credit index or corporate or sovereign issuer, serve as some indication of the status of the payment/performance risk and the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity or index also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads generally represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the particular swap agreement. When no implied credit spread is available for a credit default swap, the current unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the position may be used as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk.

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Portfolio as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. Notional amounts of all credit default swap agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2014, for which the Portfolio is the seller of protection, are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced entity or entities.

Interest Rate Swaps: The Portfolio may enter into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rates or to protect against currency fluctuations, to adjust the interest rate sensitivity (duration), to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment, or otherwise as a substitute for a direct investment in debt securities. The Portfolio is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Portfolio holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Portfolio may enter into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swaps are agreements in which one party pays a stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating rate, for another party’s stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating, on the same notional amount for a specified period of time. Other forms of interest rate swap agreements may include: (1) interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap”; (2) interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate, or “floor”; and (3) interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. The Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk, as opposed to investment and other types of risk, in respect of interest rate swaps is typically the discounted net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value     

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  

Interest Rate

   Investments at market value (a) (d)    $ 3,604,225         
   OTC swap contracts at market value (b)      4,356,245       OTC swap contracts at market value (b)    $ 3,982,136   
   Unrealized appreciation on centrally cleared swap contracts (c)*      59,457       Unrealized depreciation on centrally cleared swap contracts (c)*      38,550   
   Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts** (c)      11,012,066       Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts** (c)      702,882   
         Written options at value (e)      2,726,336   

Credit

   OTC swap contracts at market value (b)      745,324       OTC swap contracts at market value (b)      1,834,373   
   Unrealized appreciation on centrally cleared swap contracts* (c)      1,224,068       Unrealized depreciation on centrally cleared swap contracts* (c)      41,723   

Foreign Exchange

   Investments at market value (a)      22,861,026         
   Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts      15,751,648       Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts      6,347,171   
         Written options at value      19,991,374   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
Total       $ 59,614,059          $ 35,664,545   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

  * Represents the unrealized appreciation/depreciation of centrally cleared swaps as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

MSF-44


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

  ** Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  (a) Represents purchased options which are part of investments as shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  (b) Excludes OTC swap interest receivable of $244,143 and OTC swap interest payable of $197,645.
  (c) Financial instrument not subject to a master netting agreement.
  (d) Includes exchange traded purchased options with a value of $1,087,062 that is not subject to a master netting agreement.
  (e) Includes exchange traded written option with a value of $32,125 that is not subject to a master netting agreement.

The Portfolio is required to disclose the impact of offsetting assets and liabilities represented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on its financial position for recognized assets and liabilities.

The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under a master netting agreement (“MNA”) (see Note 4), or similar agreement, and net of the related collateral received by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2014.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
subject to a MNA
by Counterparty
     Financial
Instruments
available for offset
    Collateral
Received†
     Net Amount*  

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 12,618,281       $ (12,618,281   $       $   

Barclays Bank plc

     2,428,227         (2,428,227               

BNP Paribas S.A.

     1,999,749         (446,726             1,553,023   

Citibank N.A.

     2,946,511         (417,898             2,528,613   

Credit Suisse International

     291,441         (291,441               

Deutsche Bank AG

     16,728,467         (13,458,169             3,270,298   

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     1,769,293         (1,732,807             36,486   

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     5,460,022         (1,069,081             4,390,941   

Morgan Stanley & Co.

     715,323         (100,135             615,188   

Royal Bank of Canada

     83,324                        83,324   

Royal Bank of Scotland plc

     160,416         (1,451             158,965   

Standard Chartered Bank

     14,568         (9,372             5,196   

State Street Bank and Trust

     228,646                        228,646   

UBS AG

     787,138         (145,104             642,034   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 46,231,406       $ (32,718,692   $       $ 13,512,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under a MNA, or similar agreement, and net of the related collateral pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2014.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
subject to a MNA
by Counterparty
     Financial
Instruments
available for offset
    Collateral
Pledged†
    Net Amount**  

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 13,657,930       $ (12,618,281   $      $ 1,039,649   

Barclays Bank plc

     2,602,093         (2,428,227            173,866   

BNP Paribas S.A.

     446,726         (446,726              

Citibank N.A.

     417,898         (417,898              

Credit Suisse International

     1,208,499         (291,441     (510,000     407,058   

Deutsche Bank AG

     13,458,169         (13,458,169              

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     1,732,807         (1,732,807              

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     1,069,081         (1,069,081              

Morgan Stanley & Co.

     100,135         (100,135              

Royal Bank of Scotland plc

     1,451         (1,451              

Standard Chartered Bank

     9,372         (9,372              

UBS AG

     145,104         (145,104              
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 34,849,265       $ (32,718,692   $ (510,000   $ 1,620,573   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  * Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.
  ** Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.
  In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

 

MSF-45


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Interest Rate     Credit      Foreign
Exchange
    Total  

Investments (a)

   $ (7,131,263   $       $ (4,670,249   $ (11,801,512

Forward foreign currency transactions

                    16,071,017        16,071,017   

Futures contracts

     33,385,218                       33,385,218   

Swap contracts

     (7,846,230     3,367,002                (4,479,228

Written options

     1,926,917                7,879,931        9,806,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 20,334,642      $ 3,367,002       $ 19,280,699      $ 42,982,343   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   Interest Rate     Credit      Foreign
Exchange
    Total  

Investments (a)

   $ (2,117,491   $       $ 15,164,203      $ 13,046,712   

Forward foreign currency transactions

                    10,339,865        10,339,865   

Futures contracts

     9,047,496                       9,047,496   

Swap contracts

     (1,454,369     598,613                (855,756

Written options

     159,133                (16,361,039     (16,201,906
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 5,634,769      $ 598,613       $ 9,143,029      $ 15,376,411   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Investments (a)

   $ 659,557,672   

Forward foreign currency transactions

     696,283,980   

Futures contracts long

     645,200,787   

Futures contracts short

     (779,786,836

Swap contracts

     569,255,044   

Written options

     (481,049,344

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.
  (a) Represents purchased options which are part of net realized gain (loss) on investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments as shown in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels. Collateral requirements may differ by type of derivative or investment, as applicable. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange-traded derivatives (e.g., futures contracts and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swap agreements and OTC options).

 

MSF-46


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

For derivatives traded under an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the Portfolio the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty or a termination of the agreement, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the Portfolio’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the Portfolio under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Portfolio and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Portfolio under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as To-Be-Announced securities and delayed-delivery or secured borrowings transactions by and between the Portfolio and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Foreign Investment Risk: The investments by the Portfolio in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Because securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies and may pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Portfolio. Foreign investments may also subject the Portfolio to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. In addition to the risks described above, risks may arise from forward foreign currency contracts with respect to the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, including mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions but excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases      Sales  
U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$ 30,349,160,311       $ 2,935,384,559       $ 29,785,344,674       $ 3,181,070,368   

The Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other accounts managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC that amounted to $629,236 in sales of investments, which are included above.

Purchases and sales of mortgage dollar rolls and TBA transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases      Sales  
$ 21,270,987,507       $ 21,362,659,575   

 

MSF-47


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014
   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$13,434,344      0.400   Of the first $1 billion
     0.350   Of the next $1 billion
     0.300   Of the next $1 billion
     0.250   On amounts in excess of $3 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. BlackRock Advisors, LLC is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
  0.030   Of the first $1 billion
  0.025   Of the next $1 billion

Any reductions in total advisory fees paid by the Portfolio due to these waivers may be reduced or eliminated by changes in the advisory fee structure at higher asset levels. MetLife Advisers will receive advisory fees equal to 0.325% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets for amounts over $2 billion but less than $3 billion (0.025% over the contractual advisory fee rate) and 0.325% for amounts over $3 billion but less than $3.4 billion (0.075% over the contractual advisory fee rate). As a result, the dollar amount of the waiver will be reduced as assets grow beyond $2 billion up to $3.4 billion, but the advisory fee net of waivers will never exceed the contractual dollar amount that would otherwise be payable under the advisory fee.

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

MSF-48


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income      Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  
2014      2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$ 135,238,241       $ 201,565,998       $       $ 30,718,094       $ 135,238,241       $ 232,284,092   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$ 190,261,258       $ 13,991,825       $ 8,984,026       $       $ 213,237,109   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as shortterm losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized $31,066,700 of capital loss carryforwards.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-49


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-50


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-51


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-52


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-53


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

 

MSF-54


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and BlackRock Advisors LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size.

 

MSF-55


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Managed By BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio returned 8.90%, 8.64%, and 8.74%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index1, returned 13.05%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Despite a lackluster December, U.S. equities closed out 2014 with solid gains as the economy gathered steam, thanks in part to better-than-expected job growth, improved consumer confidence and healthier business spending. Continued monetary policy accommodation and strength in corporate America further underpinned stock outperformance. All told, the broad-market S&P 500 Index added nearly 5% in the fourth quarter to end the year up 13.7%. It was the third consecutive year of double-digit returns for the index, with stocks repeatedly logging record highs. The absolute return understates the level of recent market volatility, however, as weakening global economic growth, shifting expectations about Federal Reserve policy, geopolitical flare-ups and the collapse in oil prices all tested investor resolve. While these factors failed to derail the market uptrend, the flight-to-quality environment they fomented benefited defensive stock sectors such as Utilities and Health Care, as well as U.S. Treasuries.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio underperformed the Russell 1000 Growth Index during the one year period as strong results in the second half of 2014 were not enough to offset the weakness experienced in March and April when investors stampeded out of high growth/momentum stocks.

At the sector level, Consumer Discretionary was the primary detractor from relative performance, with the internet & catalog retail industry accounting for the majority of the disappointment. Selection weakness in Telecommunication Services (“Telecom”) and Information Technology (“IT”) also weighed on results. Positive performance during the annual period was attributable primarily to positioning in the Health Care sector, especially within the pharmaceuticals industry.

Japanese internet and telecom conglomerate SoftBank was the top individual detractor, with the stock selling off as investors worried that after continued weak results in its Sprint subsidiary, the company would have to support Sprint with material cash infusions. During the period, the Portfolio exited the position because the magnitude of Sprint’s ongoing cash needs was difficult to quantify.

Portfolio holdings Precision Castparts, SINA (China) and TripAdvisor also hindered relative returns, as did an underweight in Apple. Precision Castparts missed earnings expectations in three of four quarters over the year, a function of poor guidance and communication from the company as well as perennially optimistic sell-side analyst estimates. Further, following several years of expanding aerospace industry backlogs, the question of “cycle duration” came into play, limiting multiple expansion for Precision Castparts and the entire aerospace complex. SINA shares lost ground amid a confluence of factors in the first half of the reporting period, including China growth concerns; the overall slump in U.S. technology shares; worries about both user growth for the company’s social media platform Weibo and 2014 margins; and turmoil in emerging markets. We ultimately exited the position. TripAdvisor underperformed in the second half of the reporting period due to an earnings miss and lack of progress on its direct booking initiative. Concerns about the company’s continued uneven quarterly performance also weighed on sentiment. Despite near-term underperformance, the Portfolio maintained its position as we continued to believe in the long-term attractiveness of TripAdvisor’s business model, the inherent value of its reviews product, and the monetization potential of its massive travel traffic base.

With respect to Apple, an underweight early in the annual period hurt as the stock recorded strong gains following solid earnings reports. Notably, we added Apple back to the Portfolio during the second quarter given increasing confidence around upcoming product cycles, emerging markets penetration and gross margin stabilization. The stock has performed well since. We are closely watching market uptake of the upcoming Apple Watch to determine the future earnings potential for Apple.

The largest individual contributor was Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, whose shares climbed after the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved its drug Eylea for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Shares also got a boost following Sanofi’s (France) increased stake in the company, as well as positive clinical results for several drugs, including treatments for high cholesterol and atopic dermatitis. We remain confident the company can maintain its high-growth trajectory given both continued success with Eylea and a rich pipeline of promising late- and early-stage products/therapies.

Positions in AbbVie, Union Pacific and Alibaba Group (China) also added value. AbbVie outperformed as the market began to appreciate several factors underlying our investment thesis, including: (1) much better than expected growth and sales in the company’s top-selling drug Humira; (2) a strong pipeline of drugs that should propel near-term earnings per share, including therapies for hepatitis C (a growth opportunity we believe is being underappreciated), liquid tumors and multiple sclerosis; and (3) a compelling valuation, as the stock still trades at a discount multiple relative to pharmaceutical peers in the U.S. and Europe. The stock also rallied after the company abandoned its planned merger with Shire (Ireland) during the fourth quarter. Union Pacific benefited from an improving domestic economy and tight capacity in freight markets, which is a boon for rail pricing. Given very low oil/gas exposure and no direct foreign exposure, the company sustained its valuation multiple and was seen as a relatively safe haven. Alibaba outperformed as the company’s initial public offering in September was a success, valuing it well above $200 billion. Shares also got a boost after its third-quarter earnings

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Managed By BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

report showed further progress in shifting its model to mobile, from both a gross merchandise value and revenue perspective. At period end, we continued to like Alibaba’s prospects as the dominant e-commerce platform in the world’s biggest e-commerce market.

An additional contribution came from the Portfolio’s avoidance of IBM, which significantly underperformed as the secular pressures of cloud, mobile and infrastructure commoditization resulted in the company’s worst earnings miss in 10 years. We continue to avoid IBM, as we believe the aforementioned secular pressures, as well as underinvestment in the business over the last several years, will make it difficult for the company to show material growth.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio’s largest sector overweights relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index were in Health Care and IT, while Consumer Staples remained the largest underweight. The Health Care weighting primarily comprised innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with robust research & development capabilities and strong pipelines of drugs that are misunderstood by the market. Notably, these high-quality holdings were not purchased at premium valuations, but rather at prices comparable to the average company in the benchmark. We also had select exposure to health care service companies that we believe will be prime beneficiaries in the post-reform era. The overweight in IT is driven by our favorable view on internet payment processing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies that are harnessing key structural trends such as e-commerce, big data, cloud computing and mobility, which we believe will drive earnings growth in the coming years. At period end, the Portfolio’s underweight in Consumer Staples was due to the sector’s extended valuations and inferior growth prospects.

Lawrence Kemp

Portfolio Manager

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 1000 GROWTH INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio                 

Class A

       8.90           12.77           7.68   

Class B

       8.64           12.49           7.41   

Class E

       8.74           12.60           7.52   
Russell 1000 Growth Index        13.05           15.81           8.49   

1 The Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of the largest capitalized U.S. companies, within the Russell 1000 companies, that have higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

Visa, Inc. - Class A

     4.7   

Apple, Inc.

     4.4   

Facebook, Inc. - Class A

     4.4   

AbbVie, Inc.

     4.1   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

     3.8   

Yahoo!, Inc.

     3.5   

Liberty Global plc - Class A

     3.2   

Union Pacific Corp.

     3.2   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.

     3.1   

United Therapeutics Corp.

     2.9   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

Information Technology

     34.0   

Consumer Discretionary

     24.9   

Health Care

     22.7   

Industrials

     7.1   

Financials

     4.9   

Consumer Staples

     2.9   

Energy

     2.8   

Materials

     0.6   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.71    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,082.20         $ 3.73   
   Hypothetical*      0.71    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.63         $ 3.62   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.96    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,080.80         $ 5.03   
   Hypothetical*      0.96    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.37         $ 4.89   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.86    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,081.40         $ 4.51   
   Hypothetical*      0.86    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.87         $ 4.38   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—98.9% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—2.1%

  

Precision Castparts Corp.

    176,094      $ 42,417,523   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—1.8%

  

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (a) (b)

    485,548        36,697,718   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—0.7%

  

Delphi Automotive plc

    198,138        14,408,595   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—0.6%

  

Constellation Brands, Inc. - Class A (a)

    123,013        12,076,186   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—8.3%

  

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)

    210,757        19,865,955   

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    92,545        37,966,586   

United Therapeutics Corp. (a) (b)

    451,812        58,505,136   

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    429,717        51,050,380   
   

 

 

 
      167,388,057   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—0.6%

  

Ecolab, Inc.

    115,113        12,031,611   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—1.4%

  

Discover Financial Services

    438,594        28,723,521   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—2.5%

  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (a)

    134,317        20,167,697   

Moody’s Corp.

    307,927        29,502,486   
   

 

 

 
      49,670,183   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—1.5%

  

CVS Health Corp.

    146,211        14,081,581   

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

    316,514        15,958,636   
   

 

 

 
      30,040,217   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—0.8%

  

Hershey Co. (The)

    157,992        16,420,109   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—0.4%

  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a)

    14,096        7,455,938   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—2.9%

  

Express Scripts Holding Co. (a)

    480,668        40,698,160   

Humana, Inc.

    125,032        17,958,346   
   

 

 

 
      58,656,506   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—0.8%

  

athenahealth, Inc. (a) (b)

    112,575        16,402,178   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—2.2%

  

Starbucks Corp.

    331,232        27,177,585   

Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

    112,388        16,718,839   
   

 

 

 
      43,896,424   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—4.5%

  

Netflix, Inc. (a)

    117,800      40,241,658   

TripAdvisor, Inc. (a) (b)

    656,572        49,019,666   
   

 

 

 
      89,261,324   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—17.4%

  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (a)

    329,063        34,202,808   

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (ADR) (a)

    10,800        1,122,552   

Baidu, Inc. (ADR) (a)

    215,547        49,138,249   

Facebook, Inc. - Class A (a)

    1,137,586        88,754,460   

Google, Inc. - Class A (a)

    98,983        52,526,319   

LinkedIn Corp. - Class A (a)

    234,791        53,933,841   

Yahoo!, Inc. (a) (b)

    1,381,056        69,757,138   
   

 

 

 
      349,435,367   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—7.1%

  

Alliance Data Systems Corp. (a)

    167,003        47,771,208   

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    359,063        94,146,319   
   

 

 

 
      141,917,527   
   

 

 

 

Media—10.0%

  

Liberty Global plc - Class A (a) (b)

    1,265,177        63,518,211   

Time Warner, Inc.

    319,860        27,322,441   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    1,964,964        75,464,443   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    369,409        34,794,634   
   

 

 

 
      201,099,729   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—2.0%

  

Dollar General Corp. (a)

    563,107        39,811,665   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—2.8%

  

Concho Resources, Inc. (a)

    335,551        33,471,212   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    95,010        14,142,238   

Range Resources Corp.

    150,608        8,049,998   
   

 

 

 
      55,663,448   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—10.2%

  

AbbVie, Inc.

    1,270,248        83,125,029   

Mallinckrodt plc (a) (b)

    165,626        16,401,943   

Perrigo Co. plc

    257,014        42,962,460   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (a)

    438,142        62,702,502   
   

 

 

 
      205,191,934   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—1.0%

  

Crown Castle International Corp.

    262,305        20,643,403   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—3.2%

  

Union Pacific Corp.

    532,130        63,392,647   
   

 

 

 

Software—5.8%

  

Oracle Corp.

    414,296        18,630,891   

Salesforce.com, Inc. (a)

    937,427        55,598,795   

VMware, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    285,340        23,546,257   

Workday, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    230,556        18,815,675   
   

 

 

 
      116,591,618   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Specialty Retail—1.1%

  

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    215,573      $ 22,628,698   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—4.5%

  

Apple, Inc.

    808,564        89,249,294   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—2.7%

  

lululemon athletica, Inc. (a) (b)

    486,351        27,133,522   

Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    365,084        27,417,809   
   

 

 

 
      54,551,331   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,696,909,326)

      1,985,722,751   
   

 

 

 
Preferred Stock—1.0%   

Software—1.0%

  

Palantir Technologies, Inc. - Series I (a) (c) (d) (Cost $15,555,194)

    2,537,552        20,351,167   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—4.9%   

Mutual Fund—4.6%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (e)

    91,991,512        91,991,512   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—0.3%

   

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $6,603,422 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $6,835,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750% due 03/31/18 with a value of $6,739,556.

    6,603,422        6,603,422   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $98,594,934)

      98,594,934   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—104.8%
(Cost $1,811,059,454) (f)

      2,104,668,852   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(4.8)%

      (97,227,254
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 2,007,441,598   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $89,398,627 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $91,991,512. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian.
(c) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of restricted securities was $20,351,167, which is 1.0% of net assets. See details shown in the Restricted Securities table that follows.
(d) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 1.0% of net assets.
(e) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(f) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,814,615,244. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $324,999,185 and $(34,945,577), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $290,053,608 for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.

 

Restricted Securities

   Acquisition
Date
     Shares      Cost      Value  

Palantir Technologies, Inc. - Series I

     02/07/14         2,537,552       $ 15,555,194       $ 20,351,167   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 1,985,722,751       $ —        $ —         $ 1,985,722,751   

Total Preferred Stock*

     —           —          20,351,167         20,351,167   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     91,991,512         —          —           91,991,512   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           6,603,422        —           6,603,422   

Total Short-Term Investments

     91,991,512         6,603,422        —           98,594,934   

Total Investments

   $ 2,077,714,263       $ 6,603,422      $ 20,351,167       $ 2,104,668,852   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (91,991,512   $ —         $ (91,991,512

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Purchases      Balance as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in Unrealized
Appreciation from
Investments Still Held at
December 31, 2014
 
Preferred Stock               

Software

   $       $ 4,795,973       $ 15,555,194       $ 20,351,167       $ 4,795,973   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Following is quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements:

 

    Fair Value at
December 31,
2014
    Valuation
Technique(s)
  Unobservable
Input
  Range     Weighted
Average
    Relationship Between
Fair Value and Input;
if input value increases
then Fair Value:
Preferred Stocks              

Software

  $ 20,351,167      Market Transaction Method   Pending Transaction   $ 8.89      $ 8.89      $ 8.89      Increase
      Precedent Transaction   $ 6.13      $ 6.13      $ 6.13      Increase
    Discounted Cash Flow   Weighted Average Cost of Capital     16.00     18.00     17.00   Decrease
      Perpetual Growth Rate     2.50     3.50     3.00   Increase
    Market Comparable Companies   Enterprise Value / Revenue     10.2x        13.1x        11.2x      Increase
      Discount for Lack of Marketability     15.00     15.00     15.00   Decrease

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 2,104,668,852   

Receivable for:

  

Fund shares sold

     36,967   

Dividends

     811,657   

Prepaid expenses

     5,267   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     2,105,522,743   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     91,991,512   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     3,523,026   

Fund shares redeemed

     1,155,307   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,163,967   

Distribution and service fees

     44,580   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     66,258   

Other expenses

     136,495   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     98,081,145   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,007,441,598   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,385,031,580   

Accumulated net investment loss

     (66,258

Accumulated net realized gain

     328,867,886   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     293,608,390   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,007,441,598   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 1,781,348,457   

Class B

     184,623,044   

Class E

     41,470,097   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     43,241,992   

Class B

     4,572,073   

Class E

     1,016,699   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 41.19   

Class B

     40.38   

Class E

     40.79   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,811,059,454.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $89,398,627.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 14,486,269   

Securities lending income

     303,754   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     14,790,023   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     14,040,833   

Administration fees

     47,320   

Custodian and accounting fees

     175,421   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     456,284   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     63,280   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     40,040   

Shareholder reporting

     141,837   

Insurance

     12,152   

Miscellaneous

     18,295   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     15,064,879   

Less management fee waiver

     (175,000

Less broker commission recapture

     (45,084
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     14,844,795   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Loss

     (54,772
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     336,787,108   

Foreign currency transactions

     (1,141,442
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     335,645,666   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (161,504,088

Foreign currency transactions

     (651,643
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (162,155,731
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     173,489,935   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 173,435,163   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $17,033.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (54,772   $ 1,219,454   

Net realized gain

     335,645,666        282,639,167   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (162,155,731     261,549,081   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     173,435,163        545,407,702   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (1,160,142     (13,139,735

Class B

     0        (1,085,499

Class E

     0        (308,668
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1,160,142     (14,533,902
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (319,009,259     6,097,339   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (146,734,238     536,971,139   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     2,154,175,836        1,617,204,697   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 2,007,441,598      $ 2,154,175,836   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)

    

End of period

   $ (66,258   $ 910,319   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,108,544      $ 112,700,814        8,135,961      $ 270,708,814   

Reinvestments

     32,689        1,160,142        445,868        13,139,735   

Redemptions

     (10,572,883     (404,232,821     (7,488,997     (243,962,049
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (7,431,650   $ (290,371,865     1,092,832      $ 39,886,500   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     335,091      $ 12,534,919        277,663      $ 8,605,449   

Reinvestments

     0        0        37,444        1,085,499   

Redemptions

     (889,406     (33,579,792     (1,093,181     (34,711,377
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (554,315   $ (21,044,873     (778,074   $ (25,020,429
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     138,131      $ 5,238,597        99,567      $ 3,098,565   

Reinvestments

     0        0        10,560        308,668   

Redemptions

     (340,067     (12,831,118     (377,071     (12,175,965
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (201,936   $ (7,592,521     (266,944   $ (8,768,732
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (319,009,259     $ 6,097,339   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                  
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 37.85       $ 28.45      $ 24.96       $ 27.45       $ 22.96   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

     0.01         0.03        0.26         0.11         0.05   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.35         9.63        3.32         (2.55      4.49   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.36         9.66        3.58         (2.44      4.54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.02      (0.26     (0.09      (0.05      (0.05
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.02      (0.26     (0.09      (0.05      (0.05
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 41.19       $ 37.85      $ 28.45       $ 24.96       $ 27.45   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.90         34.22  (c)      14.37         (8.95      19.82   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.71         0.71        0.73         0.73         0.77   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.71         0.70        0.72         0.72         0.75   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.02         0.10        0.93         0.41         0.23   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     99         160        59         83         72   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 1,781.3       $ 1,917.9      $ 1,410.4       $ 1,314.6       $ 649.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 37.17       $ 27.94      $ 24.52       $ 26.99       $ 22.59   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.09      (0.05     0.18         0.03         (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.30         9.47        3.26         (2.50      4.42   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.21         9.42        3.44         (2.47      4.41   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.19     (0.02      0.00         (0.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     0.00         (0.19     (0.02      0.00         (0.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 40.38       $ 37.17      $ 27.94       $ 24.52       $ 26.99   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.64         33.90  (c)      14.07         (9.15      19.47   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.96         0.96        0.98         0.98         1.02   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.96         0.95        0.97         0.97         1.00   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.23      (0.16     0.68         0.12         (0.03

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     99         160        59         83         72   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 184.6       $ 190.5      $ 165.0       $ 153.7       $ 145.4   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                  
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 37.51       $ 28.19      $ 24.73       $ 27.21       $ 22.77   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.05      (0.02     0.21         0.06         0.02   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.33         9.56        3.30         (2.52      4.45   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.28         9.54        3.51         (2.46      4.47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.22     (0.05      (0.02      (0.03
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     0.00         (0.22     (0.05      (0.02      (0.03
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 40.79       $ 37.51      $ 28.19       $ 24.73       $ 27.21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.74         34.04  (c)      14.17         (9.06      19.62   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.86         0.86        0.88         0.88         0.92   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.86         0.85        0.87         0.87         0.90   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.13      (0.06     0.78         0.21         0.07   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     99         160        59         83         72   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 41.5       $ 45.7      $ 41.9       $ 41.6       $ 51.9   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) In 2013 0.03%, 0.03% and 0.03% of the Portfolio’s total return for Class A, Class B and Class E, respectively, consists of a voluntary reimbursement by the subadvisor. Excluding this item, total return would have been 34.19%, 33.87% and 34.01% for Class A, Class B and Class E, respectively.
(d) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to broker commission recapture, foreign currency transactions, return of capital adjustments, ordinary loss netting, and distribution re-designation. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $6,603,422, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts - The Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to obtain investment exposure, enhance return or hedge or protect its portfolio holdings against the risk of future movements in certain foreign currency exchange rates. When entering into these contracts, the Portfolio agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Portfolio’s net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward foreign exchange rates at the valuation date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When a contract is closed, the Portfolio recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in the Statement of Operations. These contracts involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities of the Portfolio, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the currency holdings, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase. In addition, the Portfolio could be exposed to losses if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of the contracts. The Portfolio’s maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Foreign
Exchange
 

Forward foreign currency transactions

   $ (1,191,045
  

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Foreign
Exchange
 

Forward foreign currency transactions

   $ (650,605
  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Forward foreign currency transactions

   $ 45,699,773   

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels. Collateral requirements may differ by type of derivative or investment, as applicable. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange-traded derivatives (e.g., futures contracts and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swap agreements and OTC options).

For derivatives traded under an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the Portfolio the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty or a termination of the agreement, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the Portfolio’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the Portfolio under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Portfolio and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Portfolio under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 2,008,936,306       $ 0       $ 2,337,174,367   

The Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other accounts managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC that amounted to $1,600,339 in purchases of investments, which are included above.

 

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$14,040,833      0.730   Of the first $1 billion
     0.650   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. BlackRock Advisors, LLC is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets  
0.025%    Over $ 300 million and less than $1 billion   

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of the Adviser; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$1,160,142    $ 14,533,902       $       $       $ 1,160,142       $ 14,533,902   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$83,521,306    $ 248,902,370       $ 290,052,600       $       $ 622,476,276   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized $3,282,055 of capital loss carryforwards.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and BlackRock Advisors, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board considered management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the average of the Sub-advised Expense Group but below the average of the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year. In addition, the Board considered that the Adviser had negotiated reductions to the Portfolio’s sub-advisory fee schedule and that the Adviser agreed to waive a corresponding portion of its advisory fee in order for contractholders to benefit from the lower sub-advisory fee effective January 1, 2015.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Managed By BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio returned 9.92%, 9.70%, and 9.79%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index1, returned 13.45%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

The U.S. equity market shrugged off a number of major geopolitical and macroeconomic developments in 2014 to register its sixth consecutive annual gain, peaking in late December. While the “polar vortex” in the U.S. depressed first-quarter economic activity, conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and Syria and the outbreak of Ebola created anxiety among investors. A precipitous fall in the price of oil implied a weakening global economy and pushed Russia to the brink of a currency crisis. Ultimately, continued earnings growth among U.S. companies and easy global monetary policy drove prices higher. In addition, a strengthening dollar and self-sustaining U.S. economic recovery led global investors to seek opportunities in the U.S. Within the Russell 1000 Value Index, the Information Technology (“IT”) and Utilities sectors delivered the best results, while the Energy sector was the notable underperformer, declining on the year.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio underperformed the Russell 1000 Value Index during the one year period, largely as a result of performance in the fourth quarter. Key macroeconomic developments (a sharp decline in the price of oil and a surprising decline in interest rates) led to underperformance in the Energy and Financials sectors.

With the price of oil plummeting 40% in the fourth quarter, the Portfolio’s overweight position and stock selection in the Energy sector contributed negatively. Large investments in Apache and Marathon Oil accounted for much of the relative weakness. At period end, we continued to be confident in our current positioning in the sector and believe both companies have high-quality assets that will produce substantial value over the longer term.

In Financials, the Portfolio’s investment in insurance company Genworth Financial was a significant detractor as the company fell sharply during the second half of the year after reporting larger-than-expected reserve charges for the company’s long-term care business. In addition, the Portfolio’s avoidance of real estate investment trusts (REITs), which surged 30% as interest rates trended lower, detracted notably.

Stock selection in Industrials, combined with a large underweight position in the sector, boosted relative performance. At the stock level, the Portfolio’s preference for aerospace & defense companies over poorly performing General Electric and machinery stocks added value. The Health Care sector also delivered strong outperformance, thanks to the Portfolio’s investments in the pharmaceuticals industry. AstraZeneca (United Kingdom) surged on the attempted acquisition by Pfizer, while both Hospira and Teva Pharmaceuticals (Israel) also delivered impressive gains.

At period-end, the Portfolio held notable overweights relative to the Russell 1000 Value Index in the Health Care, IT and Consumer Discretionary sectors, while holding significant underweights in Industrials, Utilities and Consumer Staples.

Bart Geer

Carrie King

Portfolio Managers

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 1000 VALUE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio                 

Class A

       9.92           13.15           5.79   

Class B

       9.70           12.86           5.52   

Class E

       9.79           12.97           5.63   
Russell 1000 Value Index        13.45           15.42           7.30   

1 The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged measure of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies with a less than average growth orientation. Companies in this Index generally have a low price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratio, higher dividend yields and lower forecasted growth values.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

Pfizer, Inc.

     4.5   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     4.4   

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     4.1   

Citigroup, Inc.

     4.0   

Marathon Oil Corp.

     2.9   

Kroger Co. (The)

     2.8   

Medtronic, Inc.

     2.7   

Wells Fargo & Co.

     2.6   

Discover Financial Services

     2.5   

Capital One Financial Corp.

     2.5   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

Financials

     29.5   

Health Care

     18.1   

Information Technology

     13.7   

Energy

     11.9   

Consumer Discretionary

     10.4   

Consumer Staples

     4.9   

Industrials

     3.9   

Telecommunication Services

     3.0   

Materials

     2.4   

Utilities

     2.0   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.80         $ 3.21   
   Hypothetical*      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.03         $ 3.21   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.87    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.90         $ 4.43   
   Hypothetical*      0.87    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.82         $ 4.43   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.77    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.80         $ 3.92   
   Hypothetical*      0.77    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.32         $ 3.92   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—99.5% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—3.1%

  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    57,000      $ 5,695,440   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    90,700        13,368,273   

Raytheon Co.

    233,075        25,211,723   

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    193,600        8,332,544   
   

 

 

 
      52,607,980   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.1%

  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    37,690        2,021,315   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—1.1%

  

Lear Corp.

    196,300        19,253,104   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—1.4%

  

General Motors Co.

    663,900        23,176,749   
   

 

 

 

Banks—12.4%

  

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,242,381        67,225,236   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,186,517        74,252,234   

KeyCorp

    618,170        8,592,563   

Regions Financial Corp.

    1,310,921        13,843,325   

Wells Fargo & Co.

    813,200        44,579,624   
   

 

 

 
      208,492,982   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—1.2%

  

KKR & Co. L.P.

    14,700        341,187   

Morgan Stanley

    401,200        15,566,560   

State Street Corp.

    52,400        4,113,400   
   

 

 

 
      20,021,147   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—2.1%

  

Akzo Nobel NV (ADR)

    805,750        18,371,100   

Cabot Corp.

    7,750        339,915   

Celanese Corp. - Series A

    89,020        5,337,639   

LyondellBasell Industries NV - Class A

    148,680        11,803,705   
   

 

 

 
      35,852,359   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—6.4%

  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    2,468,440        68,659,659   

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    232,170        17,257,196   

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (ADR)

    1,807,050        21,865,305   
   

 

 

 
      107,782,160   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.1%

  

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (a)

    26,710        1,193,670   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—5.5%

  

Capital One Financial Corp.

    502,670        41,495,409   

Discover Financial Services

    652,490        42,731,570   

SLM Corp.

    904,100        9,212,779   
   

 

 

 
      93,439,758   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—0.3%

  

Crown Holdings, Inc. (a)

    86,710        4,413,539   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—2.0%

  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    11,300      2,477,977   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    661,055        31,704,198   
   

 

 

 
      34,182,175   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—1.6%

  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    595,520        27,858,426   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—0.8%

  

Avnet, Inc.

    210,770        9,067,325   

Corning, Inc.

    184,900        4,239,757   
   

 

 

 
      13,307,082   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—0.1%

  

Halliburton Co.

    17,260        678,836   

Noble Corp. plc (b)

    25,790        427,340   
   

 

 

 
      1,106,176   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—3.5%

  

CVS Health Corp.

    108,740        10,472,749   

Kroger Co. (The)

    744,200        47,785,082   
   

 

 

 
      58,257,831   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—0.5%

  

Kellogg Co.

    13,300        870,352   

Tyson Foods, Inc. - Class A

    177,840        7,129,606   
   

 

 

 
      7,999,958   
   

 

 

 

Gas Utilities—0.5%

  

UGI Corp.

    202,250        7,681,455   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—5.9%

  

Baxter International, Inc.

    407,820        29,889,128   

Hologic, Inc. (a)

    462,430        12,365,378   

Medtronic, Inc. (b)

    634,400        45,803,680   

Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

    99,500        11,285,290   
   

 

 

 
      99,343,476   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—3.9%

  

Cigna Corp.

    32,570        3,351,779   

Community Health Systems, Inc. (a)

    485,280        26,166,297   

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings (a)

    56,150        6,058,585   

Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (b)

    447,500        30,009,350   
   

 

 

 
      65,586,011   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—1.9%

  

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

    702,920        26,774,223   

Tupperware Brands Corp. (b)

    77,810        4,902,030   
   

 

 

 
      31,676,253   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—0.5%

  

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    60,100        7,726,456   
   

 

 

 

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers—1.6%

  

AES Corp.

    1,908,580        26,281,147   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description  

Shares

    Value  

Insurance—7.3%

  

ACE, Ltd.

    74,690      $ 8,580,387   

Aflac, Inc.

    16,590        1,013,483   

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    230,200        3,964,044   

Genworth Financial, Inc. - Class A (a)

    1,536,000        13,056,000   

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    520,050        21,680,884   

Lincoln National Corp.

    482,200        27,808,474   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    287,200        25,980,112   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    52,530        5,560,301   

XL Group plc

    456,030        15,673,751   
   

 

 

 
      123,317,436   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—1.4%

  

Total System Services, Inc.

    105,200        3,572,592   

Western Union Co. (The) (b)

    390,800        6,999,228   

Xerox Corp.

    958,360        13,282,870   
   

 

 

 
      23,854,690   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—0.5%

  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    88,300        8,483,864   
   

 

 

 

Media—3.3%

  

Cablevision Systems Corp. - Class A (b)

    229,030        4,727,179   

Comcast Corp. - Special Class A

    148,430        8,544,373   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    272,410        5,657,956   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

    33,570        5,104,654   

Viacom, Inc. - Class B

    423,100        31,838,275   
   

 

 

 
      55,872,437   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—0.4%

  

Macy’s, Inc.

    102,000        6,706,500   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—11.8%

  

Apache Corp.

    581,050        36,414,404   

Gulfport Energy Corp. (a)

    367,110        15,323,171   

Marathon Oil Corp.

    1,705,620        48,251,990   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    293,926        26,529,761   

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    809,830        25,736,397   

Total S.A. (ADR)

    222,606        11,397,427   

Valero Energy Corp.

    722,160        35,746,920   
   

 

 

 
      199,400,070   
   

 

 

 

Personal Products—0.2%

  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (b)

    79,380        3,468,906   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—8.3%

  

Hospira, Inc. (a)

    572,470        35,063,788   

Pfizer, Inc.

    2,422,155        75,450,128   

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (ADR)

    506,840        29,148,368   
   

 

 

 
      139,662,284   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—1.0%

  

OUTFRONT Media, Inc.

    601,534        16,145,172   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.1%

  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    16,710        2,505,330   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—0.8%

  

Teradyne, Inc.

    683,108      13,518,707   
   

 

 

 

Software—4.3%

  

Microsoft Corp.

    594,970        27,636,356   

Oracle Corp.

    694,830        31,246,505   

Symantec Corp.

    548,490        14,071,511   
   

 

 

 
      72,954,372   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—2.3%

  

Gap, Inc. (The)

    233,680        9,840,265   

GNC Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    629,700        29,570,712   
   

 

 

 
      39,410,977   
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services—1.3%

  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    670,576        16,932,044   

United States Cellular Corp. (a) (b)

    142,043        5,657,573   
   

 

 

 
      22,589,617   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,480,237,039)

      1,677,151,571   
   

 

 

 
Convertible Preferred Stocks—0.3%   

Food Products—0.2%

  

Tyson Foods, Inc.
4.750%, 07/15/17

    90,527        4,557,129   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—0.1%

  

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
6.250%, 11/17/16 (b)

    10,940        1,288,076   
   

 

 

 

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
(Cost $5,635,901)

      5,845,205   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—2.1%   

Mutual Fund—1.8%

   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    30,970,323        30,970,323   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—0.3%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $4,530,692 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $4,440,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. at 4.375% due 07/17/15 with a value of $4,623,150.

    4,530,692        4,530,692   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $35,501,015)

      35,501,015   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—101.9%
(Cost $1,521,373,955) (d)

      1,718,497,791   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(1.9)%

      (32,796,606
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,685,701,185   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $93,077,634 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $30,970,323 and non-cash collateral with a value of $65,508,105. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,528,662,633. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $251,422,044 and $(61,586,886), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $189,835,158 for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 1,677,151,571       $ —          $—         $ 1,677,151,571   

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks*

     5,845,205         —          —           5,845,205   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     30,970,323         —          —           30,970,323   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           4,530,692        —           4,530,692   

Total Short-Term Investments

     30,970,323         4,530,692        —           35,501,015   

Total Investments

   $ 1,713,967,099       $ 4,530,692        $—         $ 1,718,497,791   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (30,970,323     $—         $ (30,970,323

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,718,497,791   

Cash

     782,835   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     9,020,023   

Fund shares sold

     108,197   

Dividends

     1,386,365   

Prepaid expenses

     4,545   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,729,799,756   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     30,970,323   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     11,050,942   

Fund shares redeemed

     980,352   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     856,171   

Distribution and service fees

     67,551   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     62,776   

Other expenses

     110,456   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     44,098,571   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,685,701,185   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,340,996,389   

Undistributed net investment income

     27,475,309   

Accumulated net realized gain

     120,105,651   

Unrealized appreciation on investments

     197,123,836   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,685,701,185   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 1,342,885,522   

Class B

     283,551,091   

Class E

     59,264,572   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     135,750,309   

Class B

     28,934,360   

Class E

     6,021,799   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 9.89   

Class B

     9.80   

Class E

     9.84   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,521,373,955.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $93,077,634.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 37,976,935   

Securities lending income

     328,256   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     38,305,191   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     11,303,007   

Administration fees

     41,903   

Custodian and accounting fees

     157,626   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     698,902   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     88,340   

Audit and tax services

     43,875   

Legal

     38,693   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     29,156   

Shareholder reporting

     129,862   

Insurance

     11,637   

Miscellaneous

     18,635   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     12,561,636   

Less management fee waiver

     (2,437,027
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     10,124,609   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     28,180,582   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     129,683,619   

Futures contracts

     648,841   

Foreign currency transactions

     (6,956
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     130,325,504   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

     14,177,128   
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     144,502,632   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 172,683,214   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $611,429.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 28,180,582      $ 24,611,173   

Net realized gain

     130,325,504        468,573,996   

Net change in unrealized appreciation

     14,177,128        24,861,022   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     172,683,214        518,046,191   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (21,066,507     (22,342,316

Class B

     (2,965,683     (3,019,181

Class E

     (671,818     (698,604

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (383,863,755     (86,380,800

Class B

     (65,678,461     (13,883,657

Class E

     (13,717,473     (2,986,287
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (487,963,697     (129,310,845
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (3,582,016     (75,741,307
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (318,862,499     312,994,039   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     2,004,563,684        1,691,569,645   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,685,701,185      $ 2,004,563,684   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 27,475,309      $ 24,435,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,461,216      $ 32,373,495        5,678,161      $ 62,157,473   

Reinvestments

     44,793,170        404,930,262        10,905,026        108,723,116   

Redemptions

     (51,156,983     (496,683,480     (22,293,363     (243,089,360
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (2,902,597   $ (59,379,723     (5,710,176   $ (72,208,771
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     2,381,156      $ 23,751,030        1,990,621      $ 21,535,137   

Reinvestments

     7,652,637        68,644,144        1,703,915        16,902,838   

Redemptions

     (4,456,988     (44,885,644     (3,924,903     (42,703,963
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     5,576,805      $ 47,509,530        (230,367   $ (4,265,988
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     736,207      $ 7,297,580        899,485      $ 9,788,145   

Reinvestments

     1,598,810        14,389,291        370,713        3,684,891   

Redemptions

     (1,315,544     (13,398,694     (1,171,740     (12,739,584
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     1,019,473      $ 8,288,177        98,458      $ 733,452   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (3,582,016     $ (75,741,307
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                 
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 12.02      $ 9.80      $ 10.36       $ 10.23       $ 9.46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (a)

     0.16        0.15        0.17         0.15         0.13   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.75        2.84        1.21         0.10         0.74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.91        2.99        1.38         0.25         0.87   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

            

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.16     (0.16     (0.18      (0.12      (0.10

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (2.88     (0.61     (1.76      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.04     (0.77     (1.94      (0.12      (0.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 9.89      $ 12.02      $ 9.80       $ 10.36       $ 10.23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     9.92        32.05  (c)      14.28         2.35         9.22   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.65        0.65        0.66         0.66         0.65   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.52  (e)      0.59        0.63         0.63         0.65   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.61        1.35        1.80         1.41         1.34   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     40        113        107         107         135   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 1,342.9      $ 1,666.1      $ 1,414.2       $ 941.4       $ 1,643.5   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.93      $ 9.73      $ 10.30       $ 10.18       $ 9.42   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (a)

     0.14        0.12        0.15         0.14         0.10   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.74        2.82        1.20         0.08         0.74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.88        2.94        1.35         0.22         0.84   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

            

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.13     (0.13     (0.16      (0.10      (0.08

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (2.88     (0.61     (1.76      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.01     (0.74     (1.92      (0.10      (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 9.80      $ 11.93      $ 9.73       $ 10.30       $ 10.18   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     9.70        31.74  (c)      13.97         2.05         8.92   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.90        0.90        0.91         0.91         0.90   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.77  (e)      0.84        0.88         0.88         0.90   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.36        1.10        1.52         1.30         1.08   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     40        113        107         107         135   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 283.6      $ 278.6      $ 229.5       $ 212.6       $ 200.8   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                 
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.97      $ 9.76      $ 10.32       $ 10.20       $ 9.44   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (a)

     0.15        0.13        0.16         0.14         0.11   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.74        2.83        1.21         0.09         0.74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.89        2.96        1.37         0.23         0.85   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

            

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.14     (0.14     (0.17      (0.11      (0.09

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (2.88     (0.61     (1.76      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.02     (0.75     (1.93      (0.11      (0.09
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 9.84      $ 11.97      $ 9.76       $ 10.32       $ 10.20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     9.79        31.88  (c)      14.14         2.13         9.00   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.80        0.80        0.81         0.81         0.80   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.67  (e)      0.74        0.78         0.78         0.80   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.46        1.20        1.62         1.37         1.18   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     40        113        107         107         135   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 59.3      $ 59.9      $ 47.9       $ 47.7       $ 53.5   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) In 2013 0.11%, 0.11% and 0.11% of the Portfolio’s total return for Class A, Class B and Class E, respectively, consists of a voluntary reimbursement by the subadvisor. Excluding this item, total return would have been 31.94%, 31.63% and 31.77% for Class A, Class B and Class E, respectively.
(d) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(e) The effect of the voluntary portion of the management fee waiver was 0.10% for the year ended December 31, 2014 (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions and return of capital adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $4,530,692, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 25, 2014 through April 29, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $175,955,122 in notional cost on equity index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized gains in the amount of $648,841 which are shown under Net realized gain on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 714,857,941       $ 0       $ 1,168,386,754   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $70,275,625 in sales of investments, which are included above.

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$11,303,007      0.700   On the first $250 million
     0.650   Of the next $500 million
     0.600   On amounts in excess of $750 million

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. BlackRock Advisors, LLC (“BlackRock”) is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015,to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.020%    Of the first $250 million
0.025%    On the next $500 million
0.050%    On amounts in excess of $1 billion

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $575,250 and are included in the total amount shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Additionally, BlackRock had agreed to waive subadvisory fees for the period December 2, 2013 through April 30, 2014. MetLife Advisers had agreed to reduce its advisory fee for the Portfolio by the amount waived by BlackRock. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $1,861,777 and are included in the total amount shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of the Adviser; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$169,201,125    $ 59,229,615       $ 318,762,572       $ 70,081,230       $ 487,963,697       $ 129,310,845   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$90,841,944    $ 64,090,468       $ 189,835,158       $ —         $ 344,767,570   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before re-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and BlackRock Advisors, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board also took into account management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Managed By BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the BlackRock Money Market Portfolio returned 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0.00%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index1, returned 0.03%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

The Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) maintained the federal funds rate in the target range of 0.00% to 0.25% during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2014. While the economy contracted by 2.1% in the first quarter of 2014, the factors that detracted from growth proved to be temporary as U.S. economic performance gained momentum as the year progressed. U.S. gross domestic product rebounded strongly, growing at seasonally adjusted rates of 4.6% and 5.0% in the second and third quarters, respectively. The job market also improved markedly. The unemployment rate fell to 5.8% in November, a level not seen since before the financial crisis. Although it left interest rates unchanged, non-conventional policy measures provided by the FOMC evolved. Late in the year, policymakers became increasingly concerned that a strengthening dollar and economic weakness overseas would present headwinds to growth in the U.S. Despite these reservations, the FOMC decided that enough progress had been made toward attaining its dual objectives of maximum employment within the context of price stability to announce the end to its asset purchase program in October. Furthermore, the FOMC’s last meeting of the year concluded on December 17 with a significant but widely anticipated shift in tone. The “considerable time” language that had been a part of the FOMC’s statement since March was altered to “the committee judges that it can be patient in beginning to normalize the stance of monetary policy.” The phrase “considerable time” became widely associated with a rate hike occurring six months after the end of quantitative easing, a program that concluded in October. Perhaps due to this perception and concern that removing those words could disrupt markets and signal a more imminent rate increase, officials added language in their statement indicating that the new description of their stance was “consistent” with past assurances that rates would stay low for a “considerable time.” The shift in the placement of the phrase in the statement did cause some confusion among market participants. In a follow-up press conference, FOMC Chairperson Janet Yellen sought to reassure the market that a change in language did not signify a change in policy. She said that the FOMC may not move to raise rates until after a “couple of meetings” next year, which she later clarified to mean two. But she further stressed that any change in policy would be dependent on economic conditions, highlighting such factors as further improvement in the labor market, a continued decline in the unemployment rate and inflation near current levels.

In the Eurozone, slow economic growth combined with falling inflation measures continued to disappoint policymakers. In an effort to spur growth and combat deflationary pressures, the European Central Bank (“ECB”) cut its key rates by 0.10% in July, and by an additional 0.10% in September, boldly taking the deposit rate to negative 0.20%. The central bank also announced an asset purchase program focused on asset-backed securities and covered bonds. While ECB President Mario Draghi stressed recently that the ECB had no plans to further lower interest rates, pressure on the ECB is mounting to pull out all stops in combatting falling prices, thereby increasing the possibility of large-scale government bond purchases early in 2015.

London Interbank Offered Rates (“LIBOR”) remained virtually unchanged over the period amid highly accommodative monetary policy. The benchmark three-month LIBOR ended the period at 0.255%, just 1 basis point higher than it was at the end of 2013.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

As investors have been extending their credit purchases in the 3- to 6-month space, yields in this sector have compressed. Therefore, the Portfolio continues to employ a barbell investment structure—investing in select first-tier, highly-rated credits in the 12-month space while offsetting them with purchases of 30-day and shorter maturities. The longer-term trades were concentrated in the top one to three systemically important banks located in select countries. Additionally, adding exposure to variable rate bank obligations maturing in 12-months continued to be an effective way to manage weighted average maturity (“WAM”) limits in addition to offering some level of yield protection should the FOMC act to raise rates. Said investments reset off the daily Fed Funds Effective Rate or either the 1-month or 3-month LIBOR indexes. Also, U.S. Treasury securities continued to be purchased to augment liquidity and diversification of the Portfolio. We will continue to monitor FOMC

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Managed By BlackRock Advisors, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

statements and market indicators to gauge any potential change in the FOMC’s outlook for the federal funds rate. At period end, we expected to maintain the existing barbell investment strategy at least until the timing of FOMC action became clearer.

The WAM of the Portfolio stood at 57 days on December 31, 2014.

BlackRock Liquidity Team

Portfolio Managers

BlackRock Advisors, LLC

 

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

1 The Bank of America/Merrill Lynch 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is composed of a single 90-day Treasury Bill issue, or potentially a seasoned 6-month or 1-year Treasury Bill issue, that is replaced on a monthly basis.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.19    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,000.00         $ 0.96   
   Hypothetical*      0.19    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,024.25         $ 0.97   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.19    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,000.00         $ 0.96   
   Hypothetical*      0.19    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,024.25         $ 0.97   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.19    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,000.00         $ 0.96   
   Hypothetical*      0.19    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,024.25         $ 0.97   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee and distribution and service fee waivers as described in Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Financial Company Commercial Paper (a)—31.7%

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

ANZ New Zealand International, Ltd. (London)

   

0.252%, 06/04/15

    5,000,000      $ 5,000,000   

Bank of Nova Scotia

   

0.248%, 02/10/15 (144A)

    5,000,000        4,998,639   

0.274%, 05/15/15

    8,000,000        7,991,960   

Caisse Centrale Desjardins

   

0.132%, 01/05/15

    20,000,000        19,999,711   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

   

0.242%, 03/30/15 (144A)

    8,000,000        8,017,951   

0.245%, 05/20/15

    7,000,000        7,000,000   

0.253%, 03/23/15 (144A)

    10,000,000        10,000,000   

0.253%, 04/23/15

    10,000,000        9,999,844   

0.259%, 10/21/15 (144A)

    8,000,000        8,000,000   

DnB Bank ASA

   

0.238%, 03/02/15

    40,000,000        39,984,333   

Erste Abwicklungsanstalt

   

0.213%, 06/22/15

    5,000,000        4,994,983   

General Electric Capital Corp.

   

0.213%, 02/17/15

    5,000,000        4,998,629   

0.223%, 06/04/15

    5,000,000        4,995,294   

0.243%, 06/11/15

    10,000,000        9,989,267   

0.243%, 06/16/15

    5,000,000        4,994,467   

HSBC Bank plc

   

0.230%, 05/08/15

    7,000,000        7,000,000   

0.254%, 10/16/15

    8,000,000        8,000,000   

0.263%, 10/23/15 (144A)

    8,000,000        8,000,000   

0.268%, 11/19/15

    8,000,000        8,000,000   

Macquarie Bank, Ltd.

   

0.324%, 02/19/15

    5,000,000        4,997,822   

0.394%, 03/03/15

    2,200,000        2,200,059   

Mizuho Funding LLC

   

0.193%, 01/05/15

    10,000,000        9,999,789   

0.223%, 03/16/15

    7,877,000        7,873,438   

National Australia Bank, Ltd.

   

0.250%, 11/05/15

    9,000,000        9,000,000   

National Australia Funding Delaware, Inc.

   

0.234%, 03/13/15

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

0.235%, 03/10/15 (144A)

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

0.236%, 08/11/15 (144A)

    8,000,000        8,000,000   

0.249%, 08/27/15

    7,000,000        7,000,000   

Natixis (NY)

   

0.101%, 01/02/15

    10,000,000        9,999,972   

Nederlandse Waterschapsbank NV

   

0.232%, 07/09/15

    4,500,000        4,500,000   

0.237%, 10/01/15

    12,000,000        12,000,000   

Nordea Bank AB

   

0.213%, 01/27/15

    12,000,000        11,998,180   

0.218%, 01/21/15

    12,255,000        12,253,536   

0.228%, 04/16/15 (144A)

    4,000,000        3,997,375   

NRW Bank

   

0.071%, 01/02/15

    12,000,000        11,999,977   

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB

   

0.259%, 03/11/15

    12,000,000        11,994,135   

0.259%, 04/10/15

    5,000,000        4,996,494   

0.259%, 04/20/15

    7,250,000        7,244,402   

State Street Corp.

   

0.233%, 06/08/15

    10,000,000        9,989,906   

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

   

0.071%, 01/07/15

    10,000,000      9,999,883   

0.253%, 04/20/15

    9,764,000        9,756,609   

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Ltd. (NY)

   

0.253%, 04/22/15

    10,000,000        9,992,292   

Westpac Banking Corp.

   

0.232%, 07/02/15 (144A)

    5,000,000        4,999,873   

Westpac Securities NZ, Ltd.

   

0.275%, 08/13/15 (144A)

    7,500,000        7,500,000   
   

 

 

 

Total Financial Company Commercial Paper
(Cost $384,258,820)

      384,258,820   
   

 

 

 
Certificate of Deposit—23.6%                

Foreign Banks Yankee Dollar—17.9%

  

Bank of Montreal (Chicago)

   

0.215%, 03/10/15 (b)

    10,000,000        10,000,000   

0.241%, 04/09/15 (b)

    7,000,000        7,000,000   

0.243%, 04/06/15

    7,500,000        7,500,000   

Bank of Nova Scotia (Houston)

   

0.245%, 07/09/15 (b)

    18,000,000        18,000,000   

0.245%, 08/04/15 (b)

    11,258,000        11,258,000   

Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (NY)

   

0.253%, 02/25/15

    6,750,000        6,750,000   

BNP Paribas S.A. (NY)

   

0.213%, 02/09/15

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NY)

   

0.235%, 06/17/15 (b)

    5,500,000        5,500,000   

Credit Industriel et Commercial (NY)

   

0.304%, 01/08/15

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

National Bank of Canada (NY)

   

0.259%, 06/19/15 (b)

    7,000,000        7,000,000   

0.301%, 09/24/15 (b)

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

Nordea Bank Finland plc (NY)

   

0.243%, 02/17/15

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

Rabobank Nederland (NY)

   

0.276%, 02/03/15 (b)

    15,000,000        15,000,000   

0.287%, 09/16/15 (b)

    16,000,000        16,000,000   

0.355%, 01/12/15

    14,000,000        14,000,000   

Royal Bank of Canada (NY)

   

0.254%, 10/14/15 (b)

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

0.255%, 11/10/15 (b)

    4,750,000        4,750,000   

0.304%, 02/04/15 (b)

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (NY)

   

0.203%, 01/07/15

    19,000,000        19,000,000   

Toronto Dominion Bank (NY)

   

0.252%, 09/04/15 (b)

    12,000,000        12,000,000   

0.253%, 06/10/15

    8,000,000        8,000,000   

Westpac Banking Corp. (NY)

   

0.240%, 05/05/15 (b)

    10,000,000        10,000,000   

0.262%, 10/30/15 (b)

    15,000,000        15,000,000   
   

 

 

 
      216,758,000   
   

 

 

 

Domestic Banks—4.9%

   

Bank of America N.A.

   

0.264%, 05/26/15

    6,000,000        6,000,000   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Certificate of Deposit—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Domestic Banks—(Continued)

   

Citibank N.A. (NY)

   

0.253%, 05/11/15

    14,000,000      $ 14,000,000   

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

   

0.287%, 10/23/15

    10,000,000        10,000,000   

Wells Fargo Bank N.A.

   

0.269%, 09/08/15 (b)

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

0.294%, 03/13/15 (b)

    7,000,000        7,000,000   

0.304%, 02/12/15 (b)

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

0.304%, 02/17/15 (b)

    5,000,000        5,000,000   

0.304%, 11/19/15 (b)

    7,000,000        7,000,000   
   

 

 

 
      59,000,000   
   

 

 

 

Foreign Banks Eurodollar—0.8%

   

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Ltd.

   

0.243%, 02/25/15

    10,000,000        10,000,000   
   

 

 

 

Total Certificate of Deposit
(Cost $285,758,000)

      285,758,000   
   

 

 

 
Asset Backed Commercial Paper (a)—23.0%   

Albion Capital LLC

   

0.132%, 01/21/15

    21,629,000        21,627,438   

Antalis U.S. Funding Corp.

   

0.233%, 02/06/15

    5,000,000        4,998,850   

Bedford Row Funding Corp.

   

0.264%, 03/12/15

    10,000,000        10,000,000   

0.289%, 11/20/15

    8,000,000        8,000,000   

Charta LLC

   

0.253%, 02/04/15

    13,000,000        12,996,931   

0.253%, 05/12/15

    10,470,000        10,460,475   

Collateralized Commercial Paper Co. LLC

   

0.152%, 01/06/15

    10,000,000        9,999,792   

0.203%, 02/04/15

    8,500,000        8,498,394   

Collateralized Commercial Paper II Co. LLC

   

0.304%, 02/09/15

    7,550,000        7,547,546   

0.304%, 03/16/15

    12,000,000        11,992,600   

0.406%, 07/07/15

    12,500,000        12,474,028   

Fairway Finance Co. LLC

   

0.101%, 01/06/15

    10,000,000        9,999,861   

0.223%, 02/06/15 (144A)

    15,000,000        14,996,700   

Gotham Funding Corp.

   

0.030%, 01/02/15 (144A)

    5,268,000        5,267,996   

Jupiter Securitization Co. LLC

   

0.253%, 06/09/15

    8,000,000        7,991,167   

0.264%, 06/05/15

    2,398,000        2,395,316   

Nieuw Amsterdam Receivables Corp.

   

0.101%, 01/02/15

    49,536,000        49,535,862   

Old Line Funding LLC

   

0.223%, 01/26/15

    15,000,000        14,997,708   

Thunder Bay Funding LLC

   

0.223%, 02/06/15

    10,000,000        9,997,800   

Victory Receivables Corp.

   

0.162%, 01/05/15

    20,000,000        19,999,644   

Working Capital Management Co.

   

0.132%, 01/05/15

    25,000,000      $ 24,999,639   
   

 

 

 

Total Asset Backed Commercial Paper
(Cost $278,777,747)

      278,777,747   
   

 

 

 
Treasury Debt—18.1%   

U.S. Treasury Bills

   

0.030%, 03/26/15 (a)

    15,000,000        14,998,950   

0.048%, 04/23/15 (a)

    25,000,000        24,996,306   

0.080%, 05/28/15 (a)

    30,000,000        29,990,163   

0.118%, 06/25/15 (a)

    31,700,000        31,681,886   

0.810%, 03/05/15 (a)

    28,750,000        28,745,918   

0.129%, 09/17/15 (a)

    4,000,000        3,996,331   

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Note

   

0.094%, 10/31/16 (b)

    11,760,000        11,760,016   

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

2.500%, 03/31/15

    30,000,000        30,181,940   

0.375%, 04/15/15

    18,000,000        18,015,858   

1.875%, 06/30/15

    25,000,000        25,219,484   
   

 

 

 

Total Treasury Debt
(Cost $219,586,852)

      219,586,852   
   

 

 

 
Other Commercial Paper (a)—1.8%   

CPPIB Capital, Inc.

   

0.304%, 02/09/15

    7,000,000        6,997,725   

Netjets, Inc.

   

0.081%, 01/06/15

    15,000,000        14,999,834   
   

 

 

 

Total Other Commercial Paper
(Cost $21,997,559)

      21,997,559   
   

 

 

 
Government Agency Debt—1.2%   

Fannie Mae

   

0.167%, 02/27/15 (b)

    15,000,000        14,999,411   
   

 

 

 

Total Government Agency Debt
(Cost $14,999,411)

      14,999,411   
   

 

 

 
Other Note—0.9%   

Svenska Handelsbanken AB

   

0.315%, 06/15/15 (144A) (b)

    11,100,000        11,100,000   
   

 

 

 

Total Other Note
(Cost $11,100,000)

      11,100,000   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—100.3%
(Cost $1,216,478,389) (c)

      1,216,478,389   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(0.3)%

      (3,071,291
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,213,407,098   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(b) Variable or floating rate security. The stated rate represents the rate at December 31, 2014. Maturity date shown for callable securities reflects the earliest possible call date.
(c) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,216,478,389.
(144A)— Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of 144A securities was $99,878,534, which is 8.2% of net assets.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Financial Company Commercial Paper

   $ —         $ 384,258,820       $ —         $ 384,258,820   

Certificate of Deposit*

     —           285,758,000         —           285,758,000   

Asset Backed Commercial Paper

     —           278,777,747         —           278,777,747   

Treasury Debt

     —           219,586,852         —           219,586,852   

Other Commercial Paper

     —           21,997,559         —           21,997,559   

Government Agency Debt

     —           14,999,411         —           14,999,411   

Other Note

     —           11,100,000         —           11,100,000   

Total Investments

   $ —         $ 1,216,478,389       $ —         $ 1,216,478,389   
                                     

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at amortized cost

   $ 1,216,478,389   

Cash

     9   

Receivable for:

  

Fund shares sold

     2,706,988   

Interest

     363,119   

Prepaid expenses

     3,395   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,219,551,900   

Liabilities

  

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     5,787,003   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     195,539   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,479   

Other expenses

     98,781   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     6,144,802   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,213,407,098   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,213,460,046   

Accumulated net investment loss

     (63,480

Accumulated net realized gain

     10,532   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,213,407,098   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 483,704,771   

Class B

     554,240,027   

Class E

     175,462,300   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     4,837,037   

Class B

     5,542,436   

Class E

     1,754,632   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 100.00   

Class B

     100.00   

Class E

     100.00   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Interest

   $ 2,628,333   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     2,628,333   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     4,483,036   

Administration fees

     40,121   

Custodian and accounting fees

     114,567   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,492,584   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     313,023   

Audit and tax services

     29,254   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,594   

Shareholder reporting

     108,143   

Insurance

     8,830   

Miscellaneous

     13,743   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     6,671,908   

Less distribution and service fee waivers

     (1,805,607

Less management fee waiver

     (2,237,968
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     2,628,333   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

       
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $      $   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (211,352,855     (208,038,907
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

     (211,352,855     (208,038,907

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,424,759,953        1,632,798,860   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,213,407,098      $ 1,424,759,953   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated net investment loss

    

End of period

   $ (63,480   $ (52,948
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,088,249      $ 308,824,664        3,898,725      $ 389,872,252   

Redemptions

     (3,614,920     (361,492,033     (4,053,585     (405,358,526
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (526,671   $ (52,667,369     (154,860   $ (15,486,274
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     3,590,400      $ 359,039,786        4,421,002      $ 442,100,037   

Redemptions

     (4,560,792     (456,079,212     (5,622,674     (562,267,377
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (970,392   $ (97,039,426     (1,201,672   $ (120,167,340
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     951,801      $ 95,179,965        1,476,172      $ 147,617,026   

Redemptions

     (1,568,260     (156,826,025     (2,200,023     (220,002,319
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (616,459   $ (61,646,060     (723,851   $ (72,385,293
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (211,352,855     $ (208,038,907
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.01   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.01   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         (0.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         (0.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (a)

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.01   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.37         0.35         0.35         0.35         0.34   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (b)

     0.20         0.23         0.28         0.26         0.30   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.01   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 483.7       $ 536.4       $ 551.9       $ 707.8       $ 712.9   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (a)

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.62         0.60         0.60         0.60         0.59   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (b)

     0.20         0.23         0.28         0.26         0.31   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 554.2       $ 651.3       $ 771.5       $ 864.7       $ 793.6   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (a)

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.52         0.50         0.50         0.50         0.51   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (b)

     0.20         0.23         0.28         0.26         0.34   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 175.5       $ 237.1       $ 309.5       $ 373.7       $ 409.0   

 

(a) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(b) Includes the effects of the management fee waivers and voluntary distribution & services fee waiver (see Note 4 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is BlackRock Money Market Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - As permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, and subject to certain conditions therein, the Portfolio employs the amortized cost method of security valuation that the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”) has determined approximates the fair market net asset value per share of the Portfolio. The Board monitors the deviations between the Portfolio’s net asset value per share, as determined by using available market quotations, and its amortized cost price per share. If the deviation exceeds 1/2 of 1%, the Board will consider what action, if any, should be initiated. This method of valuation is considered a Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers, Inc. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to ordinary loss netting and short-term capital gains reclasses from ordinary income. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operation.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$4,483,036      0.350   Of the first $1 billion
     0.300   Of amount in excess of $1 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. BlackRock Advisors, LLC is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.025%    Of the first $1 billion

For the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014, an identical expense agreement was in place. Pursuant to the expense agreement, $250,000 was waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 and is included in the management fee waivers shown in the Statement of Operations.

In addition to the contractual fee waiver, MetLife Advisers and/or its affiliates have voluntarily agreed, if the yield on any share Class of the Portfolio turns negative on a given day, to waive their fees or reimburse certain Portfolio expenses to raise the yield of that share Class to 0.00% for that day. The waiver will first be applied to 12b-1 expenses. If the amount of the waiver exceeds the Class B or Class E 12b-1 expenses on a given day, MetLife Advisers and/or its affiliates would then waive fees or reimburse expenses pro rata across all share Classes. This voluntary waiver/expense reimbursement may be discontinued by MetLife Advisers and/or its affiliates at any time without notice. During the year ended December 31, 2014, $1,805,607 of 12b-1 expenses were waived as shown on the Statement of Operations. Class B shares waived $1,492,584 and Class E shares waived $313,023. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2014, $1,987,968 of management fees were voluntarily waived and are included in the management fee waivers shown in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

5. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

6. Income Tax Information

There were no distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
     Total  
$10,532    $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 10,532   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as shortterm losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

7. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Matters

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

In July 2014, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted amendments to the rules under the 1940 Act which currently govern the operations of the Portfolio. A significant change resulting from these amendments is a requirement that institutional (i.e. not retail as defined in the amendments) prime, including institutional municipal money market funds, transact fund shares based on a market-based NAV. Other types of money market funds may continue to transact fund shares at an NAV calculated using the amortized cost valuation method. Among additional disclosure and other requirements, the amendments also will permit a money market fund, or, in certain circumstances, require a money market fund (other than a government money market fund which satisfies the requirements of the amended rules) to impose liquidity fees on redemptions, and permit a money market fund to limit (or gate) redemptions for up to 10 business days in any 90-day period. Compliance with a majority of these amendments will be required on October 14, 2016, two years after the effective date for the rule amendments. The degree to which a money market fund will be impacted by the rule amendments will depend upon the type of fund and type of investors (retail or institutional). At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these amendments and their impact to the Portfolio’s operations, financial statements and accompanying notes.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of BlackRock Money Market Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of BlackRock Money Market Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BlackRock Money Market Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

BlackRock Money Market Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and BlackRock Advisors, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio performed equally to the median of its Performance Universe for the one- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the three-year period ended June 30, 2014. The Board also considered that the Portfolio slightly outperformed its Lipper Index for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014 and performed equally to its Lipper Index for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board took into account management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were above the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Managed By Frontier Capital Management Company, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, D, and E shares of the Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio returned 11.14%, 10.88%, 11.06%, and 10.96%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell Midcap Growth Index1, returned 11.90%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Equities enjoyed strong gains as improved domestic economic fundamentals, low inflation, modest earnings growth and accommodative monetary policy drove the Russell Midcap Growth Index up 11.9%. More specifically, Gross Domestic Product accelerated during 2014 exceeding 4.5% for two consecutive quarters for the first time in 11 years. At the same time, inflation measures remained quite low due to falling commodity prices and a strong dollar thus allowing the Federal Reserve to maintain very low interest rates. Unemployment also made a meaningful improvement, which bolstered consumer sentiment. These positive economic fundamentals coupled with healthy corporate earnings growth of 8% drove the market advance.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

Stock selection in Industrials and Materials detracted the most from performance. Both sectors were negatively impacted by the concurrent drop in energy prices and surge in the U.S. dollar. Reduced energy infrastructure spending amid a 42% decline in oil prices during 2014 impacted engineering companies such as MasTec and Jacobs Engineering. The collapse in emerging market currencies and surge in the U.S. dollar hurt chemical provider FMC Corp. and aerospace supplier B/E Aerospace. Sector selection aided performance by 25 basis points with an overweight position in Health Care proving to be beneficial. We believe Health Care offers compelling secular growth and innovation. Stock selection was positive with strong gains in Information Technology (“IT”) offsetting set-backs in Industrials and Materials. Throughout 2014, stock selection in IT contributed the most to relative results with sizeable gains in semiconductors and software. Our focus on wireless technology aided semiconductors as NXP Semiconductors rose 66% and Avago Technologies rose 93%. Software was propelled by the performance of Electronic Arts which advanced 105% as their transition to digital platforms produced strong earnings growth.

On the whole, we believe valuations are fair but no longer cheap with pockets of excess existing. Domestic fundamentals remain strong but questions arise as to the sustainability of recent momentum in the face of fading growth in most other major economies and faltering fundamentals in emerging markets. Additionally, the surge in the U.S. dollar could provide a headwind to earnings growth for companies with substantial foreign exposure. Still, consumer fundamentals are gaining strength, government headwinds are abating, and low energy prices coupled with the strong U.S. dollar are keeping inflation low. In our view, this should allow the Federal Reserve to take a measured approach to normalizing rates. While valuations for the broad market have expanded substantially over the past five years, we continue to identify attractive investment opportunities. The improving consumer backdrop has provided opportunities in select retailers, leisure time products, and consumer staples. At the same time, we see strong innovation and secular growth in certain areas of Health Care and IT, which continue to be the areas of greatest relative weighting in the Portfolio. Within the Health Care sector, our focus is upon companies helping to lower the cost of health care such as over-the-counter (OTC) and generic drug suppliers as well as health care maintenance organizations in the Medicaid and Medicare segments. Finally, within IT, areas of emphasis include wireless semiconductors, security software, gaming software, and broadband delivery.

Stephen M. Knightly

Christopher J. Scarpa

Portfolio Managers

Frontier Capital Management Company, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL MIDCAP GROWTH INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio                      

Class A

       11.14           12.86           7.78             

Class B

       10.88           12.58           7.52             

Class D

       11.06           12.75                     6.69   

Class E

       10.96           12.70           7.63             
Russell Midcap Growth Index        11.90           16.94           9.43             

1 The Russell Midcap Growth Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of those Russell Midcap companies (the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index) with higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class D and Class E shares are 4/29/88, 4/26/04, 5/2/06 and 5/1/01, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Electronic Arts, Inc.      2.7   
Perrigo Co. plc      2.4   
American Airlines Group, Inc.      2.3   
Raymond James Financial, Inc.      2.2   
Alkermes plc      2.1   
SanDisk Corp.      2.0   
NXP Semiconductor NV      1.9   
Centene Corp.      1.9   
Avago Technologies, Ltd.      1.9   
Alliance Data Systems Corp.      1.9   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Information Technology      23.7   
Consumer Discretionary      21.2   
Health Care      18.8   
Industrials      14.4   
Financials      8.6   
Consumer Staples      5.2   
Materials      3.8   
Energy      3.2   
Telecommunication Services      0.9   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.76    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,025.30         $ 3.88   
   Hypothetical*      0.76    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.37         $ 3.87   

Class B(a)

   Actual      1.01    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,024.10         $ 5.15   
   Hypothetical*      1.01    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.11         $ 5.14   

Class D(a)

   Actual      0.86    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,024.80         $ 4.39   
   Hypothetical*      0.86    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.87         $ 4.38   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.91    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,024.50         $ 4.64   
   Hypothetical*      0.91    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.62         $ 4.63   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—99.8% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Airlines—3.9%

   

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    492,580      $ 26,417,066   

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (a)

    242,590        18,334,952   
   

 

 

 
      44,752,018   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—0.7%

  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    118,810        7,830,767   
   

 

 

 

Banks—1.9%

   

Signature Bank (a)

    105,960        13,346,722   

SVB Financial Group (a)

    72,178        8,377,700   
   

 

 

 
      21,724,422   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—1.9%

   

Brown-Forman Corp. - Class B

    160,280        14,078,995   

Monster Beverage Corp. (a)

    67,200        7,281,120   
   

 

 

 
      21,360,115   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—5.6%

   

Alkermes plc (a)

    402,223        23,554,179   

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a)

    99,123        8,960,719   

Incyte Corp. (a)

    267,313        19,543,253   

Medivation, Inc. (a)

    121,095        12,062,273   
   

 

 

 
      64,120,424   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—3.9%

   

E*Trade Financial Corp. (a)

    546,236        13,248,954   

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    432,942        24,803,248   

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (b)

    426,621        6,687,284   
   

 

 

 
      44,739,486   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—2.7%

   

Cytec Industries, Inc.

    231,400        10,683,738   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    76,563        20,139,132   
   

 

 

 
      30,822,870   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—2.7%

   

Copart, Inc. (a)

    347,052        12,663,928   

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    270,200        9,362,430   

Stericycle, Inc. (a)

    70,990        9,305,369   
   

 

 

 
      31,331,727   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.6%

   

MasTec, Inc. (a) (b)

    298,420        6,747,276   
   

 

 

 

Construction Materials—1.1%

   

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    172,711        13,131,217   
   

 

 

 

Distributors—1.4%

   

LKQ Corp. (a)

    585,960        16,477,195   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—0.9%

   

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (a)

    215,057        10,109,830   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—0.9%

  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. (b)

    300,313      10,628,077   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—1.7%

  

Amphenol Corp. - Class A

    369,696        19,893,342   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—0.3%

  

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (b)

    141,237        3,628,379   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—1.4%

  

United Natural Foods, Inc. (a) (b)

    201,300        15,565,522   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.9%

  

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    246,498        14,368,368   

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.

    77,400        7,781,796   
   

 

 

 
      22,150,164   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—1.7%

   

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

    116,737        18,921,900   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—4.9%

  

Centene Corp. (a)

    209,600        21,766,960   

Humana, Inc.

    128,486        18,454,444   

MEDNAX, Inc. (a)

    232,108        15,344,660   
   

 

 

 
      55,566,064   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—1.4%

   

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (a)

    401,180        5,123,069   

Cerner Corp. (a)

    164,790        10,655,321   
   

 

 

 
      15,778,390   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—3.4%

   

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,580        7,242,116   

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (b)

    204,990        8,742,824   

MGM Resorts International (a)

    292,388        6,251,255   

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

    203,170        16,470,992   
   

 

 

 
      38,707,187   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—1.0%

   

Harman International Industries, Inc.

    102,889        10,979,285   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—0.9%

  

Roper Industries, Inc.

    68,568        10,720,607   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—2.8%

  

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings AG

    185,208        7,023,087   

Aon plc

    139,811        13,258,277   

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

    238,910        11,247,883   
   

 

 

 
      31,529,247   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—0.8%

   

Netflix, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,940        9,202,973   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—1.8%

  

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (a)

    268,807        16,924,089   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description  

Shares

    Value  

Internet Software & Services—(Continued)

  

Yelp, Inc. (a) (b)

    65,540      $ 3,587,004   
   

 

 

 
      20,511,093   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—6.0%

   

Alliance Data Systems Corp. (a)

    74,029        21,175,995   

Gartner, Inc. (a)

    155,137        13,064,087   

Global Payments, Inc.

    223,518        18,044,608   

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    167,670        10,419,014   

WEX, Inc. (a)

    55,617        5,501,634   
   

 

 

 
      68,205,338   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—1.3%

   

Brunswick Corp.

    291,083        14,920,915   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—1.7%

  

Illumina, Inc. (a)

    103,810        19,161,250   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—2.6%

  

Pall Corp.

    94,354        9,549,568   

Wabtec Corp.

    233,132        20,256,840   
   

 

 

 
      29,806,408   
   

 

 

 

Marine—0.6%

   

Kirby Corp. (a)

    78,995        6,378,056   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.0%

  

Imax Corp. (a) (b)

    376,263        11,626,527   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—2.9%

  

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    193,542        5,730,779   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. (a)

    342,851        14,262,601   

Continental Resources, Inc. (a) (b)

    236,260        9,062,934   

EP Energy Corp. - Class A (a) (b)

    387,300        4,043,412   
   

 

 

 
      33,099,726   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—3.6%

   

Mylan, Inc. (a) (b)

    231,140        13,029,362   

Perrigo Co. plc

    167,293        27,964,698   
   

 

 

 
      40,994,060   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—1.4%

   

IHS, Inc. - Class A (a)

    141,722        16,139,301   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.1%

  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (b)

    147,730        12,446,252   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—5.0%

  

Avago Technologies, Ltd.

    211,725        21,297,418   

Lam Research Corp.

    176,684        14,018,108   

NXP Semiconductor NV (a)

    286,083        21,856,741   
   

 

 

 
      57,172,267   
   

 

 

 

Software—7.2%

   

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a) (b)

    939,820      17,828,385   

Electronic Arts, Inc. (a)

    650,350        30,576,205   

Fortinet, Inc. (a) (b)

    540,634        16,575,839   

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    253,836        14,846,868   

Zynga, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    1,041,350        2,769,991   
   

 

 

 
      82,597,288   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—8.6%

   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    104,215        16,599,365   

DSW, Inc. - Class A

    430,866        16,071,302   

GNC Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    202,938        9,529,968   

L Brands, Inc.

    144,300        12,489,165   

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (a)

    79,130        15,242,021   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    219,000        20,642,940   

Tiffany & Co. (b)

    72,313        7,727,367   
   

 

 

 
      98,302,128   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—2.0%

  

SanDisk Corp.

    231,252        22,658,071   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—2.1%

  

lululemon athletica, Inc. (a) (b)

    105,802        5,902,694   

VF Corp.

    242,590        18,169,991   
   

 

 

 
      24,072,685   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.5%

  

WESCO International, Inc. (a) (b)

    73,947        5,635,501   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $911,488,195)

      1,140,145,350   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—8.0%   

Mutual Fund—7.3%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    83,014,839        83,014,839   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—0.7%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp.
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $8,331,796 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $8,165,000 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. at 4.375% due 07/17/15, with a value of $8,501,806.

    8,331,796        8,331,796   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $91,346,635)

      91,346,635   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—107.8%
(Cost $1,002,834,830) (d)

      1,231,491,985   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(7.8)%

      (89,233,601
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,142,258,384   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $81,108,292 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $83,014,839 and non-cash collateral with a value of $361,023. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,003,141,452. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $254,126,371 and $(25,775,838), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $228,350,533 for federal income tax purposes.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 1,140,145,350       $ —        $ —         $ 1,140,145,350   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     83,014,839         —          —           83,014,839   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           8,331,796        —           8,331,796   

Total Short-Term Investments

     83,014,839         8,331,796        —           91,346,635   

Total Investments

   $ 1,223,160,189       $ 8,331,796      $ —         $ 1,231,491,985   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (83,014,839   $ —         $ (83,014,839

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,231,491,985   

Receivable for:

  

Fund shares sold

     11,591   

Dividends

     401,022   

Prepaid expenses

     2,907   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,231,907,505   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     83,014,839   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     5,151,254   

Fund shares redeemed

     512,405   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     681,133   

Distribution and service fees

     52,126   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     97,529   

Other expenses

     139,835   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     89,649,121   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,142,258,384   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 752,040,322   

Accumulated net investment loss

     (73,588

Accumulated net realized gain

     161,634,495   

Unrealized appreciation on investments

     228,657,155   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,142,258,384   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 831,154,319   

Class B

     198,631,475   

Class D

     101,292,897   

Class E

     11,179,693   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     22,294,231   

Class B

     5,699,995   

Class D

     2,750,549   

Class E

     304,367   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 37.28   

Class B

     34.85   

Class D

     36.83   

Class E

     36.73   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,002,834,830.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $81,108,292.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends

   $ 6,691,229   

Securities lending income

     637,952   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     7,329,181   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     8,468,684   

Administration fees

     27,890   

Custodian and accounting fees

     90,120   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     498,404   

Distribution and service fees—Class D

     103,461   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     17,015   

Audit and tax services

     43,231   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     40,768   

Shareholder reporting

     341,120   

Insurance

     6,926   

Miscellaneous

     14,681   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     9,682,313   

Less management fee waiver

     (120,531

Less broker commission recapture

     (105,133
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     9,456,649   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Loss

     (2,127,468
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     164,483,563   

Futures contracts

     (366,053
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     164,117,510   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments      (40,271,945
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     123,845,565   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 121,718,097   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment loss

   $ (2,127,468   $ (668,407

Net realized gain

     164,117,510        121,972,380   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (40,271,945     187,726,392   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     121,718,097        309,030,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     0        (10,148,727

Class B

     0        (1,011,597

Class D

     0        (1,225,160

Class E

     0        (126,525

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (86,686,736     (19,126,447

Class B

     (18,668,169     (2,305,500

Class D

     (9,371,524     (2,521,064

Class E

     (1,005,877     (269,552
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (115,732,306     (36,734,572
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (166,998,385     265,115,462   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (161,012,594     537,411,255   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,303,270,978        765,859,723   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,142,258,384      $ 1,303,270,978   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated (distributions in excess of) net investment loss

    

End of period

   $ (73,588   $ (65,851
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     520,541      $ 18,295,255        6,356,029      $ 200,658,424   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        2,821,283        85,795,220   

Reinvestments

     2,586,892        86,686,736        989,361        29,275,174   

Redemptions

     (7,443,757     (258,882,901     (3,301,717     (107,258,219
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (4,336,324   $ (153,900,910     6,864,956      $ 208,470,599   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     383,567      $ 12,984,373        259,826      $ 8,047,547   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        3,508,655        100,768,563   

Reinvestments

     594,906        18,668,169        118,680        3,317,097   

Redemptions

     (1,082,261     (36,895,257     (1,158,635     (36,083,506
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (103,788   $ (5,242,715     2,728,526      $ 76,049,701   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class D

        

Sales

     130,302      $ 4,646,830        126,997      $ 4,059,104   

Reinvestments

     282,872        9,371,524        127,814        3,746,224   

Redemptions

     (593,715     (21,199,899     (813,613     (25,910,235
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (180,541   $ (7,181,545     (558,802   $ (18,104,907
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     15,989      $ 566,549        17,095      $ 550,306   

Reinvestments

     30,435        1,005,877        13,537        396,077   

Redemptions

     (62,309     (2,245,641     (70,032     (2,246,314
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (15,885   $ (673,215     (39,400   $ (1,299,931
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (166,998,385     $ 265,115,462   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                  
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 36.90       $ 28.92      $ 26.06       $ 26.94       $ 23.38   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.05      (0.00 )(b)      0.34         0.02         0.10   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.78         9.18        2.52         (0.82      3.48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.73         9.18        2.86         (0.80      3.58   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.42     0.00         (0.08      (0.02

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (3.35      (0.78     0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.35      (1.20     0.00         (0.08      (0.02
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 37.28       $ 36.90      $ 28.92       $ 26.06       $ 26.94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (c)

     11.14         32.77        10.97         (3.00      15.30   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.76         0.75        0.78         0.77         0.77   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.75         0.74        0.78         0.77         0.77   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.13      (0.01     1.21         0.09         0.40   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     48         120        78         111         91   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 831.2       $ 982.6      $ 571.6       $ 568.2       $ 644.6   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 34.79       $ 27.33      $ 24.69       $ 25.54       $ 22.21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.13      (0.08     0.26         (0.04      0.04   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.54         8.66        2.38         (0.79      3.29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.41         8.58        2.64         (0.83      3.33   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.34     0.00         (0.02      0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (3.35      (0.78     0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.35      (1.12     0.00         (0.02      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 34.85       $ 34.79      $ 27.33       $ 24.69       $ 25.54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (c)

     10.88         32.43        10.69         (3.24      14.99   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.01         1.00        1.03         1.02         1.02   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     1.00         0.99        1.03         1.02         1.02   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.37      (0.25     0.98         (0.15      0.18   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     48         120        78         111         91   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 198.6       $ 201.9      $ 84.1       $ 81.1       $ 83.4   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class D  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 36.52       $ 28.63       $ 25.82       $ 26.71       $ 23.19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.08      (0.04      0.30         (0.01      0.07   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.74         9.09         2.51         (0.82      3.45   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.66         9.05         2.81         (0.83      3.52   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.38      0.00         (0.06      0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (3.35      (0.78      0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.35      (1.16      0.00         (0.06      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 36.83       $ 36.52       $ 28.63       $ 25.82       $ 26.71   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (c)

     11.06         32.63         10.88         (3.14      15.18   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.86         0.85         0.88         0.87         0.87   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.85         0.84         0.88         0.87         0.87   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.22      (0.13      1.06         (0.03      0.29   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     48         120         78         111         91   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 101.3       $ 107.1       $ 99.9       $ 113.9       $ 148.1   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 36.46       $ 28.58       $ 25.79       $ 26.68       $ 23.16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.10      (0.06      0.29         (0.02      0.05   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.72         9.09         2.50         (0.82      3.47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.62         9.03         2.79         (0.84      3.52   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.37      0.00         (0.05      0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (3.35      (0.78      0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.35      (1.15      0.00         (0.05      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 36.73       $ 36.46       $ 28.58       $ 25.79       $ 26.68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (c)

     10.96         32.59         10.82         (3.19      15.20   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.91         0.90         0.93         0.92         0.92   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.90         0.89         0.93         0.92         0.92   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.28      (0.17      1.04         (0.07      0.23   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     48         120         78         111         91   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 11.2       $ 11.7       $ 10.3       $ 10.9       $ 13.9   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Net investment income (loss) was less than $0.01.
(c) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(d) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, D, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to broker commission recapture and ordinary loss netting. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $8,331,796, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 25, 2014 through April 29, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $111,486,869 in notional cost on equity index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized losses in the amount of $366,053 which are shown under Net realized loss on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

 

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 567,161,624       $ 0       $ 849,467,159   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $32,655,151 in sales of investments, which are included above.

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$8,468,684      0.750   Of the first $500 million
     0.700   Of the next $500 million
     0.650   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Frontier Capital Management Company, LLC is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, the Adviser has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum reduction

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.025%    On the first $500 million
0.025%    Over $850 million and less than $1 billion
(0.025)%    On the next $250 million

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, D, and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, D, and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, D,

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, D, and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.10% per year for Class D Shares, and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$65,476,941    $ 12,512,009       $ 50,255,365       $ 24,222,563       $ 115,732,306       $ 36,734,572   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$25,266,291    $ 136,674,827       $ 228,350,533       $       $ 390,291,651   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 26, 2013, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A, Class B, Class D and Class E net assets of $770,948,460, $87,526,126, $100,247,347 and $10,678,097, respectively, acquired all of the assets and liabilities of Turner Mid Cap Growth Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“Turner Mid Cap Growth”).

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 2,821,283 Class A shares of the Portfolio (valued at $85,795,220) for 10,021,231 Class A shares of Turner Mid Cap Growth and 3,508,655 Class B shares of the Portfolio (valued at $100,768,563) for 12,227,115 of Class B shares of Turner Mid Cap Growth. Each shareholder of Turner Mid Cap Growth received shares of the Portfolio with the same class designation and at the respective Class NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 26, 2013. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by Turner Mid Cap Growth may have been purchased or sold prior to the

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. If such purchases or sales occurred, the transaction costs were borne by Turner Mid Cap Growth. All other costs associated with the merger were not borne by the shareholders of either portfolio.

Turner Mid Cap Growth’s net assets on April 26, 2013, were $85,795,220 and $100,768,563 for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, including investments valued at $186,797,884 with a cost basis of $180,617,211. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from Turner Mid Cap Growth were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $1,155,963,813, which included $6,180,673 of acquired unrealized appreciation.

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2013, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

Net Investment loss

   $ (837,902) (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     325,035,491 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 324,197,589   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of Turner Mid Cap Growth that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 26, 2013.

 

(a) $668,407 net investment loss as reported December 31, 2013 minus $278,402 from Turner Mid Cap Growth pre-merger net investment loss, plus $74,459 in lower advisory fees, plus $34,448 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $268,929,100 unrealized appreciation as reported December 31, 2013 minus $91,035,845 pro-forma December 31, 2012 unrealized appreciation, plus $121,972,380 net realized gain as reported December 31, 2013, plus $25,169,856 in net realized gain from Turner Mid Cap Growth pre-merger.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Frontier Capital Management Company, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also considered that the Portfolio outperformed its Lipper Index for the one- and three-year periods ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed its Lipper Index for the five-year period ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell Midcap Growth Index, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board further noted that the Sub-Adviser assumed portfolio management responsibilities for the Portfolio effective January 7, 2013 and that performance prior to that date represents that of the previous sub-adviser.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Managed by Jennison Associates LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Jennison Growth Portfolio returned 9.06%, 8.74%, and 8.86%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index1, returned 13.05%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

The U.S. equity market’s advance in 2014 reflected sustained improvement in the U.S. economic outlook. Corporate profits remained strong, housing and employment indicators improved, and consumer confidence rose to post-recession highs. The Federal Reserve tapered its quantitative-easing program, signaling confidence in the health of U.S. economic activity and labor market conditions. U.S. gross domestic product contracted in early 2014, largely because of severe winter weather, before quickly rebounding. Economic activity in Europe, already anemic, faced new challenges stemming from Ukraine-Russia tensions. China’s expansion moderated as the country sought a better balance between internal and external growth. Energy prices fell, and the U.S. dollar strengthened against most other currencies.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

Faced with a challenging consumer environment, the Portfolio’s Consumer holdings underperformed the benchmark’s consumer names. Amazon.com’s earnings were constrained by increased business investment that is designed to drive unit growth in its core retail business and through digital commerce via the mobile market. Whole Foods Market was hurt by intensifying competition in the organic and natural foods market. Weakness in Inditex, best known for its brand, Zara, reflected currency translation issues due to the euro’s strength relative to many other currencies (Inditex is based in Spain). Underlying growth at the company remains strong.

More than offsetting these declines were strong gains in other Consumer holdings, including global athletic apparel companies Under Armour and Nike, and hotel operator Marriott International.

Health Care positions were the most significant contributors to Portfolio return. Meaningful scientific advances over the past decade coupled with increased research and development and clinical trial activity have led to numerous drug introductions and material improvement in the treatment of serious diseases. Biotech companies held in the Portfolio benefited from their innovative drugs for blood disorders and autoimmune diseases (Alexion Pharmaceuticals’ Soliris), cystic fibrosis (Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Kalydeco), multiple sclerosis (Biogen Idec’s Tecfidera), cancer (Celgene’s Revlimid and Abraxane), and hepatitis C (Gilead Sciences’ Sovaldi and Harvoni).

The Portfolio’s strength in the Health Care sector extended beyond biotechnology. In pharmaceuticals, Allergan advanced on a takeover bid and the strength of its business, which has been enhanced by efforts to manage spending more efficiently and redeploy cash in ways that benefit shareholders. (Allergan was acquired by Actavis in November.) Illumina’s gain reflected increasing demand for its next-generation gene-sequencing technology.

Information Technology (“IT”) positions were likewise strong contributors to return although Portfolio positions lagged those of the aggregate benchmark sector. Apple’s strong revenue and earnings reflected expanding global acceptance of its platform. We expect that product updates, especially iPhone 6, will sustain attractive revenue growth in the medium term.

Internet-based social platform Facebook reported strong revenue and earnings as well as healthy measures of growth in users and user engagement. The company has successfully implemented its mobile interface, and revenue generation of both mobile and desktop applications has improved.

Twitter’s revenue and earnings exceeded expectations, but user growth decelerated, in part because of slower-than-expected improvements in new user onboarding and access. Jennison believes that the company’s communication platform complements traditional media outlets and that income-generation opportunities are substantial.

Next-generation security software vendor FireEye declined with a broad sell-off of high-multiple software growth stocks despite its strong billings, new customer, and revenue growth. The company’s behavioral analysis technology and real-time threat detection and prevention platform are able to identify highly sophisticated malware.

The Portfolio is built from the bottom up, with stocks selected one at a time, based on the fundamentals of individual companies. Sector weights were largely stable over the past year; exposure to IT increased, while exposure to Consumer Staples, Industrials, and

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Managed by Jennison Associates LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

Consumer Discretionary decreased. As of December 31, 2014, relative to the Russell 1000 Growth Index, the Portfolio remained overweight Consumer Discretionary, IT, and Health Care, and underweight Consumer Staples and Industrials.

Kathleen A. McCarragher

Spiros “Sig” Segalas

Michael A. Del Balso

Portfolio Managers

Jennison Associates LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 1000 GROWTH INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
Jennison Growth Portfolio                      

Class A

       9.06           14.18           8.48             

Class B

       8.74           13.90           8.21             

Class E

       8.86           14.00                     9.36   
Russell 1000 Growth Index        13.05           15.81           8.49             

1 The Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of the largest capitalized U.S. companies, within the Russell 1000 companies, that have higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B and Class E shares are 5/1/02, 5/1/02 and 4/27/05, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Apple, Inc.      6.1   
MasterCard, Inc. - Class A      3.6   
Facebook, Inc. - Class A      3.5   
Visa, Inc. - Class A      2.7   
Biogen Idec, Inc.      2.6   
Amazon.com, Inc.      2.5   
NIKE, Inc. - Class B      2.4   
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.      2.3   
Costco Wholesale Corp.      2.0   
Priceline Group, Inc. (The)      2.0   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Information Technology      33.7   
Consumer Discretionary      26.0   
Health Care      19.5   
Industrials      6.6   
Financials      4.7   
Energy      4.0   
Consumer Staples      3.4   
Materials      1.8   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Jennison Growth Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.54    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,049.80         $ 2.79   
   Hypothetical*      0.54    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.48         $ 2.75   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.79    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,048.30         $ 4.08   
   Hypothetical*      0.79    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.22         $ 4.02   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.69    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,048.70         $ 3.56   
   Hypothetical*      0.69    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.73         $ 3.52   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—99.7% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—3.3%

  

Boeing Co. (The)

    388,255      $ 50,465,385   

Precision Castparts Corp.

    199,059        47,949,332   
   

 

 

 
      98,414,717   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—1.1%

  

Tesla Motors, Inc. (a) (b)

    143,729        31,966,767   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—8.6%

  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    256,292        47,421,709   

Biogen Idec, Inc. (a)

    229,947        78,055,509   

Celgene Corp. (a)

    485,019        54,254,225   

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)

    459,197        43,283,909   

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    265,955        31,595,454   
   

 

 

 
      254,610,806   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—2.6%

  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    167,093        32,387,636   

Morgan Stanley

    1,186,163        46,023,125   
   

 

 

 
      78,410,761   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—1.8%

  

Monsanto Co.

    450,103        53,773,805   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—1.0%

  

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

    318,722        28,359,884   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—1.6%

  

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    551,651        47,116,512   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—2.0%

  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    419,737        59,497,720   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.4%

  

Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A

    1,174,740        42,672,430   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—1.6%

  

Abbott Laboratories

    1,025,690        46,176,564   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—4.9%

  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (a)

    54,460        37,278,415   

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

    218,071        9,300,728   

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    209,456        12,181,961   

Marriott International, Inc. - Class A

    623,702        48,667,467   

Starbucks Corp.

    475,156        38,986,550   
   

 

 

 
      146,415,121   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—6.6%

  

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    238,156        73,911,715   

Netflix, Inc. (a)

    117,574        40,164,454   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    50,850        57,979,678   

TripAdvisor, Inc. (a)

    302,606        22,592,564   
   

 

 

 
      194,648,411   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—11.6%

  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (ADR) (a)

    546,419        56,794,791   

Facebook, Inc. - Class A (a)

    1,312,724        102,418,726   

Internet Software & Services—(Continued)

  

Google, Inc. - Class A (a)

    91,486      48,547,961   

Google, Inc. - Class C (a)

    91,977        48,416,693   

LendingClub Corp. (a)

    64,560        1,633,368   

LinkedIn Corp. - Class A (a)

    238,611        54,811,333   

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    153,002        2,195,324   

Twitter, Inc. (a)

    856,514        30,723,157   
   

 

 

 
      345,541,353   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—6.2%

  

MasterCard, Inc. - Class A

    1,225,814        105,616,134   

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    303,432        79,559,871   
   

 

 

 
      185,176,005   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—1.6%

  

Illumina, Inc. (a)

    258,810        47,771,150   
   

 

 

 

Media—3.8%

   

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

    177,773        6,124,280   

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class C (a)

    181,269        6,112,390   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    1,205,540        46,298,764   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    577,791        54,422,134   
   

 

 

 
      112,957,568   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—2.4%

  

Concho Resources, Inc. (a)

    379,649        37,869,988   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    369,058        33,979,170   
   

 

 

 
      71,849,158   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—7.8%

  

Actavis plc (a)

    171,938        44,258,561   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    1,131,736        66,806,376   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    749,246        42,549,680   

Novo Nordisk A/S (ADR)

    934,869        39,563,656   

Perrigo Co. plc

    60,629        10,134,744   

Shire plc (ADR)

    132,250        28,108,415   
   

 

 

 
      231,421,432   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—1.1%

  

American Tower Corp.

    322,991        31,927,660   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—3.3%

  

Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd. (b)

    236,414        45,554,614   

Union Pacific Corp.

    426,641        50,825,742   
   

 

 

 
      96,380,356   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—1.5%

  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    420,924        10,489,426   

ARM Holdings plc (ADR) (b)

    708,561        32,806,374   
   

 

 

 
      43,295,800   
   

 

 

 

Software—8.3%

  

Adobe Systems, Inc. (a)

    645,744        46,945,589   

FireEye, Inc. (a) (b)

    449,877        14,207,116   

Red Hat, Inc. (a)

    670,623        46,366,874   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Software—(Continued)

  

Salesforce.com, Inc. (a)

    953,403      $ 56,546,332   

Splunk, Inc. (a)

    492,490        29,032,285   

VMware, Inc. - Class A (a)

    286,278        23,623,661   

Workday, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    344,513        28,115,706   
   

 

 

 
      244,837,563   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—5.4%

  

Inditex S.A.

    1,653,118        47,366,698   

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (a)

    197,648        38,070,958   

Tiffany & Co.

    420,370        44,920,738   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    455,594        31,244,636   
   

 

 

 
      161,603,030   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—6.1%

  

Apple, Inc.

    1,633,408        180,295,575   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—4.1%

  

Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    220,365        16,549,412   

NIKE, Inc. - Class B

    731,982        70,380,069   

Under Armour, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    529,476        35,951,420   
   

 

 

 
      122,880,901   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $2,044,333,201)

      2,958,001,049   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investment—3.6%   
Security Description   Shares     Value  

Mutual Fund—3.6%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    107,611,316      107,611,316   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investment
(Cost $107,611,316)

      107,611,316   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—103.3%
(Cost $2,151,944,517) (d)

      3,065,612,365   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(3.3)%

      (99,069,564
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 2,966,542,801   
   

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $119,200,006 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $107,611,316 and non-cash collateral with a value of $14,730,401. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $2,153,077,094. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $939,859,384 and $(27,324,113), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $912,535,271 for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks           

Aerospace & Defense

   $ 98,414,717       $ —        $ —         $ 98,414,717   

Automobiles

     31,966,767         —          —           31,966,767   

Biotechnology

     254,610,806         —          —           254,610,806   

Capital Markets

     78,410,761         —          —           78,410,761   

Chemicals

     53,773,805         —          —           53,773,805   

Diversified Financial Services

     28,359,884         —          —           28,359,884   

Energy Equipment & Services

     47,116,512         —          —           47,116,512   

Food & Staples Retailing

     59,497,720         —          —           59,497,720   

Food Products

     42,672,430         —          —           42,672,430   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     46,176,564         —          —           46,176,564   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     146,415,121         —          —           146,415,121   

Internet & Catalog Retail

     194,648,411         —          —           194,648,411   

Internet Software & Services

     343,346,029         2,195,324        —           345,541,353   

IT Services

     185,176,005         —          —           185,176,005   

Life Sciences Tools & Services

     47,771,150         —          —           47,771,150   

Media

     112,957,568         —          —           112,957,568   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     71,849,158         —          —           71,849,158   

Pharmaceuticals

     231,421,432         —          —           231,421,432   

Real Estate Investment Trusts

     31,927,660         —          —           31,927,660   

Road & Rail

     96,380,356         —          —           96,380,356   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     43,295,800         —          —           43,295,800   

Software

     244,837,563         —          —           244,837,563   

Specialty Retail

     114,236,332         47,366,698        —           161,603,030   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     180,295,575         —          —           180,295,575   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     122,880,901         —          —           122,880,901   

Total Common Stocks

     2,908,439,027         49,562,022        —           2,958,001,049   

Total Short-Term Investment*

     107,611,316         —          —           107,611,316   

Total Investments

   $ 3,016,050,343       $ 49,562,022      $ —         $ 3,065,612,365   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (107,611,316   $ —         $ (107,611,316

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 3,065,612,365   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     12,344,834   

Fund shares sold

     228,933   

Dividends

     2,741,831   

Prepaid expenses

     7,941   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     3,080,935,904   

Liabilities

  

Due to custodian

     4,197,688   

Collateral for securities loaned

     107,611,316   

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     757,006   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,320,993   

Distribution and service fees

     196,010   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     125,906   

Other expenses

     184,184   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     114,393,103   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,966,542,801   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,610,587,834   

Undistributed net investment income

     5,332,063   

Accumulated net realized gain

     436,963,628   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     913,659,276   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,966,542,801   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 2,047,489,834   

Class B

     907,066,035   

Class E

     11,986,932   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     126,161,619   

Class B

     56,515,815   

Class E

     742,049   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 16.23   

Class B

     16.05   

Class E

     16.15   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $2,151,944,517.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $119,200,006.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 24,142,029   

Securities lending income

     670,156   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     24,812,185   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     18,439,307   

Administration fees

     71,778   

Custodian and accounting fees

     288,810   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     2,338,919   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     18,453   

Audit and tax services

     47,952   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,295   

Shareholder reporting

     164,636   

Insurance

     19,120   

Miscellaneous

     25,115   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     21,482,398   

Less management fee waiver

     (2,335,717

Less broker commission recapture

     (93,014
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     19,053,667   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     5,758,518   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     438,292,487   

Foreign currency transactions

     (29,519
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     438,262,968   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (181,679,269

Foreign currency transactions

     (12,696
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (181,691,965
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     256,571,003   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 262,329,521   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $463,320.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 5,758,518      $ 6,531,088   

Net realized gain

     438,262,968        242,226,735   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (181,691,965     661,110,220   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     262,329,521        909,868,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (5,936,824     (8,081,431

Class B

     (296,189     (1,843,777

Class E

     (14,912     (34,556

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (120,715,426     (19,836,239

Class B

     (50,589,027     (8,889,638

Class E

     (670,256     (126,083
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (178,222,634     (38,811,724
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (438,747,525     (110,487,570
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (354,640,638     760,568,749   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     3,321,183,439        2,560,614,690   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 2,966,542,801      $ 3,321,183,439   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 5,332,063      $ 5,944,003   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,320,463      $ 50,121,269        24,269,288      $ 331,339,004   

Reinvestments

     8,906,628        126,652,250        2,324,536        27,917,670   

Redemptions

     (33,440,544     (516,618,578     (28,011,394     (369,171,740
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (21,213,453   $ (339,845,059     (1,417,570   $ (9,915,066
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     3,944,009      $ 59,629,111        3,132,463      $ 40,981,221   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        5,250,311        64,841,343   

Reinvestments

     3,614,007        50,885,216        901,968        10,733,415   

Redemptions

     (13,416,857     (208,561,548     (16,188,001     (214,267,119
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (5,858,841   $ (98,047,221     (6,903,259   $ (97,711,140
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     88,476      $ 1,389,901        44,641      $ 609,299   

Reinvestments

     48,353        685,168        13,431        160,639   

Redemptions

     (187,879     (2,930,314     (274,458     (3,631,302
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (51,050   $ (855,245     (216,386   $ (2,861,364
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (438,747,525     $ (110,487,570
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013      2012     2011     2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 15.82      $ 11.73       $ 12.14      $ 12.11      $ 10.91   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.04        0.04         0.07        0.03        0.04   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.26        4.25         1.88        0.03        1.23   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.30        4.29         1.95        0.06        1.27   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.04     (0.06      (0.03     (0.03     (0.07

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.85     (0.14      (2.33     0.00        0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.89     (0.20      (2.36     (0.03     (0.07
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 16.23      $ 15.82       $ 11.73      $ 12.14      $ 12.11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     9.06        37.00         15.78        0.51        11.63   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.62        0.62         0.64        0.64        0.64   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.54        0.55         0.57        0.57        0.59   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.26        0.31         0.58        0.22        0.35   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25        36         41        47        66   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 2,047.5      $ 2,332.0       $ 1,744.7      $ 997.2      $ 1,852.8   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013      2012     2011     2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 15.66      $ 11.61       $ 12.03      $ 12.01      $ 10.83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.00  (d)      0.01         0.03        0.00  (d)      0.01   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.25        4.21         1.88        0.03        1.21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.25        4.22         1.91        0.03        1.22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.01     (0.03      (0.00 )(e)      (0.01     (0.04

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.85     (0.14      (2.33     0.00        0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.86     (0.17      (2.33     (0.01     (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 16.05      $ 15.66       $ 11.61      $ 12.03      $ 12.01   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.74        36.73         15.56        0.22        11.31   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.87        0.87         0.89        0.89        0.89   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.79        0.80         0.82        0.82        0.84   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.01        0.06         0.30        0.02        0.10   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25        36         41        47        66   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 907.1      $ 976.7       $ 804.2      $ 429.9      $ 425.0   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 15.75       $ 11.67       $ 12.09       $ 12.07       $ 10.88   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.02         0.02         0.04         0.01         0.02   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.25         4.24         1.88         0.03         1.22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.27         4.26         1.92         0.04         1.24   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.02      (0.04      (0.01      (0.02      (0.05

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.85      (0.14      (2.33      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.87      (0.18      (2.34      (0.02      (0.05
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 16.15       $ 15.75       $ 11.67       $ 12.09       $ 12.07   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.86         36.90         15.58         0.31         11.44   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.77         0.77         0.79         0.79         0.79   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.69         0.70         0.72         0.72         0.74   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.11         0.16         0.38         0.12         0.21   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25         36         41         47         66   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 12.0       $ 12.5       $ 11.8       $ 8.9       $ 10.2   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Net investment income (loss) was less than $0.01.
(e) Distributions from net investment income were less than $0.01.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Jennison Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions and broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 768,892,635       $ 0       $ 1,387,281,391   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $31,733,419 in sales of investments, which are included above.

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$18,439,307      0.700   Of the first $200 million
     0.650   Of the next $300 million
     0.600   Of the next $1.5 billion
     0.550   On amounts in excess of $2 billion

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Jennison Associates LLC is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.050%    Of the first $200 million
0.050%    Over $300 million and less than $1 billion
0.100%    On the next $1 billion
0.080%    On amounts in excess of $2 billion

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$6,247,925    $ 9,959,764       $ 171,974,709       $ 28,851,960       $ 178,222,634       $ 38,811,724   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$8,090,976    $ 435,464,157       $ 912,525,741       $       $ 1,356,080,874   

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

8. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 26, 2013, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A, Class B and Class E net assets of $1,857,306,830, $819,988,734 and $11,676,860, respectively, acquired all of the assets and liabilities of Jennison Large Cap Equity Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“Jennison Large Cap Equity”).

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 5,250,311 Class B shares of the Portfolio (valued at $64,841,343) for 467,420,337 Class B shares of Jennison Large Cap Equity. Each shareholder of Jennison Large Cap Equity received Class B shares of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s Class B NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 26, 2013. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by Jennison Large Cap Equity may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. If such purchases or sales occurred, the transaction costs were borne by Jennison Large Cap Equity. All other costs associated with the merger were not borne by the shareholders of either portfolio.

Jennison Large Cap Equity’s net assets on April 26, 2013, were $64,841,343 for Class B shares, including investments valued at $64,401,707 with a cost basis of $57,348,966. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from Jennison Large Cap Equity were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $2,753,813,767, which included $7,052,741 of acquired unrealized appreciation.

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2013, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

Net investment income

   $ 6,562,470 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     908,460,659 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 915,023,129   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of Jennison Large Cap Equity that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 26, 2013.

 

(a) $6,531,088 net investment income as reported December 31, 2013, minus $30,183 from Jennison Large Cap Equity pre-merger net investment loss plus $24,296 in lower advisory fees, plus $37,269 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $1,095,351,241 unrealized appreciation as reported December 31, 2013, minus $430,673,341 pro-forma December 31, 2012 unrealized appreciation, plus $242,226,735 net realized gain as reported December 31, 2013, plus $1,556,024 in net realized gain from Jennison Large Cap Equity pre-merger.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Jennison Growth Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Jennison Growth Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Jennison Growth Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Jennison Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Jennison Growth Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Jennison Associates LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board took into account that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Managed by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio returned 3.76%, 3.50%, and 3.60%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index1, returned 4.89%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

U.S. stocks finished 2014 near all-time highs, with total returns of 13.7% for the large cap S&P 500 Index and 4.9% for the small cap Russell 2000 Index. Large cap equities maintained a performance advantage throughout the year, despite a strong rally in small caps during the fourth quarter. While the U.S. economy continued to improve following a dismal first part of 2014, the same cannot be said for most other global economies—or their equity markets. The challenges are evident in the MSCI All Country World Index (which is nearly 52% weighted in U.S. stocks). Given strong U.S. performance, the overall annual return of 4.7% is a disappointment, reflecting lower-than-expected economic growth outside the U.S., pressure on certain commodity-sensitive equity markets and, perhaps most importantly, the double-digit appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus most major currencies. Within the U.S. market, Health Care, Technology, Consumer Staples and Financials all performed well in 2014, consistent with the broadening economic recovery and rising employment. As interest rates moved lower in 2014, Utilities stocks took top-performance honors with a powerful gain of nearly 30%. While large cap growth and value stocks delivered similar returns for the year, small cap growth stocks outperformed small value stocks in 2014. Although small cap value benchmarks were helped by larger weightings in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and Utilities, this was more than offset by a significantly higher Health Care weighting in the growth stock indices.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio modestly underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, over the last year. During the period, stock selection was neutral with sector allocation (most notably in the Industrials sector) detracting from the results. Relative to our benchmark, the Health Care sector had the greatest negative impact to the Portfolio, followed by the Information Technology (“IT”) sector. Negative stock selection was evident in both sectors. Offsetting those two sectors was positive stock selection in the Energy and Consumer Discretionary sectors.

DXP Enterprises, Parker Drilling, and Oasis Petroleum all detracted from the Portfolio’s performance. DXP Enterprises is an industrial distributor that missed consensus estimates by a large margin during the second quarter. We had reduced the Portfolio’s position in DXP Enterprises, which was up 46% during the fourth quarter of 2013, into price strength on January 2, 2014. The Portfolio added to its position during the second quarter of 2014, and during the fourth quarter reduced the position size ahead of what may be mixed news and to manage overall energy infrastructure exposure. Parker Drilling, an onshore and offshore provider of rental tools and drilling services, underperformed the energy sector due to the dramatic decline in oil prices and reduced expectations for future drilling activity. Oasis Petroleum is an independent exploration and production company focused on developing oil and natural gas resources. As commodity prices declined during the year, companies with revenues tied to those prices also declined significantly. Oasis Petroleum was sold during the fourth quarter.

Exact Sciences, Receptos, and XPO Logistics were the largest contributors to the Portfolio’s performance. Exact Sciences develops a non-invasive molecular screening test for colorectal cancer. Shares were up amidst speculation that favorable Medicare pricing would be imminent, and the Portfolio eliminated the position into the price strength. Biotechnology company Receptos was up after positive data from its ulcerative colitis drug was announced. XPO Logistics is a provider of transportation logistics services in North America. In our view, XPO has an attractive business model that should support above-peer growth for the foreseeable future. During the year, the company reported better-than-expected earnings and announced some sizable acquisitions.

Some additions to the Portfolio during the period included Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Diodes, KLX, and TreeHouse Foods. Anacor Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops first-in-class drugs to target various inflammatory skin diseases. The stock was bought in anticipation of the third quarter launch of the company’s atopic dermatitis drug. Diodes is a manufacturer of semiconductors. They supply discrete, logic and analog semiconductor devices to consumers in the electronics, computing, industrial, communications and automotive industries. While many competitors have de-emphasized the discrete and standard analog segments due to the lower gross margin potential, Diodes has gained share and has established a business model utilizing innovative and cost-effective packaging technology suited for high volume applications. The company has a strong track record of making acquisitions, with synergies realized via incorporating its packaging expertise and increasing manufacturing utilization. KLX is a recent spin-off from B/E Aerospace. KLX is a leading distributor of fasteners and consumables to the aerospace industry. In recent years, the company has acquired several companies providing services and logistics for the remote oil and gas drilling industries. Both segments report high margins and strong cash flows. Sentiment is currently quite negative toward suppliers to the energy infrastructure industry, compounding upon the natural weakness in KLX shares that may be related to the spinoff from B/E Aerospace. It is notable that highly regarded top management from B/E is moving to the smaller spinoff company. While news flow may be mixed over the near term as the impact of lower oil prices works its way through the energy end-market, valuation seems attractive. TreeHouse Foods is a leading producer of private label packaged food products in the U.S. and Canada. We are attracted to the secular theme of private label penetration increasing steadily, augmented by the company’s demonstrated ability to acquire and integrate companies. Its two most recent acquisitions are

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Managed by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

hyper-growers and should boost the total growth profile of the business while diversifying them into faster-growing categories like healthy snacking.

We also eliminated securities on diminished fundamental prospects while positions in some holdings were reduced on price appreciation following acquisition announcements or on price strength. While we do not make major adjustments to the Portfolio based on near-term macroeconomic expectations, they are a consideration in our investment process, and we can adjust position sizes to reflect our fundamental level of conviction and the risk/reward outlook.

Sector weight changes during the one year period ending December 31, 2014 were modest, resulting in minor changes to Portfolio positioning. As a result of individual stock selection, our weight to the Industrials and Energy sectors were reduced by 2.7% and 1.5%, respectively, and our weights to the Financials and IT sectors were increased by 1.4% and 1.2%, respectively. Cash reserves held for transactional purposes declined by 1.0%.

Mark Burns

John Slavik

Joe Gatz

Jeff Schwartz

Portfolio Managers

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio                 

Class A

       3.76           16.55           9.63   

Class B

       3.50           16.26           9.35   

Class E

       3.60           16.37           9.46   
Russell 2000 Index        4.89           15.55           7.77   

1 The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.      1.1   
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.      0.9   
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.      0.9   
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.      0.8   
Littelfuse, Inc.      0.8   
Semtech Corp.      0.8   
Signature Bank      0.8   
HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.      0.8   
RBC Bearings, Inc.      0.8   
CubeSmart      0.8   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Financials      21.9   
Information Technology      19.1   
Industrials      18.7   
Consumer Discretionary      16.3   
Health Care      10.7   
Materials      3.6   
Energy      3.4   
Utilities      2.3   
Consumer Staples      2.0   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.88    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,013.80         $ 4.47   
   Hypothetical*      0.88    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.77         $ 4.48   

Class B(a)

   Actual      1.13    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,012.50         $ 5.73   
   Hypothetical*      1.13    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.51         $ 5.75   

Class E(a)

   Actual      1.03    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,013.00         $ 5.23   
   Hypothetical*      1.03    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.01         $ 5.24   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—98.0% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—0.9%

   

Exelis, Inc.

    79,539      $ 1,394,318   

Hexcel Corp. (a)

    34,624        1,436,550   

KLX, Inc. (a)

    17,608        726,330   

Vectrus, Inc. (a)

    23,470        643,078   
   

 

 

 
      4,200,276   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—0.5%

  

XPO Logistics, Inc. (a) (b)

    62,390        2,550,503   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.3%

  

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (a)

    20,961        1,584,232   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—1.2%

  

Dana Holding Corp.

    92,833        2,018,189   

Fox Factory Holding Corp. (a)

    112,076        1,818,994   

Remy International, Inc. (b)

    65,459        1,369,402   

Tenneco, Inc. (a)

    13,866        784,954   
   

 

 

 
      5,991,539   
   

 

 

 

Banks—9.6%

  

BancorpSouth, Inc.

    117,513        2,645,218   

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (b)

    59,810        2,267,995   

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

    104,420        1,406,537   

Cathay General Bancorp

    132,581        3,392,748   

City National Corp.

    36,180        2,923,706   

CVB Financial Corp. (b)

    129,106        2,068,278   

First Financial Bancorp

    126,493        2,351,505   

First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (b)

    50,042        1,495,255   

Iberiabank Corp.

    33,100        2,146,535   

PacWest Bancorp

    72,443        3,293,259   

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    104,734        4,141,182   

Popular, Inc. (a)

    54,000        1,838,700   

PrivateBancorp, Inc.

    63,260        2,112,884   

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (b)

    49,002        2,712,751   

Signature Bank (a)

    29,196        3,677,528   

Talmer Bancorp, Inc. - Class A

    141,792        1,990,760   

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (a)

    38,371        2,084,696   

TriState Capital Holdings, Inc. (a)

    80,906        828,478   

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    61,820        2,890,703   
   

 

 

 
      46,268,718   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—2.5%

  

Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,119        1,251,356   

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

    40,826        1,668,559   

Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    40,075        1,292,419   

Chimerix, Inc. (a) (b)

    30,823        1,240,934   

Emergent Biosolutions, Inc. (a) (b)

    70,989        1,933,030   

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    39,990        893,377   

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,180        1,148,258   

Receptos, Inc. (a)

    10,100        1,237,351   

TESARO, Inc. (a) (b)

    37,956        1,411,584   
   

 

 

 
      12,076,868   
   

 

 

 

Building Products—1.7%

  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    39,117        1,657,388   

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (a)

    35,535        1,816,549   

Building Products—(Continued)

  

Masonite International Corp. (a)

    33,126      2,035,924   

NCI Building Systems, Inc. (a)

    72,946        1,350,960   

Trex Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    36,290        1,545,228   
   

 

 

 
      8,406,049   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—1.9%

  

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. - Class A

    31,775        1,605,591   

Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (b)

    122,023        1,815,702   

HFF, Inc. - Class A

    49,684        1,784,649   

Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (a) (b)

    43,441        861,001   

Stifel Financial Corp. (a)

    56,327        2,873,803   
   

 

 

 
      8,940,746   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—1.5%

  

Cabot Corp.

    44,594        1,955,893   

Flotek Industries, Inc. (a) (b)

    54,736        1,025,205   

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    36,581        2,540,551   

Tronox, Ltd. - Class A

    67,155        1,603,661   
   

 

 

 
      7,125,310   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—2.8%

  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (b)

    59,907        1,852,923   

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

    86,743        3,005,645   

Knoll, Inc.

    76,951        1,629,053   

McGrath RentCorp

    34,930        1,252,590   

Rollins, Inc.

    37,548        1,242,839   

Viad Corp.

    57,099        1,522,259   

Waste Connections, Inc.

    32,277        1,419,865   

West Corp.

    50,764        1,675,212   
   

 

 

 
      13,600,386   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—0.6%

  

Calix, Inc. (a)

    165,893        1,662,248   

Ciena Corp. (a) (b)

    66,152        1,284,010   
   

 

 

 
      2,946,258   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.8%

  

MYR Group, Inc. (a)

    68,157        1,867,502   

Primoris Services Corp.

    94,005        2,184,676   
   

 

 

 
      4,052,178   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—0.6%

  

Credit Acceptance Corp. (a)

    6,625        903,716   

Encore Capital Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    41,202        1,829,369   
   

 

 

 
      2,733,085   
   

 

 

 

Distributors—0.8%

  

Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc.

    35,474        2,196,905   

Pool Corp.

    27,131        1,721,191   
   

 

 

 
      3,918,096   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—1.4%

  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (a)

    53,855        2,531,723   

DeVry Education Group, Inc.

    33,890        1,608,758   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Diversified Consumer Services—(Continued)

  

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (a)

    24,089      $ 1,123,993   

Nord Anglia Education, Inc. (a) (b)

    89,973        1,716,685   
   

 

 

 
      6,981,159   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—1.3%

   

FNFV Group (a)

    170,746        2,687,542   

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    52,354        3,754,305   
   

 

 

 
      6,441,847   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—1.5%

   

ALLETE, Inc.

    60,842        3,354,828   

ITC Holdings Corp.

    21,890        885,013   

UIL Holdings Corp. (b)

    69,173        3,011,792   
   

 

 

 
      7,251,633   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—1.4%

   

AZZ, Inc.

    15,975        749,547   

Babcock & Wilcox Co. (The)

    72,934        2,209,900   

EnerSys (b)

    37,817        2,334,065   

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (a)

    52,898        1,279,603   
   

 

 

 
      6,573,115   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—4.2%

  

Belden, Inc. (b)

    37,769        2,976,575   

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (a)

    90,089        1,236,922   

FARO Technologies, Inc. (a)

    16,368        1,025,946   

FEI Co.

    20,864        1,885,062   

IPG Photonics Corp. (a) (b)

    25,444        1,906,265   

Littelfuse, Inc.

    38,569        3,728,465   

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    45,537        1,662,556   

Rogers Corp. (a)

    40,620        3,308,093   

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (b)

    169,189        2,394,024   
   

 

 

 
      20,123,908   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—2.2%

   

Bristow Group, Inc. (b)

    34,488        2,268,966   

Dril-Quip, Inc. (a)

    15,866        1,217,398   

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (a)

    47,494        984,551   

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (a)

    190,695        4,138,081   

Parker Drilling Co. (a)

    337,922        1,037,421   

RigNet, Inc. (a)

    22,950        941,638   
   

 

 

 
      10,588,055   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—0.5%

   

SpartanNash Co.

    97,655        2,552,702   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.5%

   

Freshpet, Inc. (a) (b)

    78,562        1,340,268   

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    6,991        760,411   

Post Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    71,683        3,002,801   

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (a) (b)

    23,960        2,049,299   
   

 

 

 
      7,152,779   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—3.6%

   

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (a)

    48,415      1,456,323   

Cynosure, Inc. - Class A (a)

    98,873        2,711,098   

Insulet Corp. (a)

    36,537        1,682,894   

LDR Holding Corp. (a)

    44,171        1,447,925   

Novadaq Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    99,927        1,660,787   

Quidel Corp. (a)

    52,651        1,522,667   

Spectranetics Corp. (The) (a) (b)

    83,470        2,886,393   

SurModics, Inc. (a)

    42,270        934,167   

Teleflex, Inc. (b)

    17,290        1,985,238   

Wright Medical Group, Inc. (a)

    48,630        1,306,688   
   

 

 

 
      17,594,180   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—3.0%

   

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    42,922        2,627,256   

Amsurg Corp. (a)

    37,010        2,025,557   

Bio-Reference Labs, Inc. (a) (b)

    41,966        1,348,368   

BioScrip, Inc. (a) (b)

    209,985        1,467,795   

ExamWorks Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    46,867        1,949,198   

Magellan Health, Inc. (a)

    31,732        1,904,872   

Team Health Holdings, Inc. (a)

    34,452        1,982,024   

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (a)

    16,551        1,358,175   
   

 

 

 
      14,663,245   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—0.6%

   

HMS Holdings Corp. (a) (b)

    87,898        1,858,164   

MedAssets, Inc. (a)

    56,955        1,125,431   
   

 

 

 
      2,983,595   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—3.8%

   

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    33,781        3,219,329   

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (b)

    10,573        1,488,255   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc. (a) (b)

    97,115        2,709,508   

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    45,714        3,407,522   

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (a)

    40,622        2,285,800   

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. (b)

    62,966        2,716,983   

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    25,820        2,352,977   
   

 

 

 
      18,180,374   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—1.1%

   

Jarden Corp. (a)

    54,533        2,611,040   

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    36,054        967,690   

Libbey, Inc. (a)

    55,496        1,744,794   
   

 

 

 
      5,323,524   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—0.4%

   

Raven Industries, Inc. (b)

    73,559        1,838,975   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—2.3%

   

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    114,738        2,697,490   

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    68,370        3,659,162   

ProAssurance Corp.

    45,299        2,045,250   

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

    27,885        2,443,284   
   

 

 

 
      10,845,186   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Internet & Catalog Retail—1.1%

   

HSN, Inc.

    31,016      $ 2,357,216   

Lands’ End, Inc. (a) (b)

    28,341        1,529,280   

Liberty Ventures - Series A (a)

    32,340        1,219,865   
   

 

 

 
      5,106,361   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—3.3%

   

comScore, Inc. (a)

    40,901        1,899,034   

CoStar Group, Inc. (a)

    10,244        1,881,106   

Criteo S.A. (ADR) (a)

    30,059        1,214,985   

Dealertrack Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    46,545        2,062,409   

Demandware, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,896        1,317,436   

Endurance International Group Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    75,296        1,387,705   

Envestnet, Inc. (a)

    34,258        1,683,438   

Everyday Health, Inc. (a)

    99,755        1,471,386   

HomeAway, Inc. (a)

    49,490        1,473,812   

Perficient, Inc. (a)

    84,986        1,583,289   
   

 

 

 
      15,974,600   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—3.7%

  

Cardtronics, Inc. (a)

    44,223        1,706,123   

Convergys Corp. (b)

    107,588        2,191,568   

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    65,808        1,649,807   

DST Systems, Inc.

    22,863        2,152,551   

Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    97,995        5,379,926   

InterXion Holding NV (a)

    67,937        1,857,398   

WEX, Inc. (a)

    29,644        2,932,384   
   

 

 

 
      17,869,757   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—0.3%

  

Cambrex Corp. (a)

    69,549        1,503,649   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—4.1%

  

Alamo Group, Inc.

    18,612        901,565   

Albany International Corp. - Class A

    51,129        1,942,391   

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    86,464        2,454,713   

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    105,577        3,469,260   

Middleby Corp. (The) (a)

    18,994        1,882,305   

Proto Labs, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,154        1,487,863   

RBC Bearings, Inc.

    56,684        3,657,818   

Trimas Corp. (a)

    67,251        2,104,284   

Wabtec Corp.

    23,528        2,044,348   
   

 

 

 
      19,944,547   
   

 

 

 

Marine—0.3%

  

Kirby Corp. (a)

    19,349        1,562,238   
   

 

 

 

Media—3.1%

  

Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (a)

    73,550        1,932,158   

EW Scripps Co. (The) - Class A (a) (b)

    100,965        2,256,568   

IMAX Corp. (a)

    38,893        1,201,794   

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - Class A

    40,041        2,372,029   

Journal Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

    55,555        634,993   

National CineMedia, Inc. (b)

    124,286        1,785,990   

New Media Investment Group, Inc.

    107,473        2,539,587   

Time, Inc. (b)

    86,352        2,125,123   
   

 

 

 
      14,848,242   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—1.9%

  

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.

    80,681      1,390,134   

Haynes International, Inc.

    42,162        2,044,857   

Horsehead Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    120,962        1,914,828   

RTI International Metals, Inc. (a)

    62,142        1,569,707   

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    105,208        2,034,723   
   

 

 

 
      8,954,249   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—0.6%

  

NorthWestern Corp.

    54,849        3,103,356   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—1.2%

  

Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (a)

    12,001        765,664   

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (a)

    27,482        1,642,874   

PDC Energy, Inc. (a)

    40,493        1,671,146   

QEP Resources, Inc.

    74,191        1,500,142   
   

 

 

 
      5,579,826   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—0.3%

  

PH Glatfelter Co.

    52,982        1,354,750   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—0.6%

  

Akorn, Inc. (a) (b)

    38,343        1,388,017   

Impax Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    43,094        1,365,218   
   

 

 

 
      2,753,235   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—2.9%

  

Corporate Executive Board Co. (The)

    22,015        1,596,748   

FTI Consulting, Inc. (a)

    47,079        1,818,662   

Huron Consulting Group, Inc. (a)

    26,992        1,845,983   

Insperity, Inc.

    29,383        995,790   

On Assignment, Inc. (a)

    40,031        1,328,629   

RPX Corp. (a)

    123,018        1,695,188   

TriNet Group, Inc. (a)

    50,393        1,576,293   

WageWorks, Inc. (a) (b)

    46,450        2,999,276   
   

 

 

 
      13,856,569   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—5.7%

  

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    55,813        2,308,426   

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.

    122,885        2,646,943   

CubeSmart

    164,717        3,635,304   

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    302,517        2,126,694   

Home Properties, Inc.

    25,191        1,652,529   

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    32,704        2,442,335   

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    42,345        1,667,123   

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    48,587        1,898,294   

Potlatch Corp.

    54,794        2,294,225   

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    194,735        3,269,600   

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    28,359        861,263   

Sovran Self Storage, Inc.

    32,899        2,869,451   
   

 

 

 
      27,672,187   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.5%

  

Avis Budget Group, Inc. (a)

    22,108        1,466,424   

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A (a)

    37,238        3,348,441   

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (a)

    28,758        2,232,771   
   

 

 

 
      7,047,636   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description  

Shares

    Value  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—3.5%

  

Cavium, Inc. (a) (b)

    37,322      $ 2,307,246   

Diodes, Inc. (a)

    40,969        1,129,515   

Intersil Corp. - Class A

    114,245        1,653,125   

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    46,685        1,708,671   

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    42,976        2,137,626   

Semtech Corp. (a)

    134,332        3,703,533   

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    39,149        1,864,276   

Teradyne, Inc. (b)

    116,453        2,304,605   
   

 

 

 
      16,808,597   
   

 

 

 

Software—3.8%

  

Aspen Technology, Inc. (a)

    48,168        1,686,843   

Ellie Mae, Inc. (a)

    34,753        1,401,241   

FleetMatics Group plc (a) (b)

    55,972        1,986,446   

Guidewire Software, Inc. (a) (b)

    56,035        2,837,052   

Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.

    26,144        753,732   

Proofpoint, Inc. (a) (b)

    44,589        2,150,527   

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    10,673        624,264   

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    44,097        1,845,900   

Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    16,705        2,452,545   

Verint Systems, Inc. (a)

    43,631        2,542,815   
   

 

 

 
      18,281,365   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—2.5%

  

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (a)

    29,292        2,223,849   

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (a) (b)

    68,614        1,593,217   

Christopher & Banks Corp. (a)

    125,546        716,868   

Genesco, Inc. (a)

    38,244        2,930,255   

MarineMax, Inc. (a)

    115,338        2,312,527   

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    16,382        1,572,836   

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (a)

    29,695        912,824   
   

 

 

 
      12,262,376   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—1.3%

  

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (a) (b)

    20,617        1,876,972   

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    29,475        1,627,315   

Tumi Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    72,645        1,723,866   

Vince Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    32,223        842,309   
   

 

 

 
      6,070,462   
   

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—0.6%

  

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    93,829        1,199,135   

Essent Group, Ltd. (a)

    25,306        650,617   

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. - Class C

    33,757        1,024,187   
   

 

 

 
      2,873,939   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.8%

  

DXP Enterprises, Inc. (a)

    19,245        972,450   

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    37,329        1,048,572   

Rush Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (a)

    50,123        1,606,442   
   

 

 

 
      3,627,464   
   

 

 

 
Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Transportation Infrastructure—0.3%

  

Macquarie Infrastructure Co. LLC

    21,938      1,559,572   
   

 

 

 

Water Utilities—0.1%

  

Middlesex Water Co.

    26,350        607,631   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $334,751,518)

      472,711,129   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—20.5%   

Mutual Fund—18.4%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    88,916,115        88,916,115   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—2.1%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp.
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $10,220,824 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $10,575,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750% due 03/31/18 with a value of $10,427,331.

    10,220,824        10,220,824   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $99,136,939)

      99,136,939   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—118.5%
(Cost $433,888,457) (d)

      571,848,068   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(18.5)%

      (89,359,710
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 482,488,358   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $90,542,089 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $88,916,115 and non-cash collateral with a value of $4,158,276. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $433,718,732. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $144,133,951 and $(6,004,615), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $138,129,336 for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 472,711,129       $ —        $ —         $ 472,711,129   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     88,916,115         —          —           88,916,115   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           10,220,824        —           10,220,824   

Total Short-Term Investments

     88,916,115         10,220,824        —           99,136,939   

Total Investments

   $ 561,627,244       $ 10,220,824      $ —         $ 571,848,068   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (88,916,115   $ —         $ (88,916,115

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 571,848,068   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     1,035,864   

Fund shares sold

     68,849   

Dividends

     479,268   

Prepaid expenses

     1,236   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     573,433,285   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     88,916,115   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     1,097,622   

Fund shares redeemed

     410,458   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     333,640   

Distribution and service fees

     42,111   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,482   

Other expenses

     81,499   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     90,944,927   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 482,488,358   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 283,700,943   

Undistributed net investment income

     563,235   

Accumulated net realized gain

     60,264,569   

Unrealized appreciation on investments

     137,959,611   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 482,488,358   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 269,078,524   

Class B

     179,542,242   

Class E

     33,867,592   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     927,462   

Class B

     641,037   

Class E

     119,207   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 290.12   

Class B

     280.08   

Class E

     284.11   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $433,888,457.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $90,542,089.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends

   $ 5,364,009   

Securities lending income

     434,960   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     5,798,969   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     4,389,395   

Administration fees

     11,901   

Custodian and accounting fees

     61,503   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     453,358   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     53,248   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     40,690   

Shareholder reporting

     91,022   

Insurance

     2,928   

Miscellaneous

     10,662   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5,184,125   

Less management fee waiver

     (386,458

Less broker commission recapture

     (26,796
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     4,770,871   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     1,028,098   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  

Net realized gain on investments

     59,991,691   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

     (44,243,116
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     15,748,575   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 16,776,673   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 1,028,098      $ 373,147   

Net realized gain

     59,991,691        64,835,389   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (44,243,116     91,746,038   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     16,776,673        156,954,574   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (119,998     (1,108,880

Class B

     0        (391,616

Class E

     0        (114,151

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (35,667,812     (18,804,683

Class B

     (24,560,228     (12,961,708

Class E

     (4,813,535     (2,795,689
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (65,161,573     (36,176,727
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     16,564,150        (13,242,863
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (31,820,750     107,534,984   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     514,309,108        406,774,124   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 482,488,358      $ 514,309,108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 563,235      $ (17,991
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     24,937      $ 7,323,678        43,599      $ 12,263,636   

Reinvestments

     132,764        35,787,810        81,068        19,913,563   

Redemptions

     (116,622     (33,796,624     (126,915     (35,702,694
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     41,079      $ 9,314,864        (2,248   $ (3,525,495
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     40,402      $ 11,422,028        51,845      $ 14,548,502   

Reinvestments

     94,213        24,560,228        55,844        13,353,324   

Redemptions

     (99,888     (28,029,609     (121,124     (33,321,684
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     34,727      $ 7,952,647        (13,435   $ (5,419,858
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     6,449      $ 1,822,076        8,871      $ 2,471,043   

Reinvestments

     18,216        4,813,535        12,039        2,909,840   

Redemptions

     (26,184     (7,338,972     (34,655     (9,678,393
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (1,519   $ (703,361     (13,745   $ (4,297,510
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 16,564,150        $ (13,242,863
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 322.61       $ 250.37       $ 224.06       $ 222.98       $ 175.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.91         0.53         1.56         0.13         0.43   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     8.06         94.94         30.73         1.20         47.73   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     8.97         95.47         32.29         1.33         48.16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.14      (1.29      0.00         (0.25      (0.18

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (41.32      (21.94      (5.98      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (41.46      (23.23      (5.98      (0.25      (0.18
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 290.12       $ 322.61       $ 250.37       $ 224.06       $ 222.98   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     3.76         41.04         14.55         0.59         27.53   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.96         0.95         0.97         0.96         0.96   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.88         0.88         0.89         0.91         0.91   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.31         0.19         0.65         0.06         0.23   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     35         36         38         49         61   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 269.1       $ 286.0       $ 222.5       $ 219.9       $ 244.4   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 313.49       $ 243.89       $ 218.94       $ 218.20       $ 171.53   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     0.18         (0.18      0.96         (0.41      (0.02

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     7.73         92.38         29.97         1.15         46.69   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     7.91         92.20         30.93         0.74         46.67   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.66      0.00         0.00         0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (41.32      (21.94      (5.98      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (41.32      (22.60      (5.98      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 280.08       $ 313.49       $ 243.89       $ 218.94       $ 218.20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     3.50         40.68         14.27         0.34         27.21   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.21         1.20         1.22         1.21         1.21   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.13         1.13         1.14         1.16         1.16   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     0.06         (0.07      0.41         (0.19      (0.01

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     35         36         38         49         61   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 179.5       $ 190.1       $ 151.2       $ 142.6       $ 141.7   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 317.10       $ 246.44       $ 220.96       $ 219.99       $ 172.77   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     0.46         0.09         1.18         (0.22      0.14   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     7.87         93.41         30.28         1.19         47.08   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     8.33         93.50         31.46         0.97         47.22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.90      0.00         0.00         0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (41.32      (21.94      (5.98      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (41.32      (22.84      (5.98      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 284.11       $ 317.10       $ 246.44       $ 220.96       $ 219.99   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     3.60         40.83         14.38         0.44         27.34   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.11         1.10         1.12         1.11         1.11   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.03         1.03         1.04         1.06         1.06   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     0.16         0.03         0.50         (0.10      0.08   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     35         36         38         49         61   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 33.9       $ 38.3       $ 33.1       $ 33.9       $ 41.8   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to broker commission recapture, return of capital adjustments, distribution re-designations and real estate investment trust (REIT) adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $10,220,824, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 166,645,322       $ 0       $ 216,548,866   

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$4,389,395      0.900   Of the first $500 million
     0.850   On amounts in excess of $500 million

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.050%    Of the first $200 million
0.100%    On the next $300 million
0.050%    On amounts in excess of $500 million

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$4,891,539    $ 1,614,646       $ 60,270,034       $ 34,562,081       $ 65,161,573       $ 36,176,727   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$626,718    $ 60,094,841       $ 138,129,336       $       $ 198,850,895   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Core Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, for the one-year period ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed its benchmark for the three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were below its Expense Group median and Sub-advised Expense Universe median and above its Expense Universe median. The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the average of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the average of the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also considered that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Managed by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio returned 1.22%, 0.94%, and 1.05%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index1, returned 5.60%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Despite ultimately posting positive returns, 2014 was a trying year for the small and mid cap equity markets. The market headwinds included increased volatility (as measured by standard deviation), a severe rotation, and significant swings in performance driven by specific pockets of the market that were extremely difficult to keep pace with. While some of these trends were evident in other equity asset classes, they were particularly severe in the small cap segment; small caps lagged large caps by the widest margin since 1998. The Russell 2000 Index lagged the S&P 500 Index by almost 900 basis points for the year.

While growth outperformed value in the small cap asset class, growth managers struggled much more than their value counterparts to outperform their benchmark. Approximately 46% of small cap value managers managed to outperform for the year, while approximately 23% of small cap growth managers outperformed, relative to the Russell 2000 Value and Growth Indices. One factor that may explain why growth managers had such a difficult time during the year may be earnings growth. Earnings can provide insight into other aspects of business quality however during the year, companies that were able to beat earnings estimates and raise guidance were not rewarded in the traditional fashion.

Valuation has played a dominant role in many discussions surrounding small cap stocks this year, and perhaps that provides further insight into why earnings surprises have not produced the same positive performance they have in the past. As we began 2014, valuations of small cap stocks on an absolute basis and relative to large cap stocks reached levels that some may say were extended. They have since retreated but remain somewhat elevated from long-term averages. As a result of these higher valuations, expectations for earnings beats and raises may have already been priced in to the stocks.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index, in 2014 primarily due to stock selection. Stock selection in the Information Technology (“IT”), Health Care and Consumer Discretionary sectors was the largest detractor to relative performance. An underweight position in the Materials sector contributed positively to relative performance.

The largest detractors to performance during the year were Energy companies Oasis Petroleum and Gulfport Energy, and Financial Engines. The Energy sector played a large role in performance during the year, particularly the last quarter. The Energy sector in the Russell 2000 Growth Index was down over 32% for the year. Oasis Petroleum and Gulfport both declined as energy prices collapsed and were among the three worst-performing stocks in the Portfolio. Investment advisory company Financial Engines also declined during the year. The company reported solid assets under management, however pricing and gross margins were soft.

The largest individual contributors to performance were Exact Sciences, Receptos and XPO Logistics. Shares of Exact Sciences were up during the year after the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the company’s colon cancer screening test. Biotechnology company Receptos was up during the year after data on the company’s ulcerative colitis drug met mid-stage study objectives. Shares of XPO Logistics were up after the company announced a private placement that would be used primarily to fund strategic acquisitions.

Changes to the sector weights were modest, resulting in no material change to the positioning of the Portfolio. As a result of individual stock selection, and the Portfolio’s holdings faring worse than the benchmark’s during the year, sector weights in the Consumer Discretionary sector decreased, and we were underweight the sector relative to the benchmark at the end of the period. The Portfolio’s exposure in the Health Care sector increased, although at year end we remained underweight, though less underweight than at the prior year’s end. Given the selloff during the first half of the year in many biotechnology and health care equipment and services companies, we were able to add selectively to these types of companies at attractive valuations. The Portfolio’s IT sector allocation also increased as we added selected stocks to a number of areas including semiconductors, and as a result, the Portfolio ended the period with an overweight position. Our strategy seeks high-quality, under-exploited growth stocks. Our bottom-up fundamental research and discounted cash

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Managed by Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

flow valuation discipline help us identify these differentiated growth opportunities. Risk management is applied from the stock level to the portfolio level and from the buy discipline through the sell discipline. Our strategy represents small cap growth investing with a low volatility approach.

Mark Burns

John Slavik

Portfolio Managers

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 2000 GROWTH INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio                 

Class A

       1.22           17.82           7.64   

Class B

       0.94           17.52           7.38   

Class E

       1.05           17.63           7.49   
Russell 2000 Growth Index        5.60           16.80           8.54   

1 The Russell 2000 Growth Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of those Russell 2000 companies (small capitalization companies) that have higher price-to book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
WageWorks, Inc.      1.7   
Spectranetics Corp. (The)      1.6   
Guidewire Software, Inc.      1.6   
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.      1.5   
XPO Logistics, Inc.      1.4   
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.      1.4   
Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The)      1.4   
Vail Resorts, Inc.      1.3   
Cavium, Inc.      1.3   
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.      1.3   

 

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Information Technology      28.1   
Health Care      23.6   
Industrials      16.1   
Consumer Discretionary      14.5   
Financials      8.7   
Energy      4.4   
Consumer Staples      1.9   
Materials      0.6   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.87    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,025.10         $ 4.44   
   Hypothetical*      0.87    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.82         $ 4.43   

Class B(a)

   Actual      1.12    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.90         $ 5.71   
   Hypothetical*      1.12    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.56         $ 5.70   

Class E(a)

   Actual      1.02    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,024.20         $ 5.20   
   Hypothetical*      1.02    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.06         $ 5.19   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—97.9% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—0.8%

  

Hexcel Corp. (a)

    84,223      $ 3,494,412   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—1.4%

  

XPO Logistics, Inc. (a) (b)

    151,764        6,204,112   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.9%

  

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (a)

    50,988        3,853,673   
   

 

 

 

Banks—4.2%

  

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc.

    145,488        5,516,905   

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

    254,003        3,421,420   

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    110,711        4,377,513   

PrivateBancorp, Inc.

    153,882        5,139,659   
   

 

 

 
      18,455,497   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—6.8%

  

Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    78,130        3,043,945   

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    99,310        4,058,800   

Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    97,473        3,143,504   

Chimerix, Inc. (a) (b)

    74,963        3,018,010   

Emergent Biosolutions, Inc. (a)

    172,682        4,702,131   

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    97,190        2,171,225   

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    53,905        2,790,662   

Receptos, Inc. (a)

    24,562        3,009,091   

TESARO, Inc. (a) (b)

    92,329        3,433,715   
   

 

 

 
      29,371,083   
   

 

 

 

Building Products—2.5%

  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    95,153        4,031,633   

NCI Building Systems, Inc. (a)

    177,441        3,286,207   

Trex Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    88,276        3,758,792   
   

 

 

 
      11,076,632   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—1.9%

  

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. - Class A

    77,294        3,905,666   

HFF, Inc. - Class A

    120,856        4,341,147   
   

 

 

 
      8,246,813   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—0.6%

  

Flotek Industries, Inc. (a) (b)

    133,146        2,493,825   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—1.0%

  

Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (b)

    145,723        4,507,212   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—0.7%

  

Ciena Corp. (a) (b)

    160,916        3,123,380   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—1.0%

  

Encore Capital Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    100,226        4,450,034   
   

 

 

 

Distributors—1.0%

  

Pool Corp.

    65,998        4,186,913   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—3.9%

  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (a)

    131,002      6,158,404   

DeVry Education Group, Inc.

    82,428        3,912,857   

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (a)

    58,598        2,734,183   

Nord Anglia Education, Inc. (a) (b)

    218,860        4,175,849   
   

 

 

 
      16,981,293   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—1.1%

  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    69,266        4,967,065   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.7%

  

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (a)

    128,675        3,112,648   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—2.7%

  

FARO Technologies, Inc. (a)

    39,815        2,495,604   

FEI Co.

    50,753        4,585,533   

IPG Photonics Corp. (a) (b)

    61,892        4,636,949   
   

 

 

 
      11,718,086   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—2.6%

  

Dril-Quip, Inc. (a)

    38,594        2,961,317   

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (a)

    115,448        2,393,237   

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (a)

    161,517        3,504,919   

RigNet, Inc. (a)

    55,826        2,290,541   
   

 

 

 
      11,150,014   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.9%

  

Freshpet, Inc. (a) (b)

    190,969        3,257,931   

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (a)

    58,284        4,985,031   
   

 

 

 
      8,242,962   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—7.6%

  

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (a)

    117,771        3,542,552   

Cynosure, Inc. - Class A (a)

    148,077        4,060,271   

Insulet Corp. (a) (b)

    88,877        4,093,675   

LDR Holding Corp. (a)

    107,372        3,519,654   

Novadaq Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    243,073        4,039,873   

Quidel Corp. (a) (b)

    128,073        3,703,871   

Spectranetics Corp. (The) (a) (b)

    203,040        7,021,123   

Wright Medical Group, Inc. (a)

    118,294        3,178,560   
   

 

 

 
      33,159,579   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—5.9%

  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    104,409        6,390,875   

Amsurg Corp. (a)

    90,028        4,927,232   

ExamWorks Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    114,006        4,741,510   

Magellan Health, Inc. (a)

    77,189        4,633,656   

Team Health Holdings, Inc. (a)

    83,804        4,821,244   
   

 

 

 
      25,514,517   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—1.0%

  

HMS Holdings Corp. (a) (b)

    213,813        4,520,007   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—2.6%

  

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (a)

    98,814      $ 5,560,264   

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    62,801        5,723,055   
   

 

 

 
      11,283,319   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—0.9%

  

Lands’ End, Inc. (a) (b)

    68,891        3,717,358   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—8.1%

   

comScore, Inc. (a)

    99,493        4,619,460   

CoStar Group, Inc. (a)

    24,917        4,575,509   

Criteo S.A. (ADR) (a)

    73,110        2,955,106   

Dealertrack Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    113,221        5,016,822   

Demandware, Inc. (a) (b)

    55,688        3,204,288   

Endurance International Group Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    183,140        3,375,270   

Envestnet, Inc. (a)

    83,334        4,095,033   

Everyday Health, Inc. (a)

    242,655        3,579,161   

HomeAway, Inc. (a)

    120,386        3,585,095   
   

 

 

 
      35,005,744   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—3.2%

   

Cardtronics, Inc. (a)

    107,573        4,150,166   

Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    93,584        5,137,762   

InterXion Holding NV (a) (b)

    165,256        4,518,099   
   

 

 

 
      13,806,027   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—0.8%

  

Cambrex Corp. (a)

    169,178        3,657,628   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—2.4%

   

Middleby Corp. (The) (a)

    46,203        4,578,717   

Proto Labs, Inc. (a) (b)

    53,891        3,619,320   

RBC Bearings, Inc.

    35,038        2,261,002   
   

 

 

 
      10,459,039   
   

 

 

 

Media—0.7%

   

IMAX Corp. (a) (b)

    94,547        2,921,502   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—1.9%

   

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (a)

    66,850        3,996,293   

PDC Energy, Inc. (a)

    98,498        4,065,013   
   

 

 

 
      8,061,306   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—1.5%

   

Akorn, Inc. (a) (b)

    93,270        3,376,374   

Impax Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    104,828        3,320,951   
   

 

 

 
      6,697,325   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—5.2%

   

Corporate Executive Board Co. (The)

    53,551        3,884,054   

Huron Consulting Group, Inc. (a)

    65,658        4,490,351   

On Assignment, Inc. (a)

    97,375        3,231,876   

Professional Services—(Continued)

  

TriNet Group, Inc. (a)

    122,582      $ 3,834,365   

WageWorks, Inc. (a) (b)

    112,892        7,289,436   
   

 

 

 
      22,730,082   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.1%

   

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A (a)

    53,394        4,801,189   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—6.4%

  

Cavium, Inc. (a) (b)

    90,786        5,612,390   

Intersil Corp. - Class A

    277,903        4,021,256   

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    113,561        4,156,333   

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    104,540        5,199,820   

Semtech Corp. (a)

    163,007        4,494,103   

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    95,231        4,534,900   
   

 

 

 
      28,018,802   
   

 

 

 

Software—7.0%

  

Aspen Technology, Inc. (a)

    117,170        4,103,294   

Ellie Mae, Inc. (a)

    84,537        3,408,532   

FleetMatics Group plc (a) (b)

    136,153        4,832,070   

Guidewire Software, Inc. (a) (b)

    136,186        6,895,097   

Proofpoint, Inc. (a) (b)

    108,462        5,231,122   

Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    40,601        5,960,836   
   

 

 

 
      30,430,951   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—2.1%

   

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (a)

    71,253        5,409,528   

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    39,849        3,825,902   
   

 

 

 
      9,235,430   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—3.4%

  

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (a) (b)

    50,152        4,565,838   

Oxford Industries, Inc.

    71,698        3,958,447   

Tumi Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    176,709        4,193,305   

Vince Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    78,381        2,048,879   
   

 

 

 
      14,766,469   
   

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—0.4%

   

Essent Group, Ltd. (a)

    61,545        1,582,322   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $330,920,427)

      426,004,250   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—30.4%   

Mutual Fund—27.9%

  

 

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    121,248,320        121,248,320   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Short-Term Investments—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Repurchase Agreement—2.5%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp.
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14
at 0.000% to be repurchased at $10,711,488 on 01/02/15,
collateralized by $10,930,000
Federal Home Loan Bank at
0.160% due 03/11/15
with a value of $10,930,000.

    10,711,488      $ 10,711,488   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $131,959,808)

      131,959,808   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—128.3%
(Cost $462,880,235) (d)

      557,964,058   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(28.3)%

      (122,909,407
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 435,054,651   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $118,223,483 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $121,248,320 and non-cash collateral with a value of $2,343. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $463,199,450. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $99,601,699 and $(4,837,091), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $94,764,608 for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 426,004,250       $ —        $ —         $ 426,004,250   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     121,248,320         —          —           121,248,320   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           10,711,488        —           10,711,488   

Total Short-Term Investments

     121,248,320         10,711,488        —           131,959,808   

Total Investments

   $ 547,252,570       $ 10,711,488      $ —         $ 557,964,058   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (121,248,320   $ —         $ (121,248,320

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 557,964,058   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     1,494,146   

Fund shares sold

     47,902   

Dividends

     41,743   

Prepaid expenses

     1,085   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     559,548,934   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     121,248,320   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     2,273,572   

Fund shares redeemed

     529,306   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     299,223   

Distribution and service fees

     16,148   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,842   

Other expenses

     63,872   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     124,494,283   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 435,054,651   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 285,309,983   

Accumulated net investment loss

     (63,842

Accumulated net realized gain

     54,724,687   

Unrealized appreciation on investments

     95,083,823   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 435,054,651   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 355,827,142   

Class B

     71,863,530   

Class E

     7,363,979   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     24,206,408   

Class B

     5,093,348   

Class E

     512,431   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 14.70   

Class B

     14.11   

Class E

     14.37   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $462,880,235.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $118,223,483.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends

   $ 1,374,749   

Securities lending income

     681,520   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     2,056,269   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     4,028,051   

Administration fees

     10,978   

Custodian and accounting fees

     49,628   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     186,422   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     11,765   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,594   

Shareholder reporting

     58,530   

Insurance

     2,731   

Miscellaneous

     10,541   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     4,466,658   

Less management fee waiver

     (397,497

Less broker commission recapture

     (34,137
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     4,035,024   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Loss

     (1,978,755
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  

Net realized gain on investments

     55,093,902   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

     (49,417,620
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     5,676,282   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 3,697,527   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment loss

   $ (1,978,755   $ (2,532,674

Net realized gain

     55,093,902        76,656,573   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (49,417,620     101,257,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     3,697,527        175,381,659   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (44,341,112     0   

Class B

     (9,372,330     0   

Class E

     (996,910     0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (54,710,352     0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (5,651,576     (61,215,845
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (56,664,401     114,165,814   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     491,719,052        377,553,238   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 435,054,651      $ 491,719,052   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated net investment loss

    

End of period

   $ (63,842   $ (48,554
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     2,827,474      $ 38,954,277        3,511,756      $ 45,338,268   

Reinvestments

     3,253,199        44,341,113        0        0   

Redemptions

     (6,182,952     (88,788,009     (7,138,154     (98,802,398
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (102,279   $ (5,492,619     (3,626,398   $ (53,464,130
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     547,893      $ 7,878,004        753,522      $ 10,565,408   

Reinvestments

     715,445        9,372,330        0        0   

Redemptions

     (1,211,176     (17,070,169     (1,305,262     (17,855,303
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     52,162      $ 180,165        (551,740   $ (7,289,895
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     43,912      $ 652,266        112,870      $ 1,623,975   

Reinvestments

     74,731        996,910        0        0   

Redemptions

     (140,254     (1,988,298     (149,978     (2,085,795
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (21,611   $ (339,122     (37,108   $ (461,820
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (5,651,576     $ (61,215,845
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 16.55       $ 11.13       $ 10.01       $ 9.72       $ 7.38   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment loss (a)

     (0.06      (0.07      (0.03      (0.06      (0.06

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.11         5.49         1.15         0.35         2.40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.05         5.42         1.12         0.29         2.34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.90      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.90      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.70       $ 16.55       $ 11.13       $ 10.01       $ 9.72   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     1.22         48.70         11.19         2.98         31.71   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.95         0.95         0.96         0.96         1.07   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.86         0.86         0.87         0.88         1.02   

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (%)

     (0.40      (0.53      (0.26      (0.58      (0.75

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     56         58         74         74         73   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 355.8       $ 402.4       $ 311.0       $ 354.8       $ 28.4   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 16.01       $ 10.79       $ 9.73       $ 9.47       $ 7.21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment loss (a)

     (0.09      (0.10      (0.05      (0.09      (0.08

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.09         5.32         1.11         0.35         2.34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.00         5.22         1.06         0.26         2.26   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.90      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.90      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.11       $ 16.01       $ 10.79       $ 9.73       $ 9.47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     0.94         48.38         10.89         2.75         31.35   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.20         1.20         1.21         1.21         1.32   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.11         1.11         1.12         1.13         1.27   

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (%)

     (0.65      (0.77      (0.51      (0.86      (1.00

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     56         58         74         74         73   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 71.9       $ 80.7       $ 60.4       $ 61.8       $ 66.4   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 16.25       $ 10.94       $ 9.86       $ 9.58       $ 7.29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment loss (a)

     (0.08      (0.09      (0.04      (0.08      (0.07

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.10         5.40         1.12         0.36         2.36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.02         5.31         1.08         0.28         2.29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.90      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.90      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.37       $ 16.25       $ 10.94       $ 9.86       $ 9.58   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     1.05         48.54         10.95         2.92         31.41   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.10         1.10         1.11         1.11         1.22   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.01         1.01         1.02         1.03         1.17   

Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (%)

     (0.55      (0.67      (0.41      (0.76      (0.90

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     56         58         74         74         73   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 7.4       $ 8.7       $ 6.3       $ 6.9       $ 7.8   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to net operating losses, return of capital adjustments, and broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $10,711,488, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 245,334,864       $ 0       $ 300,061,970   

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$4,028,051      0.900   Of the first $500 million
     0.850   On amounts in excess of $500 million

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.050%    On the first $100 million
0.100%    On the next $400 million
0.050%    On amounts in excess of $500 million

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:

 

Long-Term Capital Gain

   Total  
$54,710,352    $ 54,710,352   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$—    $ 55,043,902       $ 94,764,608       $       $ 149,808,510   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Growth Index, for the one- and three-year periods ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed its benchmark for the five-year period ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the average of the Sub-advised Expense Universe and below the average of the Sub-advised Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Managed By Artisan Partners Limited Partnership

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio returned 1.93%, 1.67%, and 1.78%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell Midcap Value Index1, returned 14.75%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

2014 was a strong year for U.S. stocks. The market experienced short bouts of volatility, but in each instance, stocks recovered sharply and headed even higher. Most broad-based U.S. stock indices reached all-time highs in late December. The U.S. economy exhibited signs of strength with solid Gross Domestic Product growth and declining unemployment. In contrast, Europe and Japan struggled to achieve meaningful economic growth, and their respective central banks responded with additional monetary stimulus. That was met with continued appreciation of the U.S. dollar versus the euro and yen.

A notable market development in the second half of the year was the meltdown in the oil market. The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil plummeted to $53, a 50% decline from its mid-June price of $106. After steadily falling for several months, the selloff in oil prices began in earnest on the last trading day of November when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) announced its decision to not cut production to curb excess supply, leaving it to the market to determine an equilibrium price. There were winners and losers from lower oil prices. Energy stocks, with their direct exposure to commodity prices, were clearly big losers. Aside from Energy stocks all sectors finished with positive returns. Leading the way were defensive sectors—Utilities, Consumer Staples and Health Care.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio meaningfully trailed the Russell Midcap Value Index. The Portfolio’s overweight exposure to the Energy sector coupled with a mix of sector holdings caused the Portfolio to lose much more than the benchmark during the energy selloff. Among the Portfolio’s biggest detractors were exploration and production companies Denbury Resources and SM Energy, offshore driller Ensco and oilfield services company McDermott International. Relative performance was also weak in the Consumer Discretionary sector due to setbacks at Coach and Mattel and in the Technology sector due to NeuStar. In the Financials sector, the Portfolio’s low weighting in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) held us back. In addition, the Portfolio underperformed in the Industrials sector as it had a few holdings that were weak due to their exposure to the oil & gas and/or metals & mining industries: Jacobs Engineering Group, Joy Global and Kennametal. Besides the Portfolio’s above-benchmark weighting in the Energy sector, it was also hurt by its low weightings in the Utilities and Health Care sectors. Finally, the cash position was a drag on performance as stocks advanced.

Stock selection was positive in the Consumer Staples sector, driven by grocery chain Kroger. The Portfolio’s Utilities holdings outperformed those in the Index, although that advantage was offset by a below-benchmark weighting in the sector. Though we’re not enamored by valuations in the Utilities sector, we found a few companies that met our investment criteria and those stocks outperformed. These were Edison International, SCANA and Xcel Energy.

The biggest sector-level changes during the period were reductions in the Information Technology (“IT”) and Energy sectors and increased weightings in the Consumer Discretionary and Utilities sectors. In the IT sector, our biggest sales were Western Union, Ingram Micro and Lexmark International. In the Energy sector, we sold Cimarex Energy. The decline in the Portfolio’s Energy sector weighting was also due to the relative underperformance of our Energy holdings. In the Utilities sector, besides purchasing Xcel Energy, our position sizes increased in existing holdings Edison International and SCANA. Other meaningful new purchases included Goldcorp and Gannett.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio was notably overweight the IT, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials and Energy sectors, and underweight the Financials, Utilities, Health Care and Materials sectors.

James C. Kieffer

Scott C. Satterwhite

George O. Sertl

Daniel L. Kane

Portfolio Managers

Artisan Partners Limited Partnership

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL MIDCAP VALUE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio                 

Class A

       1.93           13.89           5.37   

Class B

       1.67           13.61           5.11   

Class E

       1.78           13.72           5.22   
Russell Midcap Value Index        14.75           17.43           9.43   

1 The Russell Midcap Value Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of those Russell Midcap companies (the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index) with lower price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

 

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Cigna Corp.      3.3   
Allstate Corp. (The)      3.0   
Analog Devices, Inc.      3.0   
Alleghany Corp.      2.8   
Edison International      2.8   
Arrow Electronics, Inc.      2.8   
Avnet, Inc.      2.7   
Kroger Co. (The)      2.5   
FLIR Systems, Inc.      2.3   
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.      2.3   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Financials      22.5   
Information Technology      18.5   
Consumer Discretionary      15.0   
Industrials      13.6   
Energy      7.2   
Utilities      5.9   
Health Care      3.3   
Materials      2.9   
Consumer Staples      2.5   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A

   Actual      0.85    $ 1,000.00         $ 971.70         $ 4.22   
   Hypothetical*      0.85    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.92         $ 4.33   

Class B

   Actual      1.10    $ 1,000.00         $ 970.40         $ 5.46   
   Hypothetical*      1.10    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.66         $ 5.60   

Class E

   Actual      1.00    $ 1,000.00         $ 970.90         $ 4.97   
   Hypothetical*      1.00    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.16         $ 5.09   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—91.4% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—2.5%

   

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.

    86,475      $ 10,914,010   

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    287,371        24,277,102   
   

 

 

 
      35,191,112   
   

 

 

 

Banks—1.2%

  

M&T Bank Corp. (a)

    137,869        17,319,104   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—0.5%

  

Northern Trust Corp.

    93,565        6,306,281   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—1.3%

  

Republic Services, Inc.

    442,573        17,813,563   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—3.3%

  

Fluor Corp.

    336,220        20,385,019   

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (b)

    583,566        26,079,564   
   

 

 

 
      46,464,583   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—2.2%

  

H&R Block, Inc. (a)

    891,813        30,036,262   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—1.5%

  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    92,357        20,252,966   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—4.6%

  

Edison International

    595,625        39,001,525   

Westar Energy, Inc. (a)

    13,695        564,782   

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    700,727        25,170,114   
   

 

 

 
      64,736,421   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—1.3%

  

Hubbell, Inc. - Class B

    163,464        17,462,859   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—8.2%

  

Arrow Electronics, Inc. (b)

    667,527        38,643,138   

Avnet, Inc.

    877,063        37,731,250   

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    1,001,298        32,351,938   

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (b)

    170,806        5,768,119   
   

 

 

 
      114,494,445   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—2.7%

  

Ensco plc - Class A (a)

    741,018        22,193,489   

McDermott International, Inc. (a) (b)

    1,683,955        4,900,309   

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    647,493        10,741,909   
   

 

 

 
      37,835,707   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—2.5%

  

Kroger Co. (The)

    544,025        34,931,845   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—3.3%

  

Cigna Corp.

    450,431        46,353,854   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—16.6%

  

Alleghany Corp. (b)

    84,451        39,143,039   

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings AG

    545,124        20,671,102   

Insurance—(Continued)

  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    595,692      41,847,363   

Aon plc

    309,988        29,396,162   

Arch Capital Group, Ltd. (b)

    482,540        28,518,114   

Loews Corp.

    497,407        20,901,042   

Progressive Corp. (The)

    941,431        25,409,223   

Torchmark Corp.

    484,336        26,236,481   
   

 

 

 
      232,122,526   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—2.1%

  

Liberty Interactive Corp. - Class A (b)

    760,245        22,366,408   

Liberty Ventures - Series A (b)

    192,844        7,274,076   
   

 

 

 
      29,640,484   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—1.4%

  

IAC/InterActiveCorp

    330,983        20,120,457   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—2.9%

  

NeuStar, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    447,207        12,432,355   

Teradata Corp. (a) (b)

    624,543        27,280,038   
   

 

 

 
      39,712,393   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—1.6%

  

Mattel, Inc. (a)

    706,310        21,856,763   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—2.9%

  

Joy Global, Inc. (a)

    429,354        19,973,548   

Kennametal, Inc. (a)

    567,782        20,320,918   
   

 

 

 
      40,294,466   
   

 

 

 

Media—3.7%

  

Gannett Co., Inc. (a)

    763,728        24,385,835   

Omnicom Group, Inc. (a)

    354,722        27,480,313   
   

 

 

 
      51,866,148   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—2.9%

  

Goldcorp, Inc.

    1,450,406        26,861,519   

Kinross Gold Corp. (b)

    4,999,053        14,097,330   
   

 

 

 
      40,958,849   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—1.2%

  

SCANA Corp. (a)

    276,687        16,711,895   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—1.8%

  

Nordstrom, Inc.

    310,264        24,631,859   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—4.4%

  

Denbury Resources, Inc. (a)

    2,429,712        19,753,559   

Hess Corp.

    92,633        6,838,168   

SM Energy Co.

    423,937        16,355,489   

Southwestern Energy Co. (b)

    695,766        18,987,454   
   

 

 

 
      61,934,670   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—1.6%

  

ManpowerGroup, Inc. (a)

    326,174        22,235,282   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Real Estate Investment Trusts—2.7%

  

American Capital Agency Corp.

    911,830      $ 19,905,249   

Hatteras Financial Corp.

    968,231        17,844,497   
   

 

 

 
      37,749,746   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—0.8%

  

Ryder System, Inc.

    114,135        10,597,435   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—4.7%

  

Analog Devices, Inc.

    747,544        41,503,643   

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    175,408        12,334,690   

Lam Research Corp.

    154,288        12,241,210   
   

 

 

 
      66,079,543   
   

 

 

 

Software—1.2%

  

Synopsys, Inc. (b)

    395,560        17,194,993   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—2.3%

  

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (b)

    412,289        31,404,053   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—1.5%

  

Coach, Inc.

    539,208        20,252,652   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $990,785,880)

      1,274,563,216   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—20.4%   

Mutual Fund—11.9%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    166,737,345        166,737,345   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—8.5%

   

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $118,083,130 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $122,155,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750% due 03/31/18 with a value of $120,449,228.

    118,083,130        118,083,130   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $284,820,475)

      284,820,475   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—111.8%
(Cost $1,275,606,355) (d)

      1,559,383,691   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(11.8)%

      (164,286,213
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,395,097,478   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $161,588,084 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $166,737,345 and non-cash collateral with a value of $1,017,617. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,276,373,942. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $386,731,076 and $(103,721,327), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $283,009,749 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 1,274,563,216       $ —        $ —         $ 1,274,563,216   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     166,737,345         —          —           166,737,345   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           118,083,130        —           118,083,130   

Total Short-Term Investments

     166,737,345         118,083,130        —           284,820,475   

Total Investments

   $ 1,441,300,561       $ 118,083,130      $ —         $ 1,559,383,691   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (166,737,345   $ —         $ (166,737,345

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,559,383,691   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     2,503,518   

Fund shares sold

     682,137   

Dividends

     2,380,074   

Prepaid expenses

     3,768   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,564,953,188   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     166,737,345   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     1,579,106   

Fund shares redeemed

     288,825   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     955,960   

Distribution and service fees

     106,888   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,560   

Other expenses

     124,026   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     169,855,710   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,395,097,478   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 932,124,692   

Undistributed net investment income

     14,252,902   

Accumulated net realized gain

     164,942,548   

Unrealized appreciation on investments

     283,777,336   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,395,097,478   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 853,699,903   

Class B

     446,321,779   

Class E

     95,075,796   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     3,141,032   

Class B

     1,687,392   

Class E

     354,771   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 271.79   

Class B

     264.50   

Class E

     267.99   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,275,606,355.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $161,588,084.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 27,761,219   

Securities lending income

     281,197   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     28,042,416   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     11,894,629   

Administration fees

     34,436   

Custodian and accounting fees

     112,969   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,194,178   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     153,806   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     33,530   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     43,268   

Shareholder reporting

     161,230   

Insurance

     9,129   

Miscellaneous

     15,997   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     13,692,576   

Less broker commission recapture

     (30,823
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     13,661,753   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     14,380,663   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     190,677,811   

Futures contracts

     (163,018
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     190,514,793   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

     (177,677,868
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     12,836,925   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 27,217,588   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $10,050.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 14,380,663      $ 10,810,855   

Net realized gain

     190,514,793        147,105,680   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (177,677,868     286,341,957   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     27,217,588        444,258,492   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (6,908,510     (8,743,922

Class B

     (2,552,107     (3,398,401

Class E

     (615,655     (927,132
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (10,076,272     (13,069,455
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (207,895,591     (102,632,947
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (190,754,275     328,556,090   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,585,851,753        1,257,295,663   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,395,097,478      $ 1,585,851,753   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 14,252,902      $ 10,517,876   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     280,494      $ 74,948,516        337,861      $ 77,321,034   

Reinvestments

     25,870        6,908,510        39,940        8,743,922   

Redemptions

     (776,678     (208,431,703     (646,198     (150,839,338
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (470,314   $ (126,574,677     (268,397   $ (64,774,382
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     87,145      $ 22,719,838        253,823      $ 60,347,875   

Reinvestments

     9,803        2,552,107        15,917        3,398,401   

Redemptions

     (340,718     (89,594,087     (353,573     (81,268,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (243,770   $ (64,322,142     (83,833   $ (17,522,713
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     8,898      $ 2,374,401        18,197      $ 4,151,731   

Reinvestments

     2,337        615,655        4,290        927,132   

Redemptions

     (74,983     (19,988,828     (108,957     (25,414,715
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (63,748   $ (16,998,772     (86,470   $ (20,335,852
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (207,895,591     $ (102,632,947
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 268.60       $ 198.30       $ 179.02       $ 169.21       $ 148.14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     2.89         1.98         2.22         1.73         1.67   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     2.25         70.60         18.92         9.78         20.55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     5.14         72.58         21.14         11.51         22.22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (1.95      (2.28      (1.86      (1.70      (1.15
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.95      (2.28      (1.86      (1.70      (1.15
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 271.79       $ 268.60       $ 198.30       $ 179.02       $ 169.21   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     1.93         36.85         11.86         6.76         15.04   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.84         0.83         0.85         0.84         0.84   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.07         0.84         1.17         0.97         1.09   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25         22         23         30         39   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 853.7       $ 970.0       $ 769.4       $ 731.8       $ 876.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 261.50       $ 193.14       $ 174.44       $ 164.99       $ 144.56   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     2.15         1.36         1.69         1.30         1.27   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     2.21         68.77         18.44         9.47         20.01   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     4.36         70.13         20.13         10.77         21.28   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (1.36      (1.77      (1.43      (1.32      (0.85
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.36      (1.77      (1.43      (1.32      (0.85
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 264.50       $ 261.50       $ 193.14       $ 174.44       $ 164.99   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     1.67         36.51         11.58         6.49         14.76   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.09         1.08         1.10         1.09         1.09   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.82         0.59         0.92         0.75         0.85   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25         22         23         30         39   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 446.3       $ 505.0       $ 389.2       $ 383.8       $ 384.0   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 264.86       $ 195.57       $ 176.60       $ 166.99       $ 146.26   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     2.43         1.60         1.89         1.46         1.41   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     2.25         69.65         18.68         9.62         20.29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     4.68         71.25         20.57         11.08         21.70   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (1.55      (1.96      (1.60      (1.47      (0.97
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.55      (1.96      (1.60      (1.47      (0.97
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 267.99       $ 264.86       $ 195.57       $ 176.60       $ 166.99   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     1.78         36.65         11.69         6.60         14.87   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.99         0.98         1.00         0.99         0.99   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.91         0.68         1.01         0.83         0.94   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25         22         23         30         39   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 95.1       $ 110.8       $ 98.8       $ 104.4       $ 118.6   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $118,083,130, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 25, 2014 through April 29, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $70,492,544 in notional cost on equity index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized losses in the amount of $163,018 which are shown under Net realized loss on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 334,558,699       $ 0       $ 533,721,171   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $9,357,042 in sales of investments, which are included above.

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$11,894,629      0.820   Of the first $1 billion
     0.780   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$10,076,272    $ 13,069,455       $ —         $ —         $ 10,076,272       $ 13,069,455   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$14,316,462    $ 165,710,134       $ 283,009,750       $       $ 463,036,346   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $24,860,126.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Artisan Partners Limited Partnership regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the one- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014 and outperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the three-year period ended June 30, 2014. The Board also noted that the Portfolio underperformed its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. In addition, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell Midcap Value Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board took into account management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance, including prevailing market conditions.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met / Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A and B shares of the Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio returned -6.50% and -6.69%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI World ex-U.S. Small Cap Index1, returned -5.34%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

In U.S. dollar terms, developed ex-U.S markets posted negative returns for the one year period ending December 31, 2014, trailing both the U.S. and emerging markets. Using the MSCI World ex-USA IMI Index (net dividends) and its sector and country segments as proxies, non-U.S. developed markets returned -4.5%, as compared to +12.6% for the Russell 3000 Index and -1.8% for the MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index (net dividends).

The U.S. dollar appreciated against all non-U.S. developed currencies, particularly the Norwegian krone, Swedish krona, Japanese yen, and euro. As a result, overall currency fluctuations had a significant negative impact on the U.S. dollar-denominated returns of developed non-U.S. equities.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) and the Health Care sector significantly outperformed in developed ex-U.S. markets, while Materials and Energy were among the weakest sectors during the year.

Along the market capitalization dimension, small caps (MSCI World ex-U.S. Small Cap) underperformed large caps (MSCI World ex-U.S. Large Cap) by 0.5% for the period.

Along the profitability dimension, the top quartile of most profitable stocks outperformed the bottom quartile of least profitable stocks among large caps (MSCI World ex-USA, excluding REITs and Utilities). Among small caps (MSCI World ex-USA Small Cap, excluding REITs and Utilities), the most profitable quartile outperformed the least profitable quartile. Profitability is a measure of a company’s current profits, defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization minus interest expense, scaled by book equity.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World ex-U.S. Small Cap Index (net dividends) by 116 basis points. With REITs outperforming during the year, the Portfolio’s exclusion of REITs was a contributor to underperformance relative to the benchmark. To a lesser extent, the Portfolio’s investments in smaller and micro-cap securities contributed positively to relative performance, as they outperformed those held by the benchmark. For the period, differences in the valuation timing and methodology between the Portfolio and the benchmark negatively impacted relative returns. The Portfolio also may use fair value pricing to price certain Portfolio securities at the closing of the markets while the Index uses local market closing prices.

The Portfolio held approximately 3,700 securities as of December 31, 2014 and was well diversified across countries and sectors.

Joseph Chi

Jed Fogdall

Henry Gray

Karen Umland

Portfolio Managers

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE MSCI WORLD EX-U.S. SMALL CAP INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        Since Inception2  
Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio                 

Class A

       -6.50           7.85           12.97   

Class B

       -6.69           7.58           12.69   
MSCI World ex-U.S. Small Cap Index        -5.34           7.91           14.00   

1 The MSCI World ex-U.S. Small Cap Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of stocks with market capitalizations between US $200 million and $800 million across 23 developed markets, excluding the United States. The index returns shown above were calculated with net dividends: they reflect the reinvestment of dividends after the deduction of the maximum possible withholding taxes.

2 Inception date of the Class A and Class B shares is 10/31/08. Index since inception return is based on the Portfolio’s inception date.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Deutsche Wohnen AG      0.5   
DCC plc      0.4   
Berkeley Group Holdings plc      0.4   
Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc      0.4   
Bellway plc      0.4   
Hiscox, Ltd.      0.3   
Delta Lloyd NV      0.3   
Ashtead Group plc      0.3   
Daily Mail & General Trust plc      0.3   
Man Group plc      0.3   

Top Countries

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Japan      22.7   
United Kingdom      21.7   
Canada      8.9   
Australia      5.2   
Germany      5.2   
Switzerland      4.4   
France      4.0   
Sweden      3.7   
Italy      3.2   
Hong Kong      3.2   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Met/Dimensional International Small
Company Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      1.02    $ 1,000.00         $ 879.70         $ 4.83   
   Hypothetical*      1.02    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.06         $ 5.19   

Class B(a)

   Actual      1.27    $ 1,000.00         $ 878.60         $ 6.01   
   Hypothetical*      1.27    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,018.80         $ 6.46   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—99.3% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Australia—5.2%

   

Acrux, Ltd. (a)

    24,932      $ 25,998   

Adelaide Brighton, Ltd.

    181,014        524,645   

Aditya Birla Minerals, Ltd. (b)

    49,372        7,772   

AED Oil, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    93,946        0   

Ainsworth Game Technology, Ltd. (a)

    42,784        81,807   

AJ Lucas Group, Ltd. (b)

    34,363        21,493   

Alcyone Resources, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    101,457        31   

Alkane Resources, Ltd. (b)

    120,355        21,459   

Alliance Resources, Ltd. (b)

    81,385        5,591   

ALS, Ltd.

    4,235        18,325   

Altium, Ltd.

    31,832        85,177   

Altona Mining, Ltd. (b)

    67,875        13,277   

AMA Group, Ltd.

    90,664        27,119   

Amalgamated Holdings, Ltd.

    32,994        287,934   

Amcom Telecommunications, Ltd.

    115,100        273,413   

Ansell, Ltd.

    3,595        65,628   

Antares Energy, Ltd. (a) (b)

    111,036        17,711   

AP Eagers, Ltd.

    223        1,086   

APN News & Media, Ltd. (b)

    374,048        253,676   

Aquarius Platinum, Ltd. (b)

    119,520        27,760   

ARB Corp., Ltd. (a)

    26,545        244,822   

Arrium, Ltd.

    972,288        168,562   

ASG Group, Ltd. (b)

    59,850        29,703   

Atlantic, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    22,059        591   

Atlas Iron, Ltd. (a)

    250,116        33,373   

Ausdrill, Ltd.

    110,321        34,999   

Ausenco, Ltd. (b)

    72,770        25,284   

Austal, Ltd. (b)

    66,437        81,255   

Austbrokers Holdings, Ltd.

    20,969        173,505   

Austin Engineering, Ltd.

    26,257        15,995   

Australian Agricultural Co., Ltd. (b)

    192,359        232,112   

Australian Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.

    174,311        121,883   

Automotive Holdings Group, Ltd.

    79,876        246,623   

AVJennings, Ltd.

    10,332        4,711   

AWE, Ltd. (b)

    335,940        353,292   

Bandanna Energy, Ltd. (a) (b) (c) (d)

    179,193        9,216   

BC Iron, Ltd. (a)

    50,999        21,668   

Beach Energy, Ltd.

    676,773        579,049   

Beadell Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    102,327        18,838   

Bega Cheese, Ltd.

    46,636        195,052   

Berkeley Resources, Ltd. (b)

    25,720        5,560   

Billabong International, Ltd. (a) (b)

    280,601        152,975   

Blackmores, Ltd.

    5,495        157,969   

BlueScope Steel, Ltd. (b)

    596        2,699   

Boart Longyear, Ltd. (a) (b)

    232,690        32,340   

Boom Logistics, Ltd. (b)

    73,674        8,435   

Bradken, Ltd.

    48,239        184,092   

Breville Group, Ltd. (a)

    42,911        224,381   

Brickworks, Ltd.

    4,295        42,461   

BT Investment Management, Ltd.

    19,968        109,114   

Buru Energy, Ltd. (a) (b)

    23,457        8,339   

Cabcharge Australia, Ltd. (a)

    55,813        206,535   

Cape Lambert Resources, Ltd.

    97,229        7,051   

Capral, Ltd. (b)

    136,176        12,111   

Cardno, Ltd. (a)

    49,102        135,927   

Carnarvon Petroleum, Ltd. (b)

    251,902        27,229   

carsales.com, Ltd. (a)

    76,908        650,268   

Australia—(Continued)

   

Cash Converters International, Ltd.

    117,571      96,138   

Cedar Woods Properties, Ltd.

    23,396        114,141   

Chandler Macleod Group, Ltd.

    16,111        4,211   

Coal of Africa, Ltd. (b)

    133,534        3,271   

Cockatoo Coal, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    674,454        7,709   

Coffey International, Ltd. (b)

    63,637        14,482   

Collection House, Ltd.

    19,217        32,479   

Collins Foods, Ltd.

    4,975        9,092   

Comet Ridge, Ltd. (b)

    6,288        607   

Cooper Energy, Ltd. (b)

    123,859        31,432   

Corporate Travel Management, Ltd.

    20,836        165,047   

Coventry Group, Ltd.

    2,905        5,918   

Credit Corp. Group, Ltd.

    13,415        106,716   

CSG, Ltd.

    62,197        60,083   

CSR, Ltd.

    282,278        889,610   

Cudeco, Ltd. (a) (b)

    51,210        81,119   

Cue Energy Resources, Ltd. (b)

    171,183        13,737   

Data #3, Ltd.

    55,471        29,963   

Decmil Group, Ltd.

    56,744        67,732   

Dick Smith Holdings, Ltd.

    12,743        21,610   

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises, Ltd.

    23,859        486,427   

Downer EDI, Ltd.

    238,347        912,393   

Drillsearch Energy, Ltd. (a) (b)

    218,929        145,327   

DuluxGroup, Ltd.

    150,053        706,279   

DWS, Ltd.

    36,847        31,845   

Echo Entertainment Group, Ltd.

    45,092        138,110   

Emeco Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    314,914        37,002   

Empire Oil & Gas NL (b)

    591,457        2,839   

Energy Resources of Australia, Ltd. (b)

    51,910        55,063   

Energy World Corp., Ltd. (b)

    325,379        78,240   

Equatorial Resources, Ltd. (b)

    18,658        3,631   

Equity Trustees, Ltd.

    2,137        33,684   

ERM Power, Ltd.

    37,829        65,272   

eServGlobal, Ltd. (b)

    43,068        19,644   

Ethane Pipeline Income Fund

    3,869        5,520   

Euroz, Ltd.

    23,559        20,471   

Evolution Mining, Ltd. (a)

    113,688        60,001   

Fairfax Media, Ltd.

    944,011        668,458   

Fantastic Holdings, Ltd.

    1,151        1,663   

FAR, Ltd. (b)

    882,955        61,604   

Finbar Group, Ltd.

    6,909        7,311   

Fleetwood Corp., Ltd. (a)

    22,683        31,377   

FlexiGroup, Ltd.

    40,135        97,719   

Flinders Mines, Ltd. (b)

    606,380        6,440   

Focus Minerals, Ltd. (b)

    1,919,942        10,674   

Funtastic, Ltd.

    88,662        3,332   

G8 Education, Ltd.

    68,745        232,471   

Galaxy Resources, Ltd. (b)

    75,661        1,527   

Geodynamics, Ltd. (b)

    82,317        2,571   

Gindalbie Metals, Ltd. (b)

    346,087        5,656   

Global Construction Services, Ltd. (b)

    9,380        3,865   

Goodman Fielder, Ltd.

    694,503        362,927   

GrainCorp, Ltd. - Class A

    79,604        533,621   

Grange Resources, Ltd.

    120,000        10,166   

Greencross, Ltd. (a)

    9,967        64,437   

Greenland Minerals & Energy, Ltd. (b)

    69,811        4,158   

Gryphon Minerals, Ltd. (b)

    118,469        6,202   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Australia—(Continued)

   

GUD Holdings, Ltd.

    30,519      $ 178,868   

GWA Group, Ltd. (a)

    104,110        251,119   

Hansen Technologies, Ltd.

    38,199        56,720   

HFA Holdings, Ltd.

    45,623        56,132   

Hillgrove Resources, Ltd. (b)

    25,884        9,508   

Hills, Ltd.

    80,453        77,199   

Horizon Oil, Ltd. (a) (b)

    652,736        85,513   

Icon Energy, Ltd. (b)

    157,110        12,768   

IDM International, Ltd. (b) (c)

    49,237        0   

iiNET, Ltd.

    65,072        415,522   

Iluka Resources, Ltd.

    61,051        293,483   

Imdex, Ltd. (b)

    77,362        29,994   

IMF Bentham, Ltd.

    49,173        84,466   

Independence Group NL

    99,103        355,191   

Indophil Resources NL (b)

    149,398        35,808   

Infigen Energy, Ltd. (a) (b)

    282,132        54,972   

Infomedia, Ltd.

    104,748        101,302   

Integrated Research, Ltd.

    28,972        22,226   

International Ferro Metals, Ltd. (b)

    82,765        5,002   

Intrepid Mines, Ltd. (b)

    32,795        3,589   

Invocare, Ltd. (a)

    38,500        378,338   

IOOF Holdings, Ltd.

    74,630        538,228   

Iress, Ltd.

    48,479        421,194   

iSelect, Ltd. (b)

    46,213        48,222   

JB Hi-Fi, Ltd. (a)

    51,555        660,721   

Jumbo Interactive, Ltd.

    17,427        14,257   

Jupiter Mines, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    63,164        10,932   

K&S Corp., Ltd.

    1,802        1,839   

Karoon Gas Australia, Ltd. (a) (b)

    75,600        148,200   

Kingsgate Consolidated, Ltd. (a) (b)

    121,238        65,450   

Kingsrose Mining, Ltd. (b)

    83,494        17,245   

Liquefied Natural Gas, Ltd. (a) (b)

    11,253        22,384   

Lycopodium, Ltd.

    6,953        9,035   

M2 Group, Ltd.

    56,624        373,504   

MACA, Ltd.

    56,351        39,086   

Macmahon Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    380,170        22,333   

Macquarie Atlas Roads Group

    101,440        263,179   

Macquarie Telecom Group, Ltd.

    3,983        16,020   

Magellan Financial Group, Ltd.

    27,343        364,597   

Matrix Composites & Engineering, Ltd. (b)

    14,874        8,810   

Maverick Drilling & Exploration, Ltd. (b)

    41,036        5,374   

MaxiTRANS Industries, Ltd.

    59,013        25,466   

Mayne Pharma Group, Ltd. (b)

    134,949        71,346   

McMillan Shakespeare, Ltd.

    25,770        219,557   

McPherson’s, Ltd.

    34,460        34,747   

Medusa Mining, Ltd. (a) (b)

    60,972        32,446   

Melbourne IT, Ltd.

    36,135        42,777   

Metals X, Ltd.

    49,887        31,819   

Metcash, Ltd. (a)

    369,266        555,298   

Mincor Resources NL

    105,687        50,181   

Mineral Deposits, Ltd. (b)

    45,217        27,464   

Mineral Resources, Ltd. (a)

    41,091        251,504   

MMA Offshore Ltd. (a)

    100,235        100,592   

Monadelphous Group, Ltd. (a)

    33,774        256,781   

Morning Star Gold NL (b) (c) (d)

    33,455        574   

Mortgage Choice, Ltd.

    48,689        96,718   

Mount Gibson Iron, Ltd.

    439,215        87,029   

Australia—(Continued)

   

Myer Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    205,735      233,913   

MyState, Ltd.

    3,899        15,121   

Nanosonics, Ltd. (b)

    39,800        44,307   

Navitas, Ltd.

    96,272        395,170   

nearmap, Ltd. (b)

    85,792        46,180   

Newsat, Ltd. (a) (b)

    113,333        15,743   

Nexus Energy, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    625,142        4,976   

NIB Holdings, Ltd.

    238,467        609,506   

Nick Scali, Ltd.

    16,348        37,459   

Noble Mineral Resources, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    83,737        0   

Northern Iron, Ltd. (b)

    90,404        1,329   

Northern Star Resources, Ltd.

    220,636        269,078   

NRW Holdings, Ltd.

    94,219        27,547   

Nufarm, Ltd.

    79,335        305,491   

Orocobre, Ltd. (a) (b)

    38,552        87,007   

OrotonGroup, Ltd.

    8,647        26,725   

Otto Energy, Ltd. (b)

    308,140        24,178   

OZ Minerals, Ltd.

    126,408        355,151   

OzForex Group, Ltd.

    22,143        50,846   

Pacific Brands, Ltd. (a)

    369,147        161,884   

Paladin Energy, Ltd. (a) (b)

    612,137        177,971   

Pan Pacific Petroleum NL (b)

    55,564        1,808   

PanAust, Ltd.

    144,580        164,915   

Panoramic Resources, Ltd.

    146,618        50,254   

PaperlinX, Ltd. (b)

    340,846        11,702   

Patties Foods, Ltd.

    16,945        17,421   

Peet, Ltd.

    88,199        75,647   

Peninsula Energy, Ltd. (b)

    454,116        7,324   

Perpetual, Ltd.

    19,830        742,778   

Perseus Mining, Ltd. (a) (b)

    185,112        39,355   

Phosphagenics, Ltd. (b)

    345,965        21,230   

Platinum Australia, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    116,796        572   

Pluton Resources, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    48,332        541   

PMP, Ltd. (b)

    158,703        55,127   

Premier Investments, Ltd.

    44,992        359,342   

Primary Health Care, Ltd.

    216,119        826,148   

Prime Media Group, Ltd.

    93,371        69,178   

Programmed Maintenance Services, Ltd.

    50,859        106,316   

Qube Holdings, Ltd.

    111,143        219,176   

RCG Corp., Ltd.

    60,643        32,744   

RCR Tomlinson, Ltd.

    52,610        94,172   

Reckon, Ltd. (a)

    36,898        55,682   

Redflex Holdings, Ltd.

    19,984        16,372   

Regional Express Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    9,952        8,367   

Regis Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    141,782        223,718   

Reject Shop, Ltd. (The)

    12,421        62,112   

Resolute Mining, Ltd. (b)

    248,330        53,816   

Resource Generation, Ltd. (b)

    58,515        5,305   

Retail Food Group, Ltd.

    52,405        244,820   

Rex Minerals, Ltd. (b)

    42,465        3,795   

Ridley Corp., Ltd.

    123,003        93,817   

RungePincockMinarco, Ltd. (b)

    4,190        2,052   

Ruralco Holdings, Ltd.

    7,095        20,224   

SAI Global, Ltd.

    62,244        201,931   

Salmat, Ltd.

    45,807        44,274   

Samson Oil & Gas, Ltd. (b)

    581,639        5,268   

Sandfire Resources NL

    40,717        149,566   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Australia—(Continued)

   

Saracen Mineral Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    318,233      $ 66,403   

Sedgman, Ltd.

    48,829        22,324   

Select Harvests, Ltd. (a)

    26,863        144,226   

Senex Energy, Ltd. (b)

    248,220        65,112   

Servcorp, Ltd.

    26,561        120,985   

Service Stream, Ltd. (b)

    67,295        10,136   

Seven West Media, Ltd.

    84,939        93,066   

Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.

    621,692        372,830   

Silex Systems, Ltd. (a) (b)

    28,112        11,707   

Silver Chef, Ltd.

    6,956        33,844   

Silver Lake Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    112,092        17,879   

Sims Metal Management, Ltd. (a)

    81,094        790,689   

Sirtex Medical, Ltd.

    22,520        518,319   

Skilled Group, Ltd.

    81,174        98,624   

Slater & Gordon, Ltd.

    62,608        324,416   

SMS Management & Technology, Ltd.

    35,576        102,142   

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering, Ltd.

    22,440        7,532   

Southern Cross Media Group, Ltd. (a)

    228,727        208,108   

Spark Infrastructure Group

    594,486        1,028,988   

Specialty Fashion Group, Ltd.

    34,701        20,634   

St. Barbara, Ltd. (b)

    192,892        16,576   

Starpharma Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    81,789        35,037   

Steadfast Group, Ltd.

    8,636        10,821   

Strike Energy, Ltd. (b)

    182,555        17,115   

STW Communications Group, Ltd.

    131,014        103,089   

Sundance Energy Australia, Ltd. (b)

    177,630        76,540   

Sundance Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    819,104        16,464   

Sunland Group, Ltd.

    40,150        52,356   

Super Retail Group, Ltd. (a)

    69,714        403,845   

Swick Mining Services, Ltd.

    56,563        9,757   

TABCORP Holdings, Ltd.

    153,746        518,669   

Tap Oil, Ltd. (b)

    83,681        28,480   

Tassal Group, Ltd.

    66,700        211,632   

Technology One, Ltd.

    85,252        220,802   

Ten Network Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    919,245        167,756   

TFS Corp., Ltd. (a)

    78,407        98,428   

Thorn Group, Ltd.

    56,537        142,466   

Tiger Resources, Ltd. (b)

    409,321        43,618   

Toro Energy, Ltd. (b)

    75,052        4,862   

Tox Free Solutions, Ltd.

    67,596        130,703   

Transfield Services, Ltd. (b)

    195,706        259,935   

Transpacific Industries Group, Ltd.

    693,108        485,384   

Troy Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    47,537        17,887   

UGL, Ltd.

    29,320        52,122   

UXC, Ltd.

    122,634        73,876   

Villa World, Ltd.

    12,858        19,836   

Village Roadshow, Ltd.

    32,709        159,929   

Virgin Australia Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    442,369        151,612   

Virgin Australia International Holding,
Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    968,773        1   

Virtus Health, Ltd.

    5,022        32,030   

Vision Eye Institute, Ltd.

    37,056        21,933   

Vita Group, Ltd.

    18,112        20,068   

Vocus Communications, Ltd. (a)

    35,458        184,196   

Watpac, Ltd.

    37,999        25,515   

WDS, Ltd.

    55,558        11,314   

Webjet, Ltd. (a)

    22,295        52,342   

Australia—(Continued)

   

Western Areas, Ltd.

    104,247      314,524   

Western Desert Resources, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    64,456        7,630   

Wide Bay Australia, Ltd.

    9,275        40,161   
   

 

 

 
      35,707,300   
   

 

 

 

Austria—0.9%

   

A-TEC Industries AG (a) (b) (c) (d)

    1,749        0   

Agrana Beteiligungs AG (a)

    1,574        135,212   

AMS AG

    29,130        1,058,412   

Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG

    8,686        93,572   

CA Immobilien Anlagen AG (b)

    22,098        414,416   

CAT Oil AG (a)

    6,549        116,862   

Conwert Immobilien Invest SE (b)

    12,343        145,721   

DO & Co. AG

    1,623        122,307   

EVN AG

    10,637        128,718   

Flughafen Wien AG (a)

    1,221        114,975   

Frauenthal Holding AG

    270        2,940   

Kapsch TrafficCom AG (b)

    2,222        47,041   

Lenzing AG (a)

    2,817        178,681   

Mayr Melnhof Karton AG

    3,412        354,081   

Oberbank AG

    174        10,601   

Oesterreichische Post AG

    10,288        501,602   

Palfinger AG (a)

    5,947        151,036   

PIAG Immobilien AG (b)

    211        1,723   

POLYTEC Holding AG

    10,783        81,126   

Porr AG

    211        11,379   

RHI AG (a)

    6,522        147,329   

Rosenbauer International AG

    1,972        170,276   

S IMMO AG (b)

    35,979        268,393   

Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG

    3,509        253,421   

Semperit AG Holding

    6,630        320,826   

Strabag SE

    6,827        150,140   

Uniqa Insurance Group AG

    14,804        138,588   

Wienerberger AG (a)

    39,101        538,650   

Zumtobel Group AG

    19,568        440,745   
   

 

 

 
      6,098,773   
   

 

 

 

Belgium—1.3%

   

Ablynx NV (b)

    15,614        170,688   

Ackermans & van Haaren NV

    8,515        1,048,375   

AGFA-Gevaert NV (b)

    125,762        317,913   

Arseus NV

    13,446        564,945   

Atenor Group

    1,048        50,689   

Banque Nationale de Belgique

    104        419,821   

Barco NV

    5,073        357,534   

Cie d’Entreprises CFE

    5,563        572,116   

Cie Immobiliere de Belgique S.A.

    1,054        54,807   

Cie Maritime Belge S.A. (a)

    6,424        118,521   

D’ieteren S.A. (a)

    7,905        279,797   

Deceuninck NV

    49,164        103,653   

Econocom Group S.A. NV (a)

    22,022        174,068   

Elia System Operator S.A.

    8,825        409,784   

Euronav NV (a) (b)

    12,873        161,381   

EVS Broadcast Equipment S.A.

    4,761        172,014   

Exmar NV

    10,339        128,850   

Galapagos NV (b)

    16,401        307,415   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Belgium—(Continued)

   

GIMV NV

    250      $ 11,504   

Hamon & CIE S.A. (b)

    300        3,702   

Ion Beam Applications (b)

    11,487        199,275   

Jensen-Group NV

    738        14,215   

Kinepolis Group NV

    12,900        522,250   

Lotus Bakeries NV

    118        133,218   

Melexis NV

    13,858        624,252   

Mobistar S.A. (b)

    6,929        164,048   

NV Bekaert S.A.

    10,260        324,651   

Nyrstar NV (b)

    89,106        315,700   

Picanol (b)

    1,699        54,565   

RealDolmen NV (b)

    1,200        24,264   

Recticel S.A.

    13,561        84,462   

Rentabiliweb Group (b)

    1,352        10,857   

Resilux NV

    55        7,090   

RHJ International S.A. (a) (b)

    20,442        114,189   

Roularta Media Group NV (b)

    1,629        24,127   

Sioen Industries NV

    4,097        56,005   

Sipef S.A.

    3,346        193,048   

Tessenderlo Chemie NV (b)

    19,032        481,406   

ThromboGenics NV (b)

    9,279        73,597   

Van de Velde NV

    3,377        159,098   

Viohalco S.A. (a) (b)

    45,397        105,714   
   

 

 

 
      9,113,608   
   

 

 

 

Cambodia—0.1%

   

NagaCorp., Ltd. (a)

    412,000        335,739   
   

 

 

 

Canada—8.9%

   

5N Plus, Inc. (a) (b)

    33,732        71,715   

Aberdeen International, Inc. (b)

    9,500        1,308   

Absolute Software Corp.

    15,354        107,311   

Acadian Timber Corp.

    3,800        49,389   

Advantage Oil & Gas, Ltd. (b)

    117,131        560,551   

Aecon Group, Inc. (a)

    40,222        370,785   

AG Growth International, Inc. (a)

    4,720        229,581   

AGF Management, Ltd. - Class B (a)

    24,101        176,121   

AgJunction, Inc. (b)

    12,375        6,604   

AGT Food & Ingredients, Inc. (a)

    7,201        170,697   

Ainsworth Lumber Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    57,353        164,388   

Air Canada (b)

    15,459        157,943   

AirBoss of America Corp.

    2,361        24,833   

Akita Drilling, Ltd. - Class A

    2,003        21,378   

Alacer Gold Corp.

    58,689        117,701   

Alamos Gold, Inc.

    33,207        237,234   

Alaris Royalty Corp. (a)

    6,854        208,605   

Algoma Central Corp.

    4,410        62,252   

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (a)

    62,193        516,045   

Alterra Power Corp. (b)

    150,766        42,175   

Altius Minerals Corp. (a) (b)

    9,660        114,826   

Altus Group, Ltd.

    14,488        259,507   

Amerigo Resources, Ltd. (b)

    44,359        10,309   

Amica Mature Lifestyles, Inc.

    7,591        45,933   

Anderson Energy, Ltd. (b)

    46,999        4,652   

Andrew Peller, Ltd. - Class A

    1,139        14,774   

Argonaut Gold, Inc. (a) (b)

    37,825        59,580   

Canada—(Continued)

   

Arsenal Energy, Inc. (a)

    8,955      52,182   

Artek Exploration, Ltd. (a) (b)

    14,269        21,493   

Asanko Gold, Inc. (a) (b)

    23,027        35,676   

Athabasca Oil Corp. (b)

    3,614        8,057   

ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc. (b)

    39,833        531,427   

AuRico Gold, Inc.

    90,755        300,746   

AutoCanada, Inc.

    10,728        410,911   

Avalon Rare Metals, Inc. (b)

    28,205        5,705   

Avigilon Corp. (a) (b)

    9,681        159,822   

Axia NetMedia Corp. (a)

    22,633        62,144   

B2Gold Corp. (b)

    192,668        315,088   

Badger Daylighting, Ltd. (a)

    18,762        427,143   

Ballard Power Systems, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,735        11,699   

Bankers Petroleum, Ltd. (b)

    167,493        469,984   

Bellatrix Exploration, Ltd. (a) (b)

    60,265        219,419   

Birchcliff Energy, Ltd. (a) (b)

    58,552        394,110   

Bird Construction, Inc. (a)

    10,012        102,809   

Black Diamond Group, Ltd. (a)

    19,812        217,253   

BlackPearl Resources, Inc. (a) (b)

    117,817        117,634   

BMTC Group, Inc. - Class A

    5,387        75,116   

BNK Petroleum, Inc. (a) (b)

    29,567        10,561   

Bonterra Energy Corp. (a)

    8,999        322,610   

Boralex, Inc. - Class A

    9,402        103,990   

Brookfield Real Estate Services, Inc.

    800        8,924   

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc. (b)

    8,385        201,722   

Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc. (U.S. Listed Shares) (b)

    723        17,395   

Calfrac Well Services, Ltd.

    22,555        194,333   

Calian Technologies, Ltd.

    2,846        43,236   

Calvalley Petroleums, Inc. - Class A

    19,422        15,714   

Canaccord Genuity Group, Inc.

    54,653        367,395   

Canacol Energy, Ltd. (b)

    32,061        68,438   

Canadian Energy Services & Technology Corp. (a)

    70,437        384,984   

Canadian Western Bank

    10,887        306,894   

Canam Group, Inc.

    22,324        217,706   

CanElson Drilling, Inc.

    29,863        104,616   

Canexus Corp. (a)

    56,579        158,760   

Canfor Corp. (b)

    10,739        273,975   

Canfor Pulp Products, Inc.

    15,297        191,706   

CanWel Building Materials Group, Ltd.

    9,304        47,249   

Canyon Services Group, Inc.

    27,085        209,584   

Capital Power Corp. (a)

    43,408        971,431   

Capstone Infrastructure Corp. (a)

    33,717        92,868   

Capstone Mining Corp. (b)

    95,339        166,585   

Cascades, Inc.

    46,236        279,374   

Cathedral Energy Services, Ltd.

    13,349        31,368   

CCL Industries, Inc. - Class B

    11,359        1,230,640   

Celestica, Inc. (b)

    69,230        813,384   

Celestica, Inc. (U.S. Listed Shares) (b)

    3,026        35,525   

Centerra Gold, Inc.

    25,163        130,818   

Cequence Energy, Ltd. (a) (b)

    86,636        79,045   

Cervus Equipment Corp.

    2,164        38,351   

Chaparral Gold Corp. (b)

    15,698        6,553   

China Gold International Resources
Corp., Ltd. (a) (b)

    40,813        72,366   

Chinook Energy, Inc. (b)

    27,917        30,517   

Cineplex, Inc. (a)

    23,236        896,600   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Canada—(Continued)

   

Clairvest Group, Inc.

    200      $ 4,646   

Clarke, Inc. (a)

    2,830        24,359   

Clearwater Seafoods, Inc.

    4,900        50,021   

Cogeco Cable, Inc.

    5,082        313,371   

Cogeco, Inc.

    2,276        119,697   

Colabor Group, Inc.

    9,830        28,344   

COM DEV International, Ltd.

    31,775        109,126   

Computer Modelling Group, Ltd.

    24,820        255,079   

Connacher Oil and Gas, Ltd. (b)

    280,466        9,656   

Copper Mountain Mining Corp. (a) (b)

    57,011        77,533   

Corby Spirit and Wine, Ltd.

    8,057        159,365   

Corridor Resources, Inc. (a) (b)

    21,385        16,014   

Corus Entertainment, Inc. - B Shares

    30,690        606,245   

Cott Corp.

    2,000        13,760   

Cott Corp.

    36,205        249,614   

Crew Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    69,029        351,740   

DeeThree Exploration, Ltd. (b)

    30,762        135,302   

Delphi Energy Corp. (b)

    95,850        123,752   

Denison Mines Corp. (a) (b)

    247,548        240,772   

Descartes Systems Group, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    1,850        27,417   

Descartes Systems Group, Inc. (The) (b)

    32,686        485,310   

DH Corp. (a)

    26,867        848,006   

DHX Media, Ltd.

    32,525        277,154   

DirectCash Payments, Inc.

    4,974        83,271   

Dominion Diamond Corp. (b)

    21,380        384,060   

Dominion Diamond Corp. (U.S. Listed Shares) (b)

    9,238        165,914   

Dorel Industries, Inc. - Class B

    10,234        352,526   

DragonWave, Inc. (a) (b)

    18,544        17,717   

Dundee Precious Metals, Inc. (b)

    35,880        84,620   

Dynasty Metals & Mining, Inc. (b)

    8,618        5,934   

E-L Financial Corp., Ltd.

    112        65,843   

Eastern Platinum, Ltd. (a) (b)

    42,003        50,976   

easyhome, Ltd.

    2,000        34,533   

EcoSynthetix, Inc. (b)

    800        1,033   

EGI Financial Holdings, Inc.

    900        10,195   

Enbridge Income Fund Holdings, Inc. (a)

    18,118        629,249   

Endeavour Mining Corp. (a) (b)

    114,590        41,918   

Endeavour Silver Corp. (a) (b)

    37,334        81,622   

EnerCare, Inc. (a)

    25,125        313,576   

Enerflex, Ltd.

    26,589        375,102   

Energy Fuels, Inc. (b)

    4,125        25,351   

Enghouse Systems, Ltd.

    6,389        228,163   

Ensign Energy Services, Inc.

    29,704        260,786   

Epsilon Energy, Ltd. (b)

    18,214        65,061   

Equitable Group, Inc.

    5,801        327,898   

Equity Financial Holdings, Inc. (b)

    1,100        9,799   

Essential Energy Services Trust (b)

    53,526        63,118   

Evertz Technologies, Ltd.

    11,849        179,499   

Excellon Resources, Inc. (b)

    21,284        12,091   

Exchange Income Corp. (a)

    7,851        156,777   

Exco Technologies, Ltd.

    13,332        135,294   

Exeter Resource Corp. (b)

    11,335        6,439   

EXFO, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,342        46,510   

Extendicare Inc. (a)

    36,656        205,713   

Fiera Capital Corp.

    5,387        58,887   

Firm Capital Mortgage Investment Corp.

    2,307        24,623   

First Majestic Silver Corp. (a) (b)

    27,960        140,305   

Canada—(Continued)

   

First National Financial Corp. (a)

    5,807      117,510   

FirstService Corp.

    12,580        641,885   

Fortress Paper, Ltd. - Class A (a) (b)

    7,338        11,558   

Fortuna Silver Mines, Inc. (b)

    49,021        222,784   

Gamehost, Inc.

    4,952        59,247   

Genesis Land Development Corp.

    14,348        47,547   

Glacier Media, Inc.

    9,600        12,395   

GLENTEL, Inc.

    6,859        148,716   

Gluskin Sheff & Associates, Inc.

    10,833        258,191   

GMP Capital, Inc.

    33,836        184,936   

Golden Star Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    142,170        30,593   

Gran Tierra Energy, Inc. (b)

    99,813        383,169   

Great Canadian Gaming Corp. (b)

    23,794        422,918   

Great Panther Silver, Ltd. (b)

    67,206        40,492   

Guyana Goldfields, Inc. (b)

    41,155        99,894   

Hanfeng Evergreen, Inc. (b) (c) (d)

    12,100        1,348   

Heroux-Devtek, Inc. (b)

    14,606        142,439   

High Liner Foods, Inc.

    5,900        115,075   

HNZ Group, Inc. (a)

    2,917        51,922   

Home Capital Group, Inc. (a)

    26,768        1,105,695   

Horizon North Logistics, Inc. (a)

    30,612        69,561   

HudBay Minerals, Inc.

    82,403        717,781   

IAMGOLD Corp. (b)

    41,121        111,138   

Imax Corp. (b)

    21,475        662,845   

Imperial Metals Corp. (a) (b)

    13,826        118,767   

Indigo Books & Music, Inc.

    1,986        20,342   

Innergex Renewable Energy, Inc. (a)

    34,491        337,251   

Interfor Corp. (b)

    35,592        672,443   

International Tower Hill Mines, Ltd. (b)

    21,604        9,670   

Intertape Polymer Group, Inc. (a)

    18,513        296,546   

Ithaca Energy, Inc. (b)

    94,516        96,810   

Ivanhoe Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,366        3,288   

Ivernia, Inc. (b)

    71,989        3,718   

Just Energy Group, Inc. (a)

    71,937        376,465   

K-Bro Linen, Inc. (a)

    2,919        115,850   

Katanga Mining, Ltd. (b)

    26,500        7,983   

Kelt Exploration, Ltd. (b)

    16,500        99,415   

Killam Properties, Inc. (a)

    20,651        182,372   

Kingsway Financial Services, Inc. (b)

    8,765        49,491   

Kirkland Lake Gold, Inc. (a) (b)

    16,882        48,679   

Knight Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,998        29,769   

Lake Shore Gold Corp. (a) (b)

    187,975        126,201   

Laurentian Bank of Canada (a)

    12,065        518,926   

Legacy Oil + Gas, Inc. (b)

    55,624        103,415   

Leisureworld Senior Care Corp. (a)

    11,076        133,373   

Leon’s Furniture, Ltd.

    9,639        148,509   

Leucrotta Exploration, Inc. (b)

    41,143        51,349   

Lightstream Resources, Ltd. (a)

    108,373        111,003   

Linamar Corp.

    4,197        256,307   

Liquor Stores N.A., Ltd. (a)

    8,760        116,116   

Long Run Exploration, Ltd. (a)

    45,123        58,258   

Lucara Diamond Corp.

    110,136        207,607   

MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates, Ltd.

    1,252        102,322   

Magellan Aerospace Corp.

    3,200        37,239   

Mainstreet Equity Corp. (a) (b)

    2,561        83,522   

Major Drilling Group International, Inc. (a)

    36,670        180,225   

Mandalay Resources Corp.

    28,540        22,354   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Canada—(Continued)

   

Manitoba Telecom Services, Inc. (a)

    9,487      $ 221,211   

Maple Leaf Foods, Inc. (a)

    55,470        929,593   

Martinrea International, Inc.

    29,089        259,643   

Maxim Power Corp. (b)

    2,800        6,338   

McCoy Global, Inc.

    4,388        15,863   

Mediagrif Interactive Technologies, Inc. (a)

    4,176        64,807   

Medical Facilities Corp. (a)

    12,861        203,797   

Mega Uranium, Ltd. (b)

    53,800        5,788   

Melcor Developments, Ltd.

    2,181        36,888   

Migao Corp. (b)

    20,785        17,711   

Minco Silver Corp. (b)

    10,913        5,824   

Mitel Networks Corp. (b)

    17,443        185,720   

Mood Media Corp. (a) (b)

    28,391        13,440   

Morneau Shepell, Inc. (a)

    17,785        267,433   

MTY Food Group, Inc. (a)

    5,547        160,948   

Mullen Group, Ltd. (a)

    33,692        617,986   

Nautilus Minerals, Inc. (b)

    52,914        17,307   

Nevada Copper Corp. (a) (b)

    10,550        14,983   

Nevsun Resources, Ltd.

    71,526        275,810   

New Flyer Industries, Inc. (a)

    15,936        184,900   

New Gold, Inc. (b)

    48,813        209,235   

Newalta Corp.

    23,693        359,739   

Niko Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    15,963        3,572   

Norbord, Inc. (a)

    5,416        120,413   

North American Energy Partners, Inc.

    14,743        46,698   

North American Palladium, Ltd. (b)

    108,692        14,501   

North West Co., Inc. (The) (a)

    17,071        384,972   

Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd. (a) (b)

    27,464        10,638   

Northland Power, Inc. (a)

    33,179        436,656   

NuVista Energy, Ltd. (b)

    49,017        312,632   

OceanaGold Corp. (a) (b)

    150,911        262,386   

Ovivo, Inc. - Class A (b)

    12,735        25,650   

Painted Pony Petroleum, Ltd. (b)

    31,738        252,691   

Pan American Silver Corp.

    35,660        329,037   

Parex Resources, Inc. (b)

    55,359        361,182   

Parkland Fuel Corp. (a)

    21,663        405,365   

Pason Systems, Inc.

    35,716        672,941   

Pengrowth Energy Corp. (a)

    9,619        30,303   

Perpetual Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    50,316        49,372   

Phoscan Chemical Corp. (b)

    28,500        6,991   

PHX Energy Services Corp. (a)

    12,350        79,513   

Pilot Gold, Inc. (b)

    11,266        8,630   

Platinum Group Metals, Ltd. (b)

    32,084        15,189   

Points International, Ltd. (a) (b)

    5,320        68,458   

Polymet Mining Corp. (a) (b)

    38,355        39,616   

Poseidon Concepts Corp. (b)

    17,540        5   

Premium Brands Holdings Corp. (a)

    7,879        165,610   

Primero Mining Corp. (b)

    70,253        270,297   

Progressive Waste Solutions, Ltd. (a)

    1,009        30,336   

Pulse Seismic, Inc. (a)

    22,620        57,046   

QLT, Inc. (b)

    25,500        101,622   

Questerre Energy Corp. - Class A (a) (b)

    83,569        27,693   

RB Energy, Inc. (b) (c) (d)

    76,741        4,954   

Reitmans Canada, Ltd.

    4,000        24,101   

Reitmans Canada, Ltd. - Class A

    18,466        122,545   

Richelieu Hardware, Ltd.

    6,130        300,749   

Richmont Mines, Inc. (b)

    12,038        38,234   

Canada—(Continued)

   

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc. (a)

    47,401      1,273,764   

RMP Energy, Inc. (b)

    72,808        287,021   

Rock Energy, Inc. (b)

    14,187        42,617   

Rocky Mountain Dealerships, Inc. (a)

    3,738        30,565   

Rogers Sugar, Inc. (a)

    35,106        143,530   

RONA, Inc.

    58,689        699,641   

Rubicon Minerals Corp. (b)

    49,480        47,700   

Russel Metals, Inc. (a)

    23,822        531,064   

Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. (a) (b)

    45,006        13,752   

Sandstorm Gold, Ltd. (a) (b)

    43,714        148,247   

Sandvine Corp. (b)

    90,000        253,314   

Savanna Energy Services Corp. (a)

    34,913        101,572   

Scorpio Mining Corp. (b)

    88,421        17,885   

Sears Canada, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,768        55,803   

Secure Energy Services, Inc.

    55,376        808,858   

SEMAFO, Inc. (a) (b)

    123,983        318,015   

Serinus Energy, Inc. (b)

    1,398        1,215   

ShawCor, Ltd.

    16,891        616,439   

Sherritt International Corp.

    132,332        341,708   

Shore Gold, Inc. (b)

    82,170        15,913   

Sierra Wireless, Inc. (a) (b)

    18,510        879,456   

Sierra Wireless, Inc. (U.S. Listed Shares) (a) (b)

    1,403        66,488   

Silver Standard Resources, Inc. (b)

    37,551        188,434   

Solium Capital, Inc. (b)

    5,617        37,082   

Sprott Resource Corp. (b)

    40,405        65,382   

Sprott, Inc. (a)

    56,027        117,667   

Spyglass Resources Corp. (a)

    38,341        10,890   

St Andrew Goldfields, Ltd. (b)

    87,850        18,904   

Stantec, Inc. (a)

    11,416        313,748   

Stella-Jones, Inc.

    13,690        385,790   

Stornoway Diamond Corp. (a) (b)

    33,687        15,368   

Strad Energy Services, Ltd. (a)

    10,641        32,789   

Stuart Olson, Inc.

    11,157        73,368   

Student Transportation, Inc. (a)

    25,025        155,518   

SunOpta, Inc. (a) (b)

    27,492        325,607   

Superior Plus Corp. (a)

    45,949        474,203   

Surge Energy, Inc. (a)

    64,375        203,908   

TAG Oil, Ltd. (a) (b)

    22,471        30,560   

Taseko Mines, Ltd. (a) (b)

    108,786        111,427   

Tembec, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,111        78,218   

Teranga Gold Corp. (a) (b)

    64,711        25,343   

Teranga Gold Corp. (b)

    26,882        10,114   

Tethys Petroleum, Ltd. (b)

    99,200        18,785   

Thompson Creek Metals Co., Inc. (b)

    107,292        178,235   

Timminco, Ltd. (b) (d)

    16,700        25   

Timmins Gold Corp. (a) (b)

    48,198        47,294   

TORC Oil & Gas, Ltd. (a)

    24,524        162,536   

Toromont Industries, Ltd. (a)

    29,983        735,768   

Torstar Corp. - Class B (a)

    21,453        120,394   

Total Energy Services, Inc.

    12,098        135,163   

Transcontinental, Inc. - Class A (a)

    24,630        351,070   

TransForce, Inc.

    29,364        747,875   

TransGlobe Energy Corp.

    36,372        150,898   

Transition Therapeutics, Inc. (b)

    800        5,378   

Trican Well Service, Ltd. (a)

    55,663        266,864   

Trinidad Drilling, Ltd.

    41,200        184,403   

TSO3, Inc. (b)

    4,613        6,393   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Canada—(Continued)

   

Twin Butte Energy, Ltd. (a)

    80,345      $ 56,708   

Uex Corp. (b)

    89,800        22,029   

Uni-Select, Inc.

    8,978        236,467   

Valener, Inc.

    16,039        221,161   

Vecima Networks, Inc.

    2,500        20,658   

Vicwest, Inc.

    7,994        86,284   

Wajax Corp. (a)

    5,527        146,381   

Wesdome Gold Mines, Ltd. (b)

    38,107        41,000   

Western Energy Services Corp. (a)

    17,973        92,974   

Western Forest Products, Inc.

    114,503        266,103   

WesternOne, Inc.

    10,000        26,683   

Westshore Terminals Investment Corp. (a)

    23,388        636,738   

Whistler Blackcomb Holdings, Inc.

    12,342        217,987   

Whitecap Resources, Inc. (a)

    46,861        461,430   

Wi-Lan, Inc. (a)

    47,561        142,462   

Winpak, Ltd.

    6,902        198,957   

WSP Global, Inc. (a)

    18,898        567,038   

Xtreme Drilling & Coil Services Corp. (b)

    11,600        22,365   

Yangarra Resources, Ltd. (b)

    5,900        5,942   

Yellow Media, Ltd. (b)

    800        13,483   

Zargon Oil & Gas, Ltd. (a)

    11,121        36,183   

ZCL Composites, Inc. (a)

    9,681        50,497   

Zenith Epigenetics Corp. (b) (c) (d)

    12,830        894   
   

 

 

 
      60,631,696   
   

 

 

 

China—0.0%

   

China Chuanglian Education Group, Ltd. (b)

    336,000        11,896   

China Everbright Water, Ltd. (a) (b)

    15,700        11,852   
   

 

 

 
      23,748   
   

 

 

 

Denmark—1.7%

   

ALK-Abello A/S

    1,476        155,779   

Alm Brand A/S (b)

    36,562        192,819   

Ambu A/S (a)

    10,644        257,470   

Auriga Industries A/S - Class B (a) (b)

    7,154        357,427   

Bakkafrost P/F

    8,908        200,210   

Bang & Olufsen A/S (a) (b)

    9,221        53,970   

Bavarian Nordic A/S (b)

    14,671        469,712   

BoConcept Holding A/S - Class B (b)

    228        2,579   

Brodrene Hartmann A/S

    52        1,462   

D/S Norden A/S (a)

    5,328        112,369   

DFDS A/S

    1,949        187,138   

East Asiatic Co., Ltd. A/S (a)

    1,352        11,422   

FLSmidth & Co. A/S (a)

    15,168        665,371   

Genmab A/S (b)

    10,677        620,009   

GN Store Nord A/S

    70,478        1,534,253   

Greentech Energy Systems A/S (b)

    1,142        1,315   

Gronlandsbanken AB

    17        1,690   

Harboes Bryggeri A/S - Class B

    1,454        19,487   

IC Group A/S

    3,209        73,477   

Jeudan A/S

    201        18,026   

Jyske Bank A/S (b)

    14,672        739,588   

NKT Holding A/S

    5,902        315,617   

Nordjyske Bank A/S

    185        3,156   

Parken Sport & Entertainment A/S (b)

    2,351        20,596   

PER Aarsleff A/S - Class B

    962        179,865   

Denmark—(Continued)

   

Ringkjoebing Landbobank A/S

    2,134      398,208   

Rockwool International A/S - B Shares

    3,675        415,235   

Royal Unibrew A/S (b)

    4,703        826,427   

Schouw & Co.

    8,187        384,631   

SimCorp A/S

    17,307        456,909   

Solar A/S - B Shares

    3,176        149,206   

Spar Nord Bank A/S

    32,428        303,947   

Sydbank A/S (b)

    20,662        633,827   

TK Development A/S (b)

    41,237        53,453   

Topdanmark A/S (b)

    44,967        1,462,571   

United International Enterprises

    1,090        169,780   

Vestjysk Bank A/S (b)

    3,300        4,958   

Zealand Pharma A/S (a) (b)

    1,462        19,716   
   

 

 

 
      11,473,675   
   

 

 

 

Finland—2.4%

   

Afarak Group Oyj (b)

    95,130        36,576   

Ahlstrom Oyj (a)

    11,406        96,891   

Aktia Bank Oyj

    3,139        37,108   

Alma Media Oyj (b)

    32,099        105,157   

Amer Sports Oyj

    39,602        769,492   

Apetit Oyj

    1,205        19,812   

Aspo Oyj

    8,414        57,925   

Atria Oyj

    2,604        20,835   

BasWare Oyj

    3,525        175,089   

Biotie Therapies Oyj (b)

    118,993        27,540   

Cargotec Oyj - B Shares (a)

    9,511        291,073   

Caverion Corp. (a)

    58,474        469,018   

Citycon Oyj

    88,559        276,122   

Comptel Oyj

    30,187        35,923   

Cramo Oyj

    9,503        138,878   

Elektrobit Oyj

    43,163        175,436   

Elisa Oyj

    32,264        878,119   

F-Secure Oyj

    54,590        148,606   

Finnair Oyj (b)

    38,882        116,672   

Finnlines Oyj (b)

    9,624        186,309   

Fiskars Oyj Abp (a)

    21,146        460,162   

HKScan Oyj - A Shares

    6,704        26,492   

Huhtamaki Oyj

    51,530        1,358,203   

Ilkka-Yhtyma Oyj

    2,976        6,879   

Kemira Oyj (a)

    41,153        491,563   

Kesko Oyj - A Shares

    139        4,795   

Kesko Oyj - B Shares

    35,959        1,310,258   

Konecranes Oyj (a)

    12,829        368,730   

Lassila & Tikanoja Oyj

    14,630        267,269   

Lemminkainen Oyj (b)

    5,098        58,734   

Metsa Board Oyj

    135,387        727,721   

Munksjo Oyj (b)

    6,311        68,353   

Neste Oil Oyj (a)

    19,297        467,583   

Okmetic Oyj (b)

    6,360        37,170   

Olvi Oyj - A Shares

    6,303        160,697   

Oriola-KD Oyj - B Shares (a) (b)

    63,643        267,265   

Orion Oyj - Class A (a)

    19,816        600,120   

Orion Oyj - Class B

    43,350        1,345,775   

Outokumpu Oyj (a) (b)

    102,277        581,132   

Outotec Oyj (a)

    52,402        276,035   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Finland—(Continued)

   

PKC Group Oyj

    7,155      $ 151,845   

Ponsse Oy

    3,208        46,404   

Poyry Oyj (b)

    14,295        46,019   

Raisio plc - V Shares

    58,833        299,028   

Ramirent Oyj

    47,421        368,328   

Rapala VMC Oyj

    8,902        50,703   

Saga Furs Oyj

    836        22,239   

Sanoma Oyj (a)

    28,493        158,648   

Stockmann Oyj Abp - B Shares (a)

    11,956        91,775   

Talvivaara Mining Co. plc (a) (b) (c) (d)

    286,881        10,518   

Technopolis plc

    34,859        156,042   

Teleste Oyj

    772        4,918   

Tieto Oyj

    35,284        918,175   

Tikkurila Oyj

    20,569        360,633   

Uponor Oyj (a)

    23,381        324,426   

Vaisala Oyj - A Shares

    4,116        109,162   

YIT Oyj (a)

    33,084        170,889   
   

 

 

 
      16,237,269   
   

 

 

 

France—4.0%

   

ABC Arbitrage

    4,710        26,665   

Air France-KLM (a) (b)

    35,222        337,015   

Akka Technologies S.A.

    2,644        92,532   

Albioma S.A.

    12,611        251,015   

Altamir Amboise

    9,152        114,246   

Alten S.A.

    9,016        385,541   

Altran Technologies S.A.

    70,704        669,612   

APRIL S.A. (a)

    9,077        136,531   

Assystem

    8,352        176,801   

Aubay

    724        8,907   

Audika Groupe

    2,159        29,438   

Aurea S.A.

    1,221        7,132   

Axway Software S.A.

    2,132        42,572   

Beneteau S.A. (b)

    19,857        278,072   

Bigben Interactive (a)

    2,504        15,609   

BioMerieux (a)

    2,765        286,626   

Boiron S.A.

    2,317        195,497   

Bonduelle S.C.A.

    7,722        187,127   

Bongrain S.A.

    3,042        190,821   

Burelle S.A.

    184        133,459   

Cegedim S.A. (b)

    2,929        103,434   

Cegid Group

    3,132        114,239   

Chargeurs S.A. (b)

    7,816        47,907   

Cie des Alpes (b)

    3,241        59,505   

Club Mediterranee S.A. (b)

    18,244        553,905   

Derichebourg S.A.

    31,305        96,088   

Devoteam S.A.

    4,902        89,758   

DNXCorp.

    277        6,027   

Eiffage S.A.

    1,036        52,444   

Electricite de Strasbourg S.A.

    88        11,493   

Eramet (a) (b)

    1,499        138,080   

Esso S.A. Francaise (b)

    780        30,094   

Etablissements Maurel et Prom (a) (b)

    26,859        251,480   

Euler Hermes S.A.

    2,303        238,322   

Euro Disney SCA (b)

    7,917        28,257   

Eurofins Scientific SE (a)

    2,737        696,930   

France—(Continued)

   

Exel Industries - A Shares

    618      34,037   

Faiveley Transport S.A.

    3,053        176,927   

Faurecia

    31,687        1,178,371   

Fimalac

    3,854        292,967   

Fleury Michon S.A.

    461        25,773   

GameLoft SE (a) (b)

    18,424        74,370   

GEA

    165        16,654   

GECI International (b) (c) (d)

    9,793        0   

GL Events

    2,604        49,380   

Groupe Crit

    1,538        69,209   

Groupe Flo

    5,857        17,712   

Groupe Gorge

    1,266        27,576   

Groupe Open (b)

    22        255   

Guerbet

    2,652        109,390   

Haulotte Group S.A.

    9,947        150,236   

Havas S.A.

    73,711        601,792   

Hi-Media S.A. (b)

    16,805        50,669   

Ingenico

    11,541        1,212,623   

Interparfums S.A. (a)

    3,970        107,816   

Ipsen S.A. (a)

    9,287        482,998   

IPSOS

    10,224        293,209   

Jacquet Metal Service

    7,386        138,327   

Korian - Medica

    23,302        851,296   

Lagardere SCA

    43,210        1,121,442   

Lanson-BCC

    15        580   

Laurent-Perrier

    1,367        109,404   

Le Noble Age (b)

    526        12,993   

Lectra

    6,966        77,050   

LISI

    11,625        302,346   

Maisons France Confort S.A.

    1,754        62,053   

Manitou BF S.A. (b)

    3,836        56,602   

Manutan International

    589        29,204   

Mersen

    8,985        218,216   

METabolic EXplorer S.A. (b)

    6,035        36,203   

Metropole Television S.A.

    21,233        399,587   

MGI Coutier

    3,880        54,630   

Montupet

    4,620        371,239   

Mr. Bricolage

    601        10,463   

Naturex (a)

    2,358        142,592   

Neopost S.A. (a)

    12,528        711,059   

Nexans S.A. (a) (b)

    10,429        317,893   

Nexity S.A.

    9,102        344,337   

NextRadioTV

    2,690        86,603   

Norbert Dentressangle S.A.

    2,592        382,629   

NRJ Group (b)

    13,425        107,020   

Onxeo (a) (b)

    4,566        28,346   

Orco Property Group (b)

    4,469        1,939   

Orpea (a)

    11,486        720,513   

Parrot S.A. (b)

    2,271        58,223   

Pierre & Vacances S.A. (b)

    3,103        83,683   

Plastic Omnium S.A.

    34,713        942,732   

Rallye S.A.

    8,372        293,294   

Recylex S.A. (b)

    8,543        19,230   

Remy Cointreau S.A. (a)

    2,514        167,922   

Robertet S.A.

    14        2,710   

Rubis SCA (a)

    13,435        765,853   

Saft Groupe S.A. (a)

    16,151        488,837   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

France—(Continued)

   

Samse S.A.

    107      $ 13,337   

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    1,196        233,382   

SEB S.A.

    5,541        412,356   

Seche Environnement S.A.

    1,555        37,400   

Sequana S.A. (a) (b)

    10,224        32,436   

Soc Mar Tunnel Prado Car

    293        10,803   

Societe d’Edition de Canal Plus

    21,604        152,709   

Societe des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers a Monaco

    16        750   

Societe Television Francaise 1

    48,640        744,048   

Soitec (a) (b)

    97,742        119,282   

Solocal Group (b)

    127,228        89,141   

Somfy S.A.

    202        50,747   

Sopra Group S.A.

    6,938        531,768   

Spir Communication S.A. (b)

    848        11,144   

Stallergenes S.A.

    202        12,089   

Ste Industrielle d’Aviation Latecoere S.A. (b)

    3,195        33,589   

STEF S.A.

    1,145        62,272   

Store Electronic (b)

    715        11,913   

Sword Group

    3,419        72,338   

Synergie S.A.

    5,633        126,385   

Technicolor S.A. (b)

    88,305        495,257   

Teleperformance

    23,036        1,566,255   

Tessi S.A.

    895        99,203   

TFF Group

    308        23,663   

Theolia S.A. (b)

    38,489        24,644   

Thermador Groupe

    846        72,683   

Total Gabon

    324        115,289   

Touax S.A.

    1,463        26,049   

Trigano S.A.

    5,078        136,548   

UBISOFT Entertainment (b)

    34,287        627,714   

Union Financiere de France BQE S.A.

    1,856        46,939   

Valneva SE (a) (b)

    9,152        46,703   

Vetoquinol S.A.

    706        30,667   

Vicat S.A. (a)

    4,054        292,248   

Viel et Co.

    3,978        8,872   

Vilmorin & Cie S.A. (a)

    2,214        226,550   

Virbac S.A.

    1,586        332,760   

VM Materiaux S.A.

    235        6,328   

Vranken-Pommery Monopole S.A.

    958        27,379   
   

 

 

 
      27,535,835   
   

 

 

 

Germany—5.2%

   

Aareal Bank AG

    32,420        1,305,608   

Adler Modemaerkte AG

    2,828        45,633   

ADVA Optical Networking SE (b)

    13,833        50,040   

Air Berlin plc (a) (b)

    23,494        31,657   

Aixtron SE (b)

    30,799        349,132   

Allgeier SE

    2,942        49,925   

Amadeus Fire AG

    2,610        196,328   

Analytik Jena AG (b)

    501        8,468   

Aurubis AG (a)

    11,259        633,972   

Balda AG (a)

    14,264        52,358   

Basler AG

    236        10,976   

Bauer AG (b)

    3,740        60,392   

BayWa AG

    305        13,367   

Germany—(Continued)

   

BayWa AG (a)

    4,949      183,342   

Bechtle AG

    9,570        759,746   

Bertrandt AG

    1,498        208,453   

Bijou Brigitte AG

    1,353        82,900   

Biotest AG

    1,823        196,708   

Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA (Xetra Exchange)

    29,432        137,359   

CANCOM SE (a)

    7,824        335,888   

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (a)

    8,860        226,211   

Celesio AG

    34,772        1,124,333   

CENIT AG

    5,981        85,337   

CENTROTEC Sustainable AG

    3,158        54,546   

Cewe Stiftung & Co KGaA

    3,145        195,662   

Comdirect Bank AG

    10,859        109,019   

CompuGroup Medical AG

    8,338        200,768   

Constantin Medien AG (b)

    15,941        25,091   

CropEnergies AG

    9,235        32,625   

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA

    19,994        594,251   

Data Modul AG

    138        3,393   

DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG

    2,049        17,021   

Delticom AG (a)

    1,562        35,756   

Deutsche Beteiligungs AG

    2,815        86,562   

Deutsche Wohnen AG

    145,731        3,462,603   

Deutz AG

    27,142        130,834   

Dialog Semiconductor plc (b)

    20,668        730,636   

DMG Mori Seiki AG

    20,797        591,308   

Dr. Hoenle AG

    2,084        42,286   

Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA

    1,062        81,676   

Drillisch AG (a)

    30,810        1,102,435   

Duerr AG

    7,627        676,092   

Eckert & Ziegler AG

    1,629        36,960   

Elmos Semiconductor AG

    7,336        143,729   

ElringKlinger AG (a)

    8,177        284,909   

Euromicron AG (b)

    2,048        28,228   

Evotec AG (a) (b)

    24,706        109,173   

Francotyp-Postalia Holding AG

    3,300        15,833   

Freenet AG

    56,906        1,631,336   

GAGFAH S.A. (b)

    36,892        825,441   

Gerresheimer AG

    9,467        511,990   

Gerry Weber International AG (a)

    9,842        406,727   

Gesco AG

    1,521        128,972   

GFK SE

    7,937        325,785   

GFT Technologies AG

    9,142        136,249   

Grammer AG

    7,596        303,684   

Grenkeleasing AG

    2,371        253,761   

H&R AG (b)

    4,113        37,569   

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (a)

    7,123        148,090   

Hawesko Holding AG

    768        38,571   

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (a) (b)

    153,682        384,992   

Homag Group AG

    1,678        60,915   

Indus Holding AG

    13,812        636,771   

Init Innovation In Traffic Systems AG

    1,794        44,426   

Intershop Communications AG (b)

    7,747        9,900   

Isra Vision AG

    2,083        116,188   

Jenoptik AG

    13,989        175,432   

Joyou AG (b)

    688        9,667   

Kloeckner & Co. SE (b)

    35,300        380,425   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Germany—(Continued)

   

Koenig & Bauer AG (b)

    4,373      $ 53,127   

Kontron AG (b)

    18,397        111,024   

Krones AG

    3,938        384,763   

KSB AG

    103        52,043   

KUKA AG (a)

    7,861        557,751   

KWS Saat AG

    949        308,642   

Leifheit AG

    945        52,993   

Leoni AG

    10,537        629,534   

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG (a)

    5,852        76,673   

Manz AG (a) (b)

    1,272        86,104   

Medigene AG (b)

    3,423        15,441   

MLP AG

    20,985        93,507   

Morphosys AG (b)

    182        16,851   

MTU Aero Engines AG

    9,938        867,723   

Muehlbauer Holding AG

    305        6,408   

MVV Energie AG

    5,940        171,260   

Nemetschek AG

    3,207        325,588   

Nexus AG

    2,080        30,456   

Nordex SE (b)

    21,916        397,784   

NORMA Group SE

    9,034        431,086   

OHB AG

    2,315        55,244   

OSRAM Licht AG (b)

    2,100        82,745   

Patrizia Immobilien AG (b)

    14,507        213,957   

Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG (a)

    3,315        275,171   

PNE Wind AG

    24,548        64,609   

Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG

    822        34,803   

PSI AG Gesellschaft Fuer Produkte und Systeme der Informationstechnologie (b)

    2,118        30,523   

Puma SE (a)

    203        42,384   

PVA TePla AG (b)

    3,358        6,573   

QSC AG (a)

    26,632        56,117   

R Stahl AG

    1,594        76,209   

Rational AG

    874        274,693   

Rheinmetall AG

    10,024        439,010   

Rhoen Klinikum AG

    32,246        902,747   

RIB Software AG (a)

    1,026        13,495   

SAF-Holland S.A.

    31,896        428,314   

Salzgitter AG (a)

    11,250        316,975   

Schaltbau Holding AG (a)

    1,687        85,854   

SGL Carbon SE (a) (b)

    18,022        299,137   

SHW AG

    1,551        69,207   

Singulus Technologies AG (a) (b)

    35,179        28,703   

Sixt SE (a)

    9,652        373,418   

SMA Solar Technology AG (a) (b)

    3,992        73,364   

SMT Scharf AG

    831        13,883   

Softing AG

    1,971        34,826   

Software AG (a)

    15,310        374,074   

Solarworld AG (b)

    348        5,423   

Stada Arzneimittel AG

    19,797        604,734   

STRATEC Biomedical AG

    933        51,635   

Stroeer Media SE

    7,568        225,337   

Suedzucker AG (a)

    4,661        67,471   

Surteco SE

    400        11,619   

Suss Microtec AG (a) (b)

    6,216        35,343   

Syzygy AG

    1,399        10,757   

TAG Immobilien AG (a)

    77,264        899,371   

Takkt AG (a)

    9,893        162,854   

Germany—(Continued)

   

Technotrans AG

    2,013      22,357   

Tom Tailor Holding AG (b)

    6,389        91,857   

TUI AG (a)

    85,669        1,419,948   

Vossloh AG (a)

    1,443        93,121   

VTG AG

    4,454        98,879   

Wacker Neuson SE

    9,168        188,081   

Washtec AG

    3,397        53,832   

Wincor Nixdorf AG

    7,052        342,949   

XING AG

    1,747        196,177   
   

 

 

 
      35,422,958   
   

 

 

 

Hong Kong—3.2%

   

Alco Holdings, Ltd.

    136,000        26,416   

Allan International Holdings

    70,000        19,498   

Allied Group, Ltd.

    22,000        92,203   

Allied Properties HK, Ltd.

    1,774,024        356,442   

Anxian Yuan China Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    420,000        7,024   

Apac Resources, Ltd. (b)

    314,782        5,046   

APT Satellite Holdings, Ltd.

    109,500        154,680   

Arts Optical International Holdings, Ltd.

    16,000        5,657   

Asia Financial Holdings, Ltd.

    300,000        124,957   

Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings, Ltd.

    62,500        217,390   

Asia Standard International Group, Ltd.

    370,000        83,371   

Associated International Hotels, Ltd.

    14,000        40,801   

Aupu Group Holding Co., Ltd.

    246,000        44,345   

Bel Global Resources Holdings,
Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    520,000        0   

Bonjour Holdings, Ltd.

    615,000        67,296   

Bossini International Holdings

    302,000        24,443   

Brightoil Petroleum Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    940,000        236,084   

Brockman Mining, Ltd. (b)

    2,516,770        112,291   

Burwill Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    1,226,000        46,437   

Cafe de Coral Holdings, Ltd.

    134,000        462,683   

CEC International Holdings, Ltd.

    80,000        24,585   

Century City International Holdings, Ltd.

    616,000        44,255   

Champion Technology Holdings, Ltd.

    1,233,093        24,555   

Chen Hsong Holdings

    150,000        39,380   

Cheuk Nang Holdings, Ltd.

    87,991        73,755   

Chevalier International Holdings, Ltd.

    70,000        120,070   

China Billion Resources, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    476,000        0   

China Daye Non-Ferrous Metals Mining, Ltd. (b)

    2,366,000        39,567   

China Dynamics Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    1,200,000        104,076   

China Electronics Corp. Holdings Co., Ltd.

    352,000        84,381   

China Energy Development Holdings,
Ltd. (a) (b)

    3,488,000        66,998   

China Financial Services Holdings, Ltd.

    288,000        20,353   

China Flavors & Fragrances Co., Ltd. (b)

    70,147        8,594   

China Infrastructure Investment, Ltd. (b)

    626,000        9,860   

China Metal International Holdings, Inc.

    198,000        68,407   

China Renji Medical Group, Ltd. (b)

    176,700        7,954   

China Solar Energy Holdings, Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    162,000        705   

China Star Entertainment, Ltd. (b)

    3,150,000        54,616   

China Strategic Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    1,155,000        16,877   

China Ting Group Holdings, Ltd.

    318,550        14,943   

China-Hongkong Photo Products Holdings, Ltd.

    284,000        17,949   

Chinney Investment, Ltd.

    8,000        1,279   

Chong Hing Bank, Ltd.

    2,945        6,492   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Hong Kong—(Continued)

   

Chow Sang Sang Holdings International, Ltd.

    114,000      $ 297,997   

Chu Kong Shipping Enterprise Group Co., Ltd.

    154,000        41,462   

Chuang’s China Investments, Ltd.

    341,000        22,762   

Chuang’s Consortium International, Ltd.

    446,357        55,156   

Chun Wo Development Holdings, Ltd.

    78,000        11,094   

CITIC Telecom International Holdings, Ltd.

    467,000        174,601   

CK Life Sciences International Holdings, Inc.

    1,874,000        189,929   

CNT Group, Ltd.

    246,000        13,307   

CP Lotus Corp. (b)

    1,750,000        40,595   

Cross-Harbour Holdings, Ltd. (The)

    119,000        113,579   

CSI Properties, Ltd.

    3,194,023        126,823   

CST Mining Group, Ltd. (b)

    8,984,000        50,817   

Culturecom Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    115,000        14,108   

Dah Sing Banking Group, Ltd.

    172,671        275,699   

Dah Sing Financial Holdings, Ltd.

    59,860        346,567   

Dan Form Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    433,000        48,364   

Dickson Concepts International, Ltd.

    131,000        64,741   

Dorsett Hospitality International, Ltd.

    415,000        70,384   

Eagle Nice International Holdings, Ltd.

    120,000        21,364   

EcoGreen Fine Chemicals Group, Ltd.

    90,000        25,210   

Emperor Capital Group, Ltd.

    84,000        7,844   

Emperor Entertainment Hotel, Ltd.

    235,000        56,559   

Emperor International Holdings

    565,250        122,876   

Emperor Watch & Jewellery, Ltd.

    1,520,000        75,020   

ENM Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    556,000        33,309   

EPI Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    652,000        13,069   

Esprit Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    735,250        878,777   

eSun Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    400,000        40,205   

Excel Value Internationl, Ltd.

    78,000        1,710   

Fairwood Holdings, Ltd.

    34,500        84,337   

Far East Consortium International, Ltd.

    514,010        198,706   

Fountain SET Holdings, Ltd.

    422,000        44,519   

Fujikon Industrial Holdings, Ltd.

    100,000        19,617   

Fullshare Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    525,000        37,165   

Future Bright Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    156,000        48,596   

G-Resources Group, Ltd. (b)

    11,842,800        276,937   

GCL New Energy Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    872,000        88,703   

Genting Hong Kong, Ltd.

    20,229        7,095   

Get Nice Holdings, Ltd.

    1,716,000        76,007   

Giordano International, Ltd. (a)

    536,000        237,623   

Glorious Sun Enterprises, Ltd.

    262,000        56,174   

Gold Peak Industries Holding, Ltd.

    277,714        28,245   

Golden Resources Development International, Ltd.

    370,000        21,708   

Good Fellow Resources Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    230,000        15,269   

Guangnan Holdings, Ltd.

    264,000        35,816   

Guotai Junan International Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    151,200        114,087   

Haitong International Securities Group, Ltd. (a)

    200,365        126,286   

Hang Fai Enterprises, Ltd. (b)

    600,000        21,649   

Hao Tian Development Group, Ltd. (b)

    780,000        38,242   

Harbour Centre Development, Ltd.

    88,000        157,631   

HKR International, Ltd.

    405,600        198,965   

Hon Kwok Land Investment Co., Ltd.

    140,000        46,033   

Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co., Ltd.

    7,600        83,096   

Hong Kong Ferry Holdings Co., Ltd.

    22,000        23,828   

Hong Kong Television Network, Ltd. (b)

    165,000        80,600   

Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels (The)

    8,000        11,814   

Hong Kong—(Continued)

   

Hongkong Chinese, Ltd.

    920,000      169,269   

Hopewell Holdings, Ltd.

    25,500        93,002   

Hsin Chong Construction Group, Ltd.

    348,000        44,284   

Hung Hing Printing Group, Ltd.

    252,000        34,455   

Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    484,000        204,595   

I-CABLE Communications, Ltd. (b)

    177,000        16,186   

Imagi International Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    3,635,000        82,625   

Integrated Waste Solutions Group Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    504,000        20,409   

International Standard Resources Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    935,000        38,244   

iOne Holdings, Ltd.

    960,000        25,395   

IPE Group, Ltd.

    285,000        24,968   

IRC, Ltd. (b)

    600,000        39,811   

IT, Ltd.

    330,000        95,122   

ITC Properties Group, Ltd.

    91,039        45,388   

Jinhui Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    70,000        11,872   

Johnson Electric Holdings, Ltd.

    73,375        269,067   

K Wah International Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    593,259        314,083   

Kader Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    264,000        24,465   

Kam Hing International Holdings, Ltd.

    196,000        13,362   

Kantone Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    93,000        11,604   

Keck Seng Investments

    72,000        63,129   

King Stone Energy Group, Ltd. (b)

    7,000        202   

Kingmaker Footwear Holdings, Ltd.

    102,000        15,986   

Kingston Financial Group, Ltd.

    2,355,000        288,139   

Kowloon Development Co., Ltd.

    137,000        159,988   

Lai Sun Development

    6,835,666        154,011   

Lai Sun Garment International, Ltd.

    498,800        60,104   

Lam Soon Hong Kong, Ltd.

    15,000        10,445   

Landsea Green Properties Co., Ltd. (b)

    120,000        10,043   

Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings, Ltd.

    110,000        159,837   

Lerado Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    202,000        16,308   

Lifestyle International Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    131,000        274,535   

Lippo China Resources, Ltd.

    2,106,000        74,315   

Lippo, Ltd.

    122,000        64,889   

Liu Chong Hing Investment, Ltd.

    78,000        97,831   

Luen Thai Holdings, Ltd.

    116,000        21,213   

Luk Fook Holdings International, Ltd.

    124,000        464,361   

Luks Group Vietnam Holdings Co., Ltd.

    68,000        21,337   

Lung Kee Bermuda Holdings

    116,000        30,965   

Magnificent Estates

    1,310,000        55,296   

Man Wah Holdings, Ltd.

    158,800        261,522   

Man Yue Technology Holdings, Ltd.

    88,000        11,204   

Matrix Holdings, Ltd.

    36,000        8,217   

Mei Ah Entertainment Group, Ltd. (b)

    1,020,000        69,145   

Midland Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    302,000        152,585   

Ming Fai International Holdings, Ltd.

    145,000        14,674   

Ming Fung Jewellery Group, Ltd. (b)

    2,160,000        23,792   

Miramar Hotel & Investment

    4,000        4,937   

Mongolia Energy Corp., Ltd. (a) (b)

    421,999        21,682   

Mongolian Mining Corp. (a) (b)

    2,241,500        97,688   

National Electronic Holdings, Ltd.

    166,000        21,809   

Natural Beauty Bio-Technology, Ltd.

    290,000        26,195   

Neo-Neon Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    322,500        49,775   

Neptune Group, Ltd. (b)

    1,060,000        18,216   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Hong Kong—(Continued)

   

New Century Group Hong Kong, Ltd.

    912,000      $ 16,709   

New Times Energy Corp., Ltd. (b) (d)

    204,200        5,892   

Newocean Energy Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    416,000        159,732   

Next Media, Ltd.

    414,000        33,055   

Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    375,882        23,970   

Orient Overseas International, Ltd.

    2,500        14,587   

Oriental Watch Holdings

    271,600        52,443   

Pacific Andes International Holdings, Ltd.

    1,819,984        61,940   

Pacific Basin Shipping, Ltd. (a)

    542,000        217,753   

Pacific Textile Holdings, Ltd.

    167,000        220,897   

Paliburg Holdings, Ltd.

    362,000        119,430   

Pan Asia Environmental Protection Group,
Ltd. (b)

    38,000        8,664   

Paradise Entertainment, Ltd. (a)

    168,000        68,316   

Pearl Oriental Oil, Ltd. (b)

    404,000        10,937   

Perfect Shape PRC Holdings, Ltd.

    108,000        26,885   

Pico Far East Holdings, Ltd.

    468,000        107,241   

Ping Shan Tea Group, Ltd. (b)

    460,000        4,368   

Playmates Holdings, Ltd.

    56,000        50,923   

Playmates Toys, Ltd.

    236,000        50,000   

PNG Resources Holdings, Ltd. (c)

    194,400        5,214   

Polytec Asset Holdings, Ltd.

    565,000        80,046   

Public Financial Holdings, Ltd.

    166,000        79,212   

PYI Corp., Ltd.

    2,140,366        45,022   

Regal Hotels International Holdings, Ltd.

    446,000        294,180   

Richfield Group Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    528,000        20,377   

Rivera Holdings, Ltd.

    20,000        937   

Sa Sa International Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    356,000        248,676   

SAS Dragon Holdings, Ltd.

    140,000        30,672   

SEA Holdings, Ltd.

    94,000        62,549   

Shenyin Wanguo HK, Ltd.

    115,000        101,666   

Shougang Concord Technology Holdings (b)

    634,000        23,653   

Shun Tak Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    559,500        258,028   

Silver Base Group Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    422,000        54,208   

Simsen International Corp., Ltd. (c) (d)

    219,000        48,292   

Sing Tao News Corp., Ltd.

    276,000        39,381   

Singamas Container Holdings, Ltd.

    702,000        116,319   

SIS International Holdings

    16,000        8,398   

Sitoy Group Holdings, Ltd.

    89,000        72,027   

SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings, Ltd.

    118,888        198,645   

SOCAM Development, Ltd. (a) (b)

    179,876        143,393   

Solomon Systech International, Ltd. (b)

    920,000        39,645   

Soundwill Holdings, Ltd.

    50,000        78,292   

South China China, Ltd. (b)

    496,000        53,908   

Stella International Holdings, Ltd.

    148,500        389,665   

Stelux Holdings International, Ltd.

    260,500        60,282   

Success Universe Group, Ltd. (b)

    240,000        7,504   

Sun Hing Vision Group Holdings, Ltd.

    42,000        13,811   

Sun Hung Kai & Co., Ltd.

    276,440        210,842   

Symphony Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    220,000        17,837   

TAI Cheung Holdings (a)

    232,000        190,283   

Tan Chong International, Ltd.

    63,000        21,610   

Tao Heung Holdings, Ltd.

    204,000        95,116   

Taung Gold International, Ltd. (b)

    700,000        15,572   

Television Broadcasts, Ltd.

    119,300        692,498   

Texwinca Holdings, Ltd.

    256,000        221,069   

Titan Petrochemicals Group, Ltd. (b) (d)

    1,000,000        322   

Hong Kong—(Continued)

   

Tradelink Electronic Commerce, Ltd.

    256,000      56,919   

Transport International Holdings, Ltd.

    109,600        231,967   

Trinity, Ltd. (a)

    404,000        75,951   

TSC Group Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    216,000        59,406   

United Laboratories International Holdings, Ltd. (The) (b)

    157,000        90,933   

Universal Technologies Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    710,000        47,502   

Up Energy Development Group, Ltd. (b)

    92,000        9,355   

Upbest Group, Ltd.

    8,000        1,558   

Value Convergence Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    104,000        14,122   

Value Partners Group, Ltd.

    252,000        210,464   

Varitronix International, Ltd.

    137,000        92,653   

Vedan International Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    296,000        15,000   

Victory City International Holdings, Ltd.

    726,896        104,509   

Vitasoy International Holdings, Ltd.

    358,000        515,761   

VST Holdings, Ltd.

    487,200        158,369   

VTech Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    36,200        518,905   

Wai Kee Holdings, Ltd.

    54,000        15,947   

Willie International Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    2,250,000        41,665   

Win Hanverky Holdings, Ltd.

    332,000        37,891   

Wing On Co. International, Ltd.

    46,000        137,106   

Wing Tai Properties, Ltd.

    280,000        180,517   

Xinyi Glass Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    748,000        376,810   

Xinyi Solar Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    930,000        256,835   

Yeebo International Holdings, Ltd.

    158,000        26,047   

YGM Trading, Ltd.

    46,000        83,358   

Yugang International, Ltd.

    1,466,000        20,272   

Zhuhai Holdings Investment Group, Ltd.

    218,000        42,250   
   

 

 

 
      21,506,937   
   

 

 

 

Ireland—1.6%

   

Aer Lingus Group plc

    42,387        113,195   

C&C Group plc

    166,865        730,875   

DCC plc

    50,148        2,756,139   

Endo International plc (b)

    8,162        593,217   

FBD Holdings plc

    10,350        142,072   

Glanbia plc

    43,475        667,539   

Grafton Group plc

    97,822        968,268   

Greencore Group plc

    238,369        1,054,991   

IFG Group plc

    44,002        81,280   

Independent News & Media plc (b)

    35,056        5,725   

Irish Continental Group plc

    22,664        88,653   

Kenmare Resources plc (b)

    145,693        7,217   

Kingspan Group plc

    54,781        945,744   

Paddy Power plc

    22,167        1,845,197   

Smurfit Kappa Group plc

    11,491        258,036   

UDG Healthcare plc

    90,877        541,815   
   

 

 

 
      10,799,963   
   

 

 

 

Israel—0.8%

   

Africa Israel Investments, Ltd. (b)

    64,936        58,887   

Africa Israel Properties, Ltd.

    4,653        61,468   

Africa Israel Residences, Ltd.

    880        10,722   

Airport City, Ltd. (b)

    10,447        91,323   

AL-ROV Israel, Ltd. (b)

    2,628        66,819   

Allot Communications, Ltd. (b)

    10,216        92,437   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Israel—(Continued)

   

Alon Holdings Blue Square Israel, Ltd. (b)

    8,063      $ 21,626   

Alrov Properties and Lodgings, Ltd. (b)

    1,122        20,477   

Amot Investments, Ltd.

    20,789        62,002   

AudioCodes, Ltd. (b)

    13,306        57,728   

Azorim-Investment Development & Construction Co., Ltd. (b)

    23,712        16,242   

Bayside Land Corp.

    205        53,499   

Big Shopping Centers, Ltd.

    1,031        42,022   

BioLine RX, Ltd. (b)

    25,645        4,247   

Blue Square Real Estate, Ltd.

    344        10,423   

Brainsway, Ltd. (b)

    2,674        22,590   

Cellcom Israel, Ltd. (b)

    13,058        113,652   

Ceragon Networks, Ltd. (b)

    14,799        14,227   

Clal Biotechnology Industries, Ltd. (b)

    17,580        11,151   

Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    6,170        87,896   

Cohen Development & Industrial Buildings, Ltd. (b)

    305        6,548   

Compugen, Ltd. (b)

    18,562        150,631   

Delek Automotive Systems, Ltd.

    14,284        126,964   

Delta-Galil Industries, Ltd.

    5,417        146,311   

Direct Insurance Financial Investments, Ltd.

    5,783        29,529   

Electra, Ltd.

    652        72,237   

Elron Electronic Industries, Ltd.

    7,585        30,997   

Equital, Ltd. (b)

    550        7,737   

Evogene, Ltd. (b)

    5,090        47,081   

EZchip Semiconductor, Ltd. (b)

    11,499        219,382   

EZchip Semiconductor, Ltd. (U.S. Listed
Shares) (a) (b)

    400        7,656   

First International Bank of Israel, Ltd.

    7,474        95,481   

FMS Enterprises Migun, Ltd.

    910        13,856   

Formula Systems 1985, Ltd.

    2,591        57,261   

Fox Wizel, Ltd.

    1,475        34,871   

Frutarom Industries, Ltd.

    19,140        590,267   

Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd. (b)

    3,071        14,684   

Golf & Co., Ltd.

    6,101        14,172   

Hadera Paper, Ltd. (b)

    1,104        19,547   

Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services, Ltd.

    43,597        197,237   

Industrial Buildings Corp., Ltd.

    29,599        26,732   

Israel Discount Bank, Ltd. - Class A (b)

    134,750        215,521   

Israel Land Development Co., Ltd. (The)

    3,950        12,732   

Ituran Location and Control, Ltd.

    9,589        210,391   

Jerusalem Oil Exploration (b)

    5,621        173,357   

Kamada, Ltd. (b)

    6,270        23,070   

Kerur Holdings, Ltd.

    931        14,395   

Maabarot Products, Ltd.

    3,435        35,497   

Magic Software Enterprises, Ltd.

    9,462        56,282   

Matrix IT, Ltd.

    14,215        63,752   

Mazor Robotics, Ltd. (b)

    11,460        70,499   

Meitav DS Investments, Ltd.

    5,193        14,778   

Melisron, Ltd.

    3,980        110,186   

Menorah Mivtachim Holdings, Ltd.

    11,310        98,481   

Migdal Insurance & Financial Holding, Ltd.

    42,213        50,403   

Mivtach Shamir Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    1,401        33,209   

Naphtha Israel Petroleum Corp., Ltd. (b)

    18,925        93,705   

Neto ME Holdings, Ltd.

    963        45,865   

Nitsba Holdings 1995, Ltd. (b)

    13,921        185,075   

Nova Measuring Instruments, Ltd. (b)

    9,293        94,299   

Israel—(Continued)

   

Oil Refineries, Ltd. (b)

    418,554      110,668   

Ormat Industries

    21,202        145,714   

Partner Communications Co., Ltd. (b)

    21,648        111,811   

Paz Oil Co., Ltd.

    1,481        191,719   

Perion Network, Ltd. (b)

    3,246        13,955   

Phoenix Holdings, Ltd. (The)

    20,176        53,386   

Plasson Industries, Ltd.

    1,729        56,751   

Rami Levi Chain Stores Hashikma Marketing, Ltd.

    1,803        66,388   

Sapiens International Corp. NV (b)

    8,365        59,566   

Shikun & Binui, Ltd.

    64,579        136,048   

Shufersal, Ltd.

    23,137        49,331   

Space Communication, Ltd. (b)

    2,951        34,147   

Summit Real Estate Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    2,798        9,279   

Tower Semiconductor, Ltd. (b)

    12,319        159,484   

Tower Semiconductor, Ltd. (U.S. Listed
Shares) (a) (b)

    1,303        17,369   

Union Bank of Israel (b)

    7,545        25,070   
   

 

 

 
      5,670,802   
   

 

 

 

Italy—3.2%

   

A/S Roma S.p.A. (b)

    36,433        24,024   

A2A S.p.A.

    481,411        487,759   

ACEA S.p.A.

    23,394        250,983   

Aeffe S.p.A. (b)

    11,359        29,908   

Alerion Cleanpower S.p.A.

    5,771        19,639   

Amplifon S.p.A.

    36,377        215,382   

Ansaldo STS S.p.A.

    39,015        393,213   

Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A. (b)

    28,272        29,800   

Ascopiave S.p.A.

    28,294        62,519   

Astaldi S.p.A. (a)

    20,559        118,895   

Autogrill S.p.A. (b)

    44,414        332,788   

Azimut Holding S.p.A.

    33,739        727,860   

Banca Carige S.p.A. (a) (b)

    1,955,524        128,934   

Banca Finnat Euramerica S.p.A.

    50,851        24,857   

Banca Generali S.p.A.

    17,239        478,523   

Banca IFIS S.p.A.

    7,714        127,774   

Banca Popolare dell’Emilia Romagna S.c.r.l. (b)

    174,642        1,136,769   

Banca Popolare dell’Etruria e del Lazio
SC (a) (b)

    91,952        42,917   

Banca Popolare di Milano Scarl (b)

    1,773,934        1,148,571   

Banca Popolare di Sondrio Scarl

    170,178        633,068   

Banca Profilo S.p.A. (a)

    117,883        43,736   

Banco di Desio e della Brianza S.p.A.

    20,306        52,919   

Banco Popolare SC (b)

    40,702        487,242   

BasicNet S.p.A. (b)

    13,493        37,713   

Biesse S.p.A.

    6,021        68,190   

Brembo S.p.A.

    9,033        302,726   

Brioschi Sviluppo Immobiliare S.p.A. (b)

    34,077        3,784   

Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A. (a)

    8,151        182,748   

Buzzi Unicem S.p.A. (a)

    30,820        387,730   

Cairo Communication S.p.A.

    10,087        58,874   

Caltagirone Editore S.p.A. (b)

    6,273        6,288   

Carraro S.p.A. (b)

    5,504        12,624   

Cementir Holding S.p.A.

    31,117        187,248   

CIR-Compagnie Industriali Riunite S.p.A. (b)

    201,871        210,483   

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals S.p.A.

    632        93,310   

Credito Emiliano S.p.A.

    44,882        338,243   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Italy—(Continued)

   

Credito Valtellinese SC (a) (b)

    359,278      $ 340,349   

Danieli & C Officine Meccaniche S.p.A.

    4,846        119,896   

Datalogic S.p.A.

    6,877        74,065   

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (a)

    91,710        569,332   

De’Longhi S.p.A. (a)

    16,896        306,002   

DeA Capital S.p.A. (b)

    18,071        35,443   

DiaSorin S.p.A.

    6,863        276,767   

Ei Towers S.p.A. (b)

    5,051        252,834   

El.En. S.p.A.

    311        9,983   

Engineering S.p.A.

    2,150        97,130   

ERG S.p.A.

    18,493        207,077   

Esprinet S.p.A.

    18,719        129,777   

Eurotech S.p.A. (b)

    13,076        25,500   

Falck Renewables S.p.A.

    28,765        32,195   

Finmeccanica S.p.A. (b)

    103,049        956,814   

FNM S.p.A.

    55,327        37,175   

Gas Plus S.p.A.

    3,786        15,758   

Geox S.p.A. (a) (b)

    52,589        171,372   

Gruppo Editoriale L’Espresso S.p.A. (b)

    57,235        65,593   

Gruppo MutuiOnline S.p.A.

    5,404        30,632   

Gtech S.p.A. (a)

    18,037        403,557   

Hera S.p.A.

    216,853        510,287   

IMMSI S.p.A. (b)

    100,436        65,609   

Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.

    5,461        237,740   

Intek Group S.p.A. (b)

    80,757        31,793   

Interpump Group S.p.A.

    28,206        396,051   

Iren S.p.A.

    214,078        232,350   

Italcementi S.p.A. (a)

    60,182        359,614   

Italmobiliare S.p.A.

    4,262        96,341   

Juventus Football Club S.p.A. (a) (b)

    147,435        39,162   

Landi Renzo S.p.A. (b)

    5,877        7,040   

Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. (a) (b)

    35,567        77,708   

MARR S.p.A. (a)

    13,428        237,881   

Nice S.p.A.

    9,890        31,936   

Piaggio & C S.p.A. (a) (b)

    62,129        180,149   

Prelios S.p.A. (a) (b)

    54,976        17,631   

Prima Industrie S.p.A. (b)

    1,853        30,244   

Prysmian S.p.A.

    70,028        1,274,594   

Recordati S.p.A.

    29,978        466,071   

Reno de Medici S.p.A. (b)

    29,538        9,694   

Reply S.p.A.

    1,999        146,144   

Retelit S.p.A. (b)

    36,769        25,707   

Sabaf S.p.A.

    1,021        13,797   

SAES Getters S.p.A.

    1,416        10,460   

Safilo Group S.p.A. (b)

    10,142        131,779   

Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A.

    16,352        400,630   

Saras S.p.A. (a) (b)

    134,526        135,734   

SAVE S.p.A.

    5,078        81,201   

Snai S.p.A. (b)

    21,135        32,099   

Societa Cattolica di Assicurazioni S.c.r.l.

    63,558        438,624   

Societa Iniziative Autostradali e Servizi S.p.A.

    25,981        250,162   

Sogefi S.p.A. (a) (b)

    18,933        47,348   

SOL S.p.A.

    13,605        109,560   

Sorin S.p.A. (b)

    131,162        305,634   

Tiscali S.p.A. (b)

    802,477        50,586   

Tod’s S.p.A. (a)

    3,954        343,128   

Trevi Finanziaria Industriale S.p.A. (a)

    31,414        107,210   

Italy—(Continued)

   

Uni Land S.p.A. (b) (c) (d)

    4,937      0   

Unipol Gruppo Finanziario S.p.A. (a)

    133,203        657,829   

Vianini Lavori S.p.A.

    2,113        14,239   

Vittoria Assicurazioni S.p.A.

    12,164        126,339   

World Duty Free S.p.A. (a) (b)

    54,430        521,285   

Yoox S.p.A. (a) (b)

    13,998        308,819   

Zignago Vetro S.p.A.

    11,476        70,396   
   

 

 

 
      21,675,897   
   

 

 

 

Japan—22.7%

   

77 Bank, Ltd. (The)

    119,000        627,485   

A&A Material Corp. (b)

    12,000        11,416   

A/S One Corp.

    5,000        130,486   

Accordia Golf Co., Ltd.

    32,800        295,223   

Achilles Corp.

    60,000        73,567   

Adastria Holdings Co., Ltd.

    5,920        155,404   

ADEKA Corp.

    33,600        398,197   

Aderans Co., Ltd.

    9,400        88,689   

Advan Co., Ltd.

    6,500        63,681   

Advanex, Inc.

    9,000        14,129   

Aeon Delight Co., Ltd.

    2,500        58,024   

Aeon Fantasy Co., Ltd.

    4,000        52,083   

Aeon Hokkaido Corp.

    2,600        15,414   

AGORA Hospitality Group Co., Ltd. (b)

    27,000        10,525   

Agro-Kanesho Co., Ltd.

    2,100        20,121   

Ahresty Corp.

    9,200        56,428   

Ai Holdings Corp.

    12,200        215,403   

Aica Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    16,700        345,419   

Aichi Bank, Ltd. (The)

    5,000        247,559   

Aichi Corp.

    19,600        92,626   

Aichi Steel Corp.

    43,000        151,455   

Aichi Tokei Denki Co., Ltd.

    19,000        50,863   

Aida Engineering, Ltd.

    27,200        245,879   

Aigan Co., Ltd. (b)

    8,200        17,347   

Ain Pharmaciez, Inc.

    6,000        171,394   

Aiphone Co., Ltd.

    9,200        145,255   

Airport Facilities Co., Ltd.

    9,300        55,901   

Aisan Industry Co., Ltd.

    8,700        74,376   

Aizawa Securities Co., Ltd.

    13,800        74,426   

Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (a)

    30,000        104,862   

Akita Bank, Ltd. (The)

    99,000        272,502   

Alconix Corp.

    4,800        78,652   

Alinco, Inc.

    5,800        56,264   

Allied Telesis Holdings KK

    17,200        13,648   

Alpen Co., Ltd. (a)

    6,300        88,468   

Alpha Corp.

    2,200        21,439   

Alpha Systems, Inc.

    3,940        54,098   

Alpine Electronics, Inc.

    17,000        279,558   

Alps Logistics Co., Ltd.

    4,100        48,269   

Altech Corp.

    4,700        57,753   

Amano Corp.

    19,800        204,000   

Amiyaki Tei Co., Ltd.

    1,100        36,276   

Amuse, Inc.

    1,800        51,735   

Anabuki Kosan, Inc.

    4,000        8,736   

Anest Iwata Corp.

    12,500        84,496   

Anritsu Corp. (a)

    48,800        339,721   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

AOI Electronic Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,800      $ 134,856   

AOI Pro, Inc. (a)

    4,700        30,848   

AOKI Holdings, Inc.

    21,400        216,318   

Aomori Bank, Ltd. (The)

    112,000        324,097   

Aoyama Trading Co., Ltd.

    25,100        550,704   

Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd.

    10,900        107,783   

Arata Corp.

    23,000        60,580   

Araya Industrial Co., Ltd.

    26,000        38,769   

Arcland Sakamoto Co., Ltd.

    6,500        124,868   

Arcs Co., Ltd.

    15,464        315,272   

Argo Graphics, Inc.

    3,700        55,661   

Ariake Japan Co., Ltd.

    6,800        165,620   

Arisawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    15,800        115,144   

Arrk Corp. (b)

    44,700        52,332   

Artnature, Inc.

    5,000        55,564   

Asahi Broadcasting Corp.

    2,400        18,195   

Asahi Co., Ltd. (a)

    6,100        56,168   

Asahi Diamond Industrial Co., Ltd.

    21,400        223,197   

Asahi Holdings, Inc.

    10,200        157,384   

Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.

    4,300        208,899   

Asahi Kogyosha Co., Ltd.

    16,000        55,508   

Asahi Net, Inc.

    5,000        21,203   

Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.

    40,000        94,708   

Asahi Printing Co., Ltd.

    200        3,764   

Asahipen Corp.

    4,000        5,602   

Asanuma Corp. (b)

    29,000        37,728   

Asatsu-DK, Inc. (a)

    12,300        292,480   

Asax Co., Ltd.

    1,800        21,030   

Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. (b)

    33,000        49,047   

Asia Growth Capital, Ltd. (a) (b)

    21,000        27,902   

ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    9,700        104,415   

ASKUL Corp. (a)

    6,300        111,746   

Asunaro Aoki Construction Co., Ltd.

    8,000        53,071   

Atom Corp. (a)

    4,000        25,843   

Atsugi Co., Ltd.

    88,000        84,038   

Autobacs Seven Co., Ltd. (a)

    21,200        301,850   

Avex Group Holdings, Inc. (a)

    12,000        196,637   

Awa Bank, Ltd. (The)

    79,000        422,178   

Axell Corp.

    3,800        47,563   

Axial Retailing, Inc.

    6,200        134,956   

Azbil Corp.

    7,100        164,167   

Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.

    47,000        169,368   

Bank of Iwate, Ltd. (The)

    7,800        335,883   

Bank of Kochi, Ltd. (The)

    16,000        21,107   

Bank of Nagoya, Ltd. (The)

    81,000        298,954   

Bank of Okinawa, Ltd. (The)

    9,600        389,909   

Bank of Saga, Ltd. (The)

    82,000        186,566   

Bank of the Ryukyus, Ltd. (a)

    16,500        230,754   

Belc Co., Ltd.

    6,200        188,269   

Belluna Co., Ltd.

    21,900        91,718   

Benefit One, Inc.

    7,300        78,478   

Best Denki Co., Ltd.

    50,400        57,026   

Bic Camera, Inc. (a)

    23,500        270,486   

Biofermin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    500        12,113   

Bit-isle, Inc. (a)

    6,600        27,241   

BML, Inc.

    3,900        103,451   

Bookoff Corp.

    4,700        32,720   

Japan—(Continued)

   

BP Castrol KK (a)

    2,600      25,129   

Broadleaf Co., Ltd.

    2,700        37,925   

BRONCO BILLY Co., Ltd.

    1,200        30,421   

Bull-Dog Sauce Co., Ltd.

    6,000        10,008   

Bunka Shutter Co., Ltd.

    19,000        153,971   

C Uyemura & Co., Ltd.

    3,400        159,050   

CAC Holdings Corp.

    6,200        60,188   

Calsonic Kansei Corp.

    57,000        316,419   

Can Do Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,500        45,705   

Canon Electronics, Inc.

    7,400        117,168   

Capcom Co., Ltd. (a)

    16,500        248,694   

Carlit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    7,300        38,005   

Cawachi, Ltd.

    7,700        113,983   

Central Glass Co., Ltd.

    70,000        253,913   

Central Security Patrols Co., Ltd.

    3,300        31,810   

Central Sports Co., Ltd.

    3,200        48,615   

CFS Corp.

    4,400        25,286   

Chiba Kogyo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    17,400        121,348   

CHIMNEY Co., Ltd.

    1,400        25,609   

Chino Corp.

    4,000        39,893   

Chiyoda Co., Ltd.

    10,000        196,817   

Chiyoda Integre Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,400        76,660   

Chofu Seisakusho Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,700        145,770   

Chori Co., Ltd.

    7,000        108,724   

Chubu Shiryo Co., Ltd.

    14,400        81,222   

Chudenko Corp.

    8,600        133,321   

Chuetsu Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd.

    49,000        72,403   

Chugai Mining Co., Ltd. (b)

    68,200        16,445   

Chugai Ro Co., Ltd.

    42,000        95,423   

Chugoku Marine Paints, Ltd.

    22,000        185,856   

Chukyo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    64,000        114,466   

Chuo Gyorui Co., Ltd.

    2,000        4,614   

Chuo Spring Co., Ltd.

    19,000        51,051   

CKD Corp.

    21,300        201,413   

Clarion Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    46,000        142,938   

Cleanup Corp.

    7,900        57,321   

CMIC Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,900        60,973   

CMK Corp. (b)

    21,300        55,976   

Coca-Cola West Co., Ltd.

    1,700        23,387   

Cocokara fine, Inc.

    6,500        160,569   

Colowide Co., Ltd. (a)

    18,400        257,387   

Computer Engineering & Consulting, Ltd.

    5,300        47,476   

Computer Institute of Japan, Ltd.

    2,000        8,130   

CONEXIO Corp.

    8,400        77,953   

COOKPAD, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,200        141,840   

Corona Corp.

    8,500        82,884   

Cosel Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,900        101,373   

Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd.

    193,000        273,485   

Cosmos Initia Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    3,500        13,685   

Create Medic Co., Ltd.

    1,800        15,440   

CREATE SD HOLDINGS Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,400        172,987   

Cresco, Ltd.

    2,000        28,354   

CROOZ, Inc.

    1,400        22,095   

Cross Plus, Inc.

    1,100        7,812   

CTI Engineering Co., Ltd.

    5,200        66,468   

Cybernet Systems Co., Ltd.

    3,900        15,735   

Cybozu, Inc.

    11,900        36,867   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

DA Consortium, Inc.

    7,600      $ 31,377   

Dai Nippon Toryo Co., Ltd.

    53,000        69,473   

Dai-Dan Co., Ltd.

    17,000        102,834   

Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.

    14,000        43,898   

Dai-ichi Seiko Co., Ltd.

    4,000        79,994   

Daibiru Corp.

    16,800        157,901   

Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    10,000        21,262   

Daido Metal Co., Ltd.

    12,000        120,234   

Daidoh, Ltd. (a)

    13,700        58,519   

Daiei, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    129,400        150,761   

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

    31,500        352,668   

Daihatsu Diesel Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    7,000        53,137   

Daihen Corp.

    40,000        201,619   

Daiho Corp.

    19,000        86,952   

Daiichi Jitsugyo Co., Ltd.

    20,000        100,279   

Daiichi Kigenso Kagaku-Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    1,000        40,449   

Daiichikosho Co., Ltd.

    7,600        205,795   

Daiken Corp.

    35,000        77,577   

Daiken Medical Co., Ltd.

    4,400        41,019   

Daiki Aluminium Industry Co., Ltd.

    16,000        43,246   

Daikoku Denki Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,700        40,114   

Daikokutenbussan Co., Ltd.

    1,900        54,156   

Daikyo, Inc.

    151,000        233,833   

Dainichi Co., Ltd.

    4,100        26,648   

Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    29,000        154,030   

Daio Paper Corp.

    30,000        245,408   

Daisan Bank, Ltd. (The)

    92,000        153,431   

Daiseki Co., Ltd. (a)

    17,700        307,033   

Daiseki Eco. Solution Co., Ltd.

    1,000        14,552   

Daishi Bank, Ltd. (The)

    143,000        475,185   

Daishinku Corp.

    18,000        54,189   

Daiso Co., Ltd.

    40,000        128,283   

Daisue Construction Co., Ltd. (b)

    2,300        16,451   

Daisyo Corp. (a)

    5,300        60,798   

Daito Bank, Ltd. (The)

    59,000        68,469   

Daito Electron Co., Ltd.

    800        4,141   

Daito Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,600        56,542   

Daiwa Industries, Ltd.

    11,000        68,876   

Daiwabo Holdings Co., Ltd.

    88,000        152,943   

DC Co., Ltd.

    11,500        45,663   

DCM Holdings Co., Ltd.

    46,300        296,402   

Denki Kagaku Kogyo KK

    31,000        114,116   

Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    21,000        92,088   

Denyo Co., Ltd.

    6,000        89,556   

Descente, Ltd.

    18,000        174,651   

DKK-Toa Corp.

    2,200        10,643   

DMG Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.

    34,300        426,198   

DMW Corp.

    700        10,798   

Doshisha Co., Ltd.

    9,600        136,093   

Doutor Nichires Holdings Co., Ltd.

    9,600        137,448   

Dr Ci:Labo Co., Ltd.

    4,200        143,498   

Dream Incubator, Inc.

    1,200        29,118   

DSB Co., Ltd.

    5,300        34,864   

DTS Corp.

    7,300        156,193   

Dunlop Sports Co., Ltd.

    7,300        81,093   

Duskin Co., Ltd. (a)

    14,900        218,973   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Dydo Drinco, Inc.

    2,700      112,735   

Dynic Corp.

    16,000        23,780   

Eagle Industry Co., Ltd.

    7,800        143,486   

Earth Chemical Co., Ltd.

    800        26,690   

Ebara Jitsugyo Co., Ltd.

    4,600        55,421   

EDION Corp. (a)

    32,200        224,645   

Ehime Bank, Ltd. (The)

    76,000        160,312   

Eidai Co., Ltd.

    10,000        38,820   

Eighteenth Bank, Ltd. (The)

    80,000        222,819   

Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. (a)

    6,100        98,971   

Eizo Corp. (a)

    6,300        122,196   

Elecom Co., Ltd.

    3,100        61,602   

Elematec Corp.

    5,000        119,067   

EM Systems Co., Ltd.

    900        12,875   

Emori Group Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,500        22,822   

en-japan, Inc.

    3,400        53,475   

Endo Lighting Corp. (a)

    2,600        28,466   

Enplas Corp.

    3,300        110,983   

Enshu, Ltd. (b)

    23,000        21,960   

EPS Corp.

    14,000        165,832   

ESPEC Corp.

    11,400        102,486   

Excel Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,000        66,875   

Exedy Corp.

    11,600        279,579   

F T Communications Co., Ltd.

    500        8,380   

F-Tech, Inc.

    3,600        35,404   

F@N Communications, Inc. (a)

    9,600        104,897   

Faith, Inc.

    4,580        42,528   

FALCO SD HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.

    4,300        44,846   

Fancl Corp. (a)

    12,000        170,418   

FCC Co., Ltd. (a)

    11,200        192,366   

FDK Corp. (a) (b)

    25,000        29,743   

Feed One Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    65,080        58,662   

Ferrotec Corp.

    12,700        66,526   

FIDEA Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    55,410        100,625   

Fields Corp.

    5,200        64,433   

Financial Products Group Co., Ltd. (a)

    8,100        96,540   

FINDEX, Inc.

    1,300        72,454   

First Juken Co., Ltd.

    3,400        35,262   

Foster Electric Co., Ltd.

    8,800        154,684   

FP Corp. (a)

    7,200        230,717   

France Bed Holdings Co., Ltd.

    65,000        97,711   

Fudo Tetra Corp.

    60,300        122,762   

Fuji Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,300        132,173   

Fuji Corp., Ltd. (a)

    8,600        49,607   

Fuji Electronics Co., Ltd.

    5,600        64,552   

Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.

    13,000        60,920   

Fuji Kosan Co., Ltd.

    4,600        23,069   

Fuji Kyuko Co., Ltd. (a)

    13,000        124,366   

Fuji Oil Co. Ltd.

    15,500        46,992   

Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.

    21,800        279,351   

Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd.

    2,800        49,091   

Fuji Seal International, Inc.

    7,900        230,978   

Fuji Soft, Inc. (a)

    5,900        120,361   

Fujibo Holdings, Inc.

    37,000        104,287   

Fujicco Co., Ltd.

    9,000        150,209   

Fujikura Kasei Co., Ltd.

    9,500        46,039   

Fujikura Rubber, Ltd.

    5,800        38,528   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Fujikura, Ltd.

    115,000      $ 469,496   

Fujimi, Inc.

    7,000        102,149   

Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    4,800        134,159   

Fujisash Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    24,500        31,673   

Fujishoji Co., Ltd.

    1,300        16,658   

Fujita Kanko, Inc. (a)

    8,000        24,563   

Fujitec Co., Ltd. (a)

    24,700        263,004   

Fujitsu Frontech, Ltd.

    4,500        57,268   

Fujitsu General, Ltd.

    19,000        183,205   

Fujiya Co., Ltd. (a)

    43,000        70,166   

FuKoKu Co., Ltd.

    5,100        53,328   

Fukuda Corp.

    11,000        92,414   

Fukui Bank, Ltd. (The)

    128,000        285,360   

Fukushima Bank, Ltd. (The)

    143,000        111,692   

Fukushima Industries Corp.

    4,600        73,355   

Fukuyama Transporting Co., Ltd. (a)

    53,000        286,111   

FULLCAST Holdings Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    4,300        17,085   

Fumakilla, Ltd. (a)

    8,000        24,418   

Funai Electric Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,900        95,274   

Funai Soken Holdings, Inc.

    7,800        64,090   

Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,000        42,569   

Furukawa Co., Ltd.

    140,000        239,834   

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (a)

    246,000        406,544   

Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,200        73,345   

Furusato Industries, Ltd.

    4,600        62,841   

Furuya Metal Co., Ltd.

    1,700        40,740   

Fuso Chemical Co., Ltd.

    4,000        43,754   

Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.

    41,000        101,091   

Futaba Corp.

    10,200        148,479   

Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd.

    23,600        110,422   

Future Architect, Inc.

    9,800        56,693   

Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd. (a)

    8,000        277,150   

G-Tekt Corp.

    7,700        73,003   

Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

    28,000        59,364   

GCA Savvian Corp. (a)

    4,900        46,592   

Gecoss Corp.

    6,400        95,064   

Genki Sushi Co., Ltd.

    2,300        50,702   

Genky Stores, Inc. (a)

    600        38,226   

Geo Holdings Corp. (a)

    14,400        115,655   

GLOBERIDE, Inc.

    35,000        60,281   

GLORY, Ltd.

    11,500        307,340   

GMO internet, Inc.

    22,900        194,713   

GMO Payment Gateway, Inc.

    5,200        97,392   

Godo Steel, Ltd. (a)

    72,000        107,897   

Goldcrest Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,330        135,845   

Goldwin, Inc.

    18,000        93,783   

Gourmet Kineya Co., Ltd.

    8,000        59,775   

Grandy House Corp.

    3,600        8,902   

GSI Creos Corp.

    28,000        31,387   

Gulliver International Co., Ltd. (a)

    25,100        170,924   

Gun-Ei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

    24,000        67,846   

Gunze, Ltd.

    65,000        167,580   

Gurunavi, Inc.

    9,500        131,096   

H-One Co., Ltd.

    6,000        33,583   

H2O Retailing Corp. (a)

    12,915        202,674   

Hagihara Industries, Inc.

    2,900        42,100   

Hakudo Co., Ltd.

    500        4,597   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Hakuto Co., Ltd.

    7,100      69,816   

Hakuyosha Co., Ltd.

    8,000        16,251   

Hamakyorex Co., Ltd.

    2,800        86,536   

Hanwa Co., Ltd.

    63,000        222,646   

Happinet Corp. (a)

    5,300        66,304   

Hard Off Corp. Co., Ltd.

    4,900        37,533   

Harima Chemicals Group, Inc.

    7,100        27,389   

Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.

    7,600        110,820   

Haruyama Trading Co., Ltd.

    5,400        31,441   

Hazama Ando Corp.

    54,490        351,373   

Heiwa Corp.

    200        3,994   

Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd.

    14,000        212,538   

Heiwado Co., Ltd.

    11,200        215,351   

HI-LEX Corp.

    7,700        211,970   

Hibiya Engineering, Ltd.

    10,000        136,734   

Hiday Hidaka Corp.

    4,472        140,009   

Higashi Nihon House Co., Ltd. (a)

    15,000        65,332   

Higashi-Nippon Bank, Ltd. (The)

    71,000        196,692   

Higo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    83,000        441,169   

Himaraya Co., Ltd.

    3,100        25,559   

Hioki EE Corp.

    4,000        57,005   

Hiramatsu, Inc.

    8,300        44,755   

Hirano Tecseed Co., Ltd.

    500        3,659   

HIS Co., Ltd.

    11,200        315,813   

Hisaka Works, Ltd.

    12,000        97,119   

Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.

    17,600        133,041   

Hitachi Kokusai Electric, Inc.

    18,000        253,119   

Hitachi Metals Techno, Ltd.

    2,000        19,953   

Hitachi Transport System, Ltd.

    5,800        71,260   

Hitachi Zosen Corp.

    61,600        354,468   

Hochiki Corp.

    10,000        77,669   

Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.

    28,000        44,013   

Hogy Medical Co., Ltd.

    6,000        273,634   

Hokkaido Gas Co., Ltd.

    27,000        64,519   

Hokkan Holdings, Ltd.

    31,000        75,248   

Hokko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

    8,000        27,620   

Hokkoku Bank, Ltd. (The)

    109,000        349,902   

Hokuetsu Bank, Ltd. (The)

    96,000        173,933   

Hokuetsu Industries Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,000        63,180   

Hokuetsu Kishu Paper Co., Ltd. (a)

    51,300        218,481   

Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

    28,000        40,314   

Hokuriku Electrical Construction Co., Ltd.

    9,000        50,634   

Hokuriku Gas Co., Ltd.

    10,000        23,006   

Hokuto Corp. (a)

    10,600        176,223   

Honeys Co., Ltd.

    6,930        54,131   

Hoosiers Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,700        42,913   

Horiba, Ltd. (a)

    11,400        378,809   

Hosiden Corp.

    20,000        110,761   

Hosokawa Micron Corp.

    11,000        63,407   

House Foods Group, Inc. (a)

    4,000        69,238   

Howa Machinery, Ltd.

    5,700        35,751   

Hurxley Corp.

    800        6,401   

Hyakugo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    87,000        358,929   

Hyakujushi Bank, Ltd. (The)

    107,000        350,450   

I-Net Corp.

    3,200        23,874   

IBJ Leasing Co., Ltd.

    7,200        143,206   

Ichibanya Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,400        100,992   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Ichiken Co., Ltd. (a)

    12,000      $ 32,350   

Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.

    26,000        55,228   

ICHINEN HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.

    7,400        65,026   

Ichiyoshi Securities Co., Ltd. (a)

    12,600        135,899   

Icom, Inc.

    3,800        91,409   

Idec Corp.

    11,300        96,869   

Ihara Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

    18,800        195,771   

Iino Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. (a)

    32,200        179,424   

IJT Technology Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    9,000        40,269   

Ikegami Tsushinki Co., Ltd.

    30,000        37,939   

Ikyu Corp.

    6,100        67,901   

Imagica Robot Holdings, Inc. (a)

    4,500        18,934   

Imasen Electric Industrial

    6,200        86,905   

Imperial Hotel, Ltd.

    1,300        25,903   

Inaba Denki Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    7,300        236,536   

Inaba Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

    2,100        23,296   

Inabata & Co., Ltd.

    18,300        165,464   

Inageya Co., Ltd.

    12,200        123,400   

Ines Corp. (a)

    13,900        105,994   

Infocom Corp.

    6,200        46,589   

Information Services International-Dentsu, Ltd.

    6,000        59,836   

Innotech Corp.

    10,300        42,230   

Intage Holdings, Inc.

    8,000        116,582   

Internet Initiative Japan, Inc.

    9,800        199,892   

Inui Global Logistics Co., Ltd.

    5,355        43,261   

Iriso Electronics Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,900        154,461   

Ise Chemical Corp.

    8,000        52,004   

Iseki & Co., Ltd. (a)

    77,000        146,068   

Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. (b)

    119,000        103,473   

Ishii Iron Works Co., Ltd.

    9,000        17,234   

Ishizuka Glass Co., Ltd.

    5,000        10,046   

IT Holdings Corp.

    36,700        553,503   

Itfor, Inc.

    10,300        39,589   

Itochu Enex Co., Ltd.

    30,000        210,072   

Itochu-Shokuhin Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,600        81,414   

Itoham Foods, Inc. (a)

    56,000        294,857   

Itoki Corp. (a)

    14,100        72,231   

IwaiCosmo Holdings, Inc.

    7,900        88,601   

Iwaki & Co., Ltd.

    14,000        25,368   

Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.

    25,000        49,991   

Iwatani Corp. (a)

    51,000        334,126   

Iwatsuka Confectionery Co., Ltd.

    500        31,416   

Izutsuya Co., Ltd. (b)

    47,000        24,953   

J-Oil Mills, Inc.

    40,000        130,084   

Jalux, Inc.

    4,000        55,756   

Jamco Corp.

    4,300        111,223   

Janome Sewing Machine Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    58,000        65,118   

Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd.

    18,000        394,715   

Japan Communications, Inc. (a) (b)

    40,100        182,393   

Japan Digital Laboratory Co., Ltd.

    8,200        110,248   

Japan Drilling Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,100        74,345   

Japan Foundation Engineering Co., Ltd.

    14,100        46,070   

Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing, Inc. (a)

    3,000        14,444   

Japan Oil Transportation Co., Ltd.

    1,000        1,935   

Japan Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd.

    51,000        140,480   

Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (b)

    20,000        61,261   

Japan Steel Works, Ltd. (The) (a)

    119,000        422,558   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Japan Transcity Corp.

    29,000      90,134   

Japan Vilene Co., Ltd.

    11,000        56,160   

Japan Wool Textile Co., Ltd. (The)

    27,000        177,312   

Jastec Co., Ltd.

    5,100        33,883   

JBCC Holdings, Inc.

    9,100        56,433   

JCU Corp.

    1,600        74,706   

Jeol, Ltd.

    26,000        133,159   

Jimoto Holdings, Inc.

    60,800        115,425   

Jin Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,500        112,324   

JK Holdings Co., Ltd.

    5,600        27,508   

JMS Co., Ltd. (a)

    15,000        35,860   

Joban Kosan Co., Ltd. (a)

    17,000        21,276   

Joshin Denki Co., Ltd.

    23,000        187,084   

Jowa Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,300        97,833   

JP-Holdings, Inc. (a)

    17,900        55,373   

JSP Corp.

    7,600        135,492   

Juki Corp. (a)

    56,000        198,824   

Juroku Bank, Ltd. (The)

    131,000        463,724   

Justsystems Corp. (a) (b)

    13,800        84,428   

JVC Kenwood Corp. (a) (b)

    53,300        115,813   

K&O Energy Group, Inc.

    8,000        98,214   

K’s Holdings Corp. (a)

    5,000        131,622   

kabu.com Securities Co., Ltd.

    28,100        138,163   

Kadokawa Dwango (a) (b)

    12,508        197,017   

Kaga Electronics Co., Ltd.

    7,200        89,709   

Kagome Co., Ltd. (a)

    1,400        21,310   

Kagoshima Bank, Ltd. (The)

    60,000        377,076   

Kaken Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    21,000        404,541   

Kakiyasu Honten Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,600        73,071   

Kameda Seika Co., Ltd.

    6,500        199,192   

Kamei Corp.

    14,400        89,381   

Kanaden Corp.

    11,000        74,457   

Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Co., Ltd.

    20,000        96,191   

Kanamoto Co., Ltd.

    8,800        238,650   

Kandenko Co., Ltd.

    41,000        235,684   

Kanematsu Corp.

    149,000        211,708   

Kanematsu Electronics, Ltd.

    6,000        85,515   

Kanematsu-NNK Corp. (b)

    6,000        7,581   

Kanemi Co., Ltd.

    100        2,652   

Kansai Urban Banking Corp.

    11,000        114,247   

Kanto Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (b)

    15,000        75,968   

Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    7,000        61,978   

Kasumi Co., Ltd.

    22,300        187,491   

Katakura Chikkarin Co., Ltd.

    8,000        18,079   

Katakura Industries Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,200        96,616   

Kato Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    6,400        120,353   

Kato Works Co., Ltd.

    19,000        152,415   

KAWADA TECHNOLOGIES, Inc. (a)

    1,900        63,635   

Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    4,400        88,442   

Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

    7,000        24,432   

Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc.

    8,500        52,539   

Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd.

    14,500        76,645   

Keihin Co. Ltd/Minato-Ku Tokyo Japan

    31,000        43,098   

Keihin Corp.

    15,500        230,119   

Keiyo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    113,000        631,958   

Keiyo Co., Ltd. (a)

    17,200        81,414   

Kenko Mayonnaise Co., Ltd.

    5,900        71,346   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

KEY Coffee, Inc.

    7,600      $ 105,899   

KFC Holdings Japan, Ltd.

    4,000        72,240   

Kimoto Co., Ltd.

    14,900        37,808   

King Jim Co., Ltd.

    5,800        35,756   

Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    12,000        32,600   

Kintetsu Department Store Co., Ltd. (b)

    19,000        49,058   

Kintetsu World Express, Inc.

    5,400        207,158   

Kinugawa Rubber Industrial Co., Ltd.

    20,000        84,855   

Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    8,100        212,523   

Kita-Nippon Bank, Ltd. (The)

    4,900        119,749   

Kitagawa Iron Works Co., Ltd.

    31,000        56,210   

Kitamura Co., Ltd.

    3,700        23,447   

Kitano Construction Corp.

    22,000        70,221   

Kito Corp. (a)

    8,200        80,664   

Kitz Corp.

    33,600        137,440   

Kiyo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    35,300        446,910   

KNT-CT Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    33,000        41,629   

Koa Corp.

    12,900        121,610   

Koatsu Gas Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    13,000        62,442   

Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd. (a)

    8,000        45,169   

Koei Tecmo Holdings Co., Ltd.

    10,000        146,099   

Kohnan Shoji Co., Ltd. (a)

    13,000        144,807   

Kohsoku Corp.

    5,400        41,922   

Koike Sanso Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    7,000        20,405   

Kojima Co., Ltd.

    12,000        29,514   

Kokusai Co., Ltd.

    3,400        56,308   

Kokuyo Co., Ltd.

    31,800        236,635   

KOMAIHALTEC, Inc.

    24,000        58,151   

Komatsu Seiren Co., Ltd.

    19,000        88,865   

Komatsu Wall Industry Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,700        62,094   

Komeri Co., Ltd.

    10,500        228,603   

Komori Corp. (a)

    20,000        227,548   

Konaka Co., Ltd.

    7,300        37,804   

Kondotec, Inc.

    9,400        65,095   

Konishi Co., Ltd.

    6,000        95,554   

Kosaido Co., Ltd.

    3,700        13,956   

Koshidaka Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,200        32,156   

Kotobuki Spirits Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,600        50,757   

Kourakuen Corp.

    800        10,709   

Krosaki Harima Corp.

    24,000        48,968   

KRS Corp.

    3,700        42,696   

KU Holdings Co., Ltd.

    8,000        40,861   

Kumagai Gumi Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    91,000        291,849   

Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

    18,000        120,072   

Kura Corp.

    3,500        98,371   

Kurabo Industries, Ltd.

    93,000        144,386   

Kureha Corp. (a)

    46,000        192,351   

Kurimoto, Ltd. (a)

    35,000        66,494   

Kuroda Electric Co., Ltd. (a)

    11,600        160,381   

Kusuri No. Aoki Co., Ltd.

    2,600        141,367   

KYB Co., Ltd.

    71,000        301,489   

Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd. (a)

    51,000        161,626   

Kyoei Steel, Ltd. (a)

    6,100        105,115   

Kyokuto Boeki Kaisha, Ltd.

    9,000        16,642   

Kyokuto Kaihatsu Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    10,300        123,055   

Kyokuto Securities Co., Ltd.

    7,400        117,530   

Kyokuyo Co., Ltd.

    35,000        80,121   

Japan—(Continued)

   

KYORIN Holdings, Inc.

    14,800      274,086   

Kyoritsu Maintenance Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,300        159,143   

Kyoritsu Printing Co., Ltd.

    6,800        16,388   

Kyosan Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    31,000        96,414   

Kyoto Kimono Yuzen Co., Ltd.

    7,300        61,346   

Kyowa Electronics Instruments Co., Ltd.

    8,000        31,104   

Kyowa Exeo Corp.

    26,700        285,249   

Kyowa Leather Cloth Co., Ltd.

    3,300        20,780   

Kyudenko Corp.

    13,000        144,104   

LAC Co., Ltd.

    5,900        40,147   

Land Business Co., Ltd.

    7,100        24,249   

Lasertec Corp.

    3,200        36,102   

LEC, Inc.

    4,400        46,571   

Leopalace21 Corp. (b)

    82,400        519,639   

Life Corp.

    15,500        216,791   

Link And Motivation, Inc. (a)

    8,900        11,759   

Lintec Corp.

    16,500        365,496   

Lion Corp. (a)

    65,000        339,867   

Livesense, Inc. (a) (b)

    3,500        20,429   

Look, Inc.

    11,000        21,052   

Macnica, Inc.

    4,300        119,878   

Maeda Corp. (a)

    40,000        327,885   

Maeda Kosen Co., Ltd.

    6,900        70,455   

Maeda Road Construction Co., Ltd.

    21,000        312,182   

Maezawa Kasei Industries Co., Ltd.

    6,800        67,829   

Maezawa Kyuso Industries Co., Ltd.

    5,600        65,619   

Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd.

    40,000        297,134   

Mamiya-Op Co., Ltd.

    19,000        38,400   

Mandom Corp.

    5,900        193,789   

Mani, Inc.

    2,500        148,923   

Mars Engineering Corp.

    3,600        61,609   

Marubun Corp.

    8,200        55,578   

Marudai Food Co., Ltd.

    60,000        206,326   

Maruei Department Store Co., Ltd. (b)

    8,000        9,475   

Maruetsu, Inc. (The) (a)

    24,000        104,613   

Marufuji Sheet Piling Co., Ltd.

    13,000        42,305   

Maruha Nichiro Corp.

    21,200        318,279   

Maruka Machinery Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,900        33,716   

Marukyu Co., Ltd.

    1,300        12,524   

Marusan Securities Co., Ltd. (a)

    28,400        191,413   

Maruwa Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,700        107,260   

Maruyama Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    15,000        29,057   

Maruzen CHI Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    18,800        56,229   

Maruzen Showa Unyu Co., Ltd.

    35,000        112,964   

Marvelous, Inc. (a)

    12,200        164,913   

Matsuda Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    7,000        75,874   

Matsui Construction Co., Ltd.

    9,000        43,849   

Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co., Ltd.

    12,500        356,029   

Matsuya Foods Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,100        65,082   

Max Co., Ltd.

    22,000        225,292   

Maxvalu Nishinihon Co., Ltd.

    2,400        31,928   

Maxvalu Tokai Co., Ltd.

    5,000        76,025   

MEC Co., Ltd.

    5,800        45,313   

Medical System Network Co., Ltd.

    7,900        23,541   

Megachips Corp.

    7,600        89,976   

Megmilk Snow Brand Co., Ltd.

    14,400        172,018   

Meidensha Corp.

    58,000        182,334   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Meiji Shipping Co., Ltd.

    8,500      $ 25,701   

Meiko Electronics Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,500        24,166   

Meiko Network Japan Co., Ltd.

    7,200        73,200   

Meisei Industrial Co., Ltd.

    17,000        103,490   

Meitec Corp.

    9,100        268,605   

Meito Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    4,500        44,628   

Meito Transportation Co., Ltd.

    2,800        15,995   

Meiwa Corp.

    10,900        42,098   

Meiwa Estate Co., Ltd.

    5,200        21,959   

Melco Holdings, Inc. (a)

    5,700        84,702   

Message Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,400        120,745   

Michinoku Bank, Ltd. (The)

    69,000        128,495   

Micronics Japan Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,300        121,538   

Mie Bank, Ltd. (The)

    54,000        122,653   

Mikuni Corp.

    3,000        11,114   

Milbon Co., Ltd.

    5,960        162,245   

Mimasu Semiconductor Industry Co., Ltd.

    8,200        79,332   

Minato Bank, Ltd. (The)

    56,000        99,009   

Ministop Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,100        120,693   

Miraial Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,900        40,655   

Mirait Holdings Corp.

    22,700        258,075   

Miroku Jyoho Service Co., Ltd.

    7,000        34,875   

Misawa Homes Co., Ltd. (a)

    11,400        97,260   

Mitani Corp.

    9,100        208,577   

Mitani Sekisan Co., Ltd.

    4,100        69,725   

Mito Securities Co., Ltd.

    24,000        85,200   

Mitsuba Corp.

    16,500        294,491   

Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co., Ltd.

    8,000        50,145   

Mitsubishi Paper Mills, Ltd. (b)

    144,000        103,813   

Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.

    8,700        258,567   

Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.

    3,300        77,856   

Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd.

    4,800        104,859   

Mitsubishi Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (a)

    58,000        119,088   

Mitsuboshi Belting Co., Ltd.

    31,000        228,029   

Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

    189,000        331,716   

Mitsui High-Tec, Inc.

    11,600        80,662   

Mitsui Home Co., Ltd.

    17,000        70,651   

Mitsui Matsushima Co., Ltd.

    66,000        69,652   

Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.

    224,000        539,609   

Mitsui Sugar Co., Ltd.

    36,000        118,640   

Mitsui-Soko Holdings Co., Ltd.

    36,000        127,499   

Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.

    33,000        261,778   

Mitsumura Printing Co., Ltd.

    5,000        11,009   

Mitsuuroko Holdings Co., Ltd.

    15,300        70,308   

Miura Co., Ltd. (a)

    23,700        236,861   

Miyaji Engineering Group, Inc. (a)

    27,000        44,991   

Miyazaki Bank, Ltd. (The)

    86,000        268,374   

Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd.

    40,000        45,598   

Mizuno Corp.

    34,000        166,349   

Mochida Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,600        195,294   

Monex Group, Inc.

    73,600        174,029   

Money Partners Group Co., Ltd. (a)

    11,900        42,674   

Monogatari Corp. (The)

    1,700        53,057   

MonotaRO Co., Ltd. (a)

    10,200        204,631   

MORESCO Corp.

    2,500        38,848   

Morinaga & Co., Ltd.

    83,000        217,289   

Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.

    70,000        242,067   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Morita Holdings Corp.

    20,000      197,490   

Morozoff, Ltd.

    13,000        40,330   

Mory Industries, Inc.

    18,000        61,430   

Moshi Moshi Hotline, Inc.

    12,200        111,276   

Mr Max Corp.

    10,500        24,754   

MTI, Ltd. (a)

    4,200        44,045   

Murakami Corp.

    3,000        44,996   

Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.

    6,700        126,974   

Musashino Bank, Ltd. (The)

    12,100        399,398   

Mutoh Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,000        27,644   

NAC Co., Ltd.

    3,600        34,104   

Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp.

    53,000        326,302   

Nafco Co., Ltd.

    1,400        18,482   

Nagaileben Co., Ltd.

    5,600        91,107   

Nagano Bank, Ltd. (The)

    49,000        87,358   

Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.

    4,200        24,240   

Nagase & Co., Ltd.

    1,500        17,952   

Nagatanien Co., Ltd.

    14,000        126,884   

Nagawa Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,400        79,389   

Nakabayashi Co., Ltd.

    24,000        41,477   

Nakamuraya Co., Ltd.

    26,000        101,340   

Nakanishi, Inc.

    1,600        67,888   

Nakano Corp.

    4,000        13,310   

Nakayama Steel Works, Ltd. (a) (b)

    63,000        42,261   

Nakayamafuku Co., Ltd.

    2,000        14,458   

Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

    18,956        203,169   

Nanto Bank, Ltd. (The)

    92,000        314,045   

Narasaki Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    4,000        10,632   

Natori Co., Ltd.

    2,600        28,365   

NDS Co., Ltd.

    27,000        68,713   

NEC Capital Solutions, Ltd.

    5,500        87,468   

NEC Networks & System Integration Corp.

    8,000        165,754   

NET One Systems Co., Ltd. (a)

    41,000        241,506   

Neturen Co., Ltd.

    8,500        56,513   

New Japan Chemical Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    9,900        18,059   

New Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (b)

    6,000        23,846   

Next Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,200        58,538   

Nexyz Corp.

    1,300        6,575   

Nice Holdings, Inc. (a)

    40,000        63,301   

Nichi-iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    13,200        205,111   

Nichia Steel Works, Ltd.

    13,000        36,436   

Nichias Corp. (a)

    33,000        188,028   

Nichiban Co., Ltd.

    14,000        48,847   

Nichicon Corp.

    21,700        170,068   

Nichiden Corp.

    4,000        79,701   

Nichiha Corp.

    7,500        74,066   

Nichii Gakkan Co. (a)

    20,800        165,217   

Nichimo Co., Ltd.

    16,000        26,161   

Nichirei Corp.

    95,000        430,952   

Nichireki Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,000        66,823   

Nifco, Inc.

    15,300        496,157   

NIFTY Corp.

    4,500        49,794   

Nihon Chouzai Co., Ltd.

    980        32,994   

Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    7,600        61,108   

Nihon Eslead Corp.

    2,700        27,472   

Nihon Kagaku Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    3,000        21,190   

Nihon M&A Center, Inc.

    10,900        330,699   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd.

    14,000      $ 161,471   

Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd.

    15,800        360,802   

Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.

    2,500        26,193   

Nihon Shokuhin Kako Co., Ltd.

    3,000        9,464   

Nihon Tokushu Toryo Co., Ltd.

    2,200        14,274   

Nihon Trim Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,200        46,996   

Nihon Unisys, Ltd.

    18,100        161,524   

Nihon Yamamura Glass Co., Ltd.

    54,000        77,149   

Nikkato Corp.

    300        1,004   

Nikkiso Co., Ltd.

    19,700        182,724   

Nikko Co., Ltd.

    17,000        57,259   

Nippon Air Conditioning Service Co., Ltd.

    6,000        42,289   

Nippon Beet Sugar Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    61,000        105,486   

Nippon Carbide Industries Co., Inc. (a)

    23,000        43,659   

Nippon Carbon Co., Ltd.

    48,000        91,020   

Nippon Ceramic Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,200        77,051   

Nippon Chemi-Con Corp. (b)

    56,000        159,787   

Nippon Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd. (b)

    43,000        113,424   

Nippon Chemiphar Co., Ltd.

    14,000        63,413   

Nippon Chutetsukan KK

    2,000        3,942   

Nippon Coke & Engineering Co., Ltd.

    71,000        66,473   

Nippon Concrete Industries Co., Ltd. (a)

    14,000        67,138   

Nippon Conveyor Co., Ltd. (a)

    24,000        51,365   

Nippon Denko Co., Ltd. (b)

    48,765        117,425   

Nippon Densetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    12,500        167,160   

Nippon Felt Co., Ltd.

    8,600        38,252   

Nippon Filcon Co., Ltd.

    5,200        20,655   

Nippon Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.

    5,800        41,254   

Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd.

    40,000        177,829   

Nippon Gas Co., Ltd.

    14,200        319,460   

Nippon Hume Corp.

    7,000        53,058   

Nippon Jogesuido Sekkei Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,300        41,678   

Nippon Kanzai Co., Ltd.

    3,300        72,991   

Nippon Kasei Chemical Co., Ltd.

    18,000        21,202   

Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd. (b)

    29,000        34,715   

Nippon Kodoshi Corp.

    700        9,331   

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd.

    31,000        124,882   

Nippon Konpo Unyu Soko Co., Ltd.

    22,600        331,714   

Nippon Koshuha Steel Co., Ltd. (b)

    47,000        41,971   

Nippon Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd.

    198,000        281,723   

Nippon Parking Development Co., Ltd.

    75,700        76,544   

Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.

    11,300        86,075   

Nippon Piston Ring Co., Ltd.

    32,000        65,587   

Nippon Rietec Co., Ltd.

    7,000        54,103   

Nippon Road Co., Ltd. (The)

    22,000        108,249   

Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.

    15,000        338,251   

Nippon Seiro Co., Ltd.

    2,000        4,264   

Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd. (a)

    10,000        58,168   

Nippon Sharyo, Ltd. (a)

    22,000        64,757   

Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    330,000        310,675   

Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd. (a)

    13,000        419,894   

Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.

    20,700        217,854   

Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.

    47,000        257,408   

Nippon Steel & Sumikin Bussan Corp.

    42,960        148,100   

Nippon Steel & Sumikin Texeng

    19,000        89,245   

Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (b)

    82,900        257,433   

Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (The)

    18,000        106,959   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.

    27,000      131,943   

Nippon Valqua Industries, Ltd.

    47,000        125,441   

Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    54,000        110,915   

Nipro Corp. (a)

    38,800        335,908   

Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd.

    36,000        146,520   

Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.

    1,200        20,436   

Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd.

    91,000        371,609   

Nishimatsuya Chain Co., Ltd. (a)

    16,100        129,944   

Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd.

    4,400        145,168   

Nissan Tokyo Sales Holdings Co., Ltd.

    11,000        25,791   

Nissei ASB Machine Co., Ltd.

    2,100        51,683   

Nissei Build Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    22,000        53,660   

Nissei Corp.

    3,700        32,381   

Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.

    7,100        73,591   

Nissha Printing Co., Ltd.

    8,700        144,449   

Nisshin Fudosan Co.

    18,400        74,973   

Nisshin Oillio Group, Ltd. (The)

    48,000        168,115   

Nisshin Steel Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    34,296        326,244   

Nisshinbo Holdings, Inc.

    47,000        486,833   

Nissin Corp.

    27,000        62,682   

Nissin Electric Co., Ltd.

    18,000        95,800   

Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    16,400        228,330   

Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    6,000        62,897   

Nitta Corp.

    6,800        154,198   

Nitta Gelatin, Inc.

    1,400        8,807   

Nittan Valve Co., Ltd.

    6,300        16,872   

Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd.

    25,000        88,232   

Nitto Boseki Co., Ltd.

    49,000        176,187   

Nitto FC Co., Ltd.

    4,500        25,159   

Nitto Fuji Flour Milling Co., Ltd.

    4,000        10,738   

Nitto Kogyo Corp.

    9,000        175,201   

Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.

    4,700        84,855   

Nitto Seiko Co., Ltd.

    15,000        45,431   

Nittoc Construction Co., Ltd.

    13,550        57,208   

Nittoku Engineering Co., Ltd.

    7,100        78,236   

Noevir Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,800        83,681   

NOF Corp.

    47,000        298,262   

Nohmi Bosai, Ltd.

    7,000        92,201   

Nomura Co., Ltd.

    21,000        164,120   

Noritake Co., Ltd.

    71,000        157,024   

Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd.

    4,000        22,146   

Noritz Corp. (a)

    10,700        175,194   

North Pacific Bank, Ltd.

    117,800        455,885   

NS Solutions Corp.

    5,100        136,873   

NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd.

    41,000        116,748   

NSD Co., Ltd.

    9,700        142,080   

Nuflare Technology, Inc.

    800        30,226   

Obara Group, Inc. (a)

    5,600        248,625   

Obayashi Road Corp.

    10,000        63,731   

Odelic Co., Ltd.

    1,000        24,246   

Oenon Holdings, Inc.

    21,000        37,608   

Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank, Ltd. (The)

    154,000        465,377   

Ohara, Inc.

    4,700        22,254   

Ohashi Technica, Inc.

    4,600        60,380   

Ohsho Food Service Corp.

    3,600        130,454   

Oiles Corp.

    9,600        162,869   

Oita Bank, Ltd. (The)

    82,000        289,779   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Oizumi Corp.

    2,900      $ 21,651   

Okabe Co., Ltd.

    19,000        172,516   

Okamoto Industries, Inc.

    40,000        142,959   

Okamoto Machine Tool Works, Ltd. (b)

    14,000        15,641   

Okamura Corp.

    23,400        164,769   

Okaya Electric Industries Co., Ltd.

    8,900        29,862   

Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

    227,000        435,686   

Okinawa Cellular Telephone Co.

    5,300        143,290   

Okinawa Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

    6,500        205,251   

OKK Corp. (a)

    41,000        53,429   

OKUMA Corp.

    52,000        410,569   

Okumura Corp.

    63,000        283,242   

Okura Industrial Co., Ltd.

    30,000        88,074   

Okuwa Co., Ltd.

    11,000        84,461   

Olympic Corp.

    7,800        56,554   

ONO Sokki Co., Ltd.

    5,500        45,621   

Onoken Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,400        61,216   

Onward Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    49,000        294,835   

Open House Co., Ltd.

    1,100        21,441   

OPT, Inc. (b)

    4,700        28,447   

Optex Co., Ltd.

    5,200        83,659   

Organo Corp.

    18,000        71,634   

Origin Electric Co., Ltd.

    19,000        82,279   

Osaka Organic Chemical Industry, Ltd.

    8,500        36,037   

Osaka Steel Co., Ltd.

    7,500        127,791   

OSAKA Titanium Technologies Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,200        99,950   

Osaki Electric Co., Ltd. (a)

    11,000        75,569   

OSG Corp.

    23,800        384,377   

Otsuka Kagu, Ltd.

    5,500        45,939   

OUG Holdings, Inc.

    7,000        13,229   

Outsourcing, Inc.

    2,400        35,227   

Oyo Corp. (a)

    7,400        112,274   

Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.

    17,200        133,875   

Pacific Metals Co., Ltd. (b)

    61,000        184,582   

Pack Corp. (The)

    7,000        132,109   

Pal Co., Ltd.

    5,300        145,515   

Paltac Corp.

    11,650        134,733   

PanaHome Corp.

    37,000        235,346   

Panasonic Industrial Devices SUNX Co., Ltd.

    11,200        73,028   

Panasonic Information Systems

    1,700        43,379   

Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd.

    6,000        158,257   

Parco Co., Ltd.

    11,200        91,387   

Paris Miki Holdings, Inc.

    17,000        67,055   

Pasco Corp.

    11,000        31,042   

Pasona Group, Inc.

    9,000        40,222   

Penta-Ocean Construction Co., Ltd. (a)

    87,800        300,114   

Pilot Corp.

    4,900        280,711   

Piolax, Inc.

    4,200        179,474   

Pioneer Corp. (a) (b)

    92,300        176,202   

Plenus Co., Ltd.

    6,200        109,919   

Press Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    33,000        116,967   

Pressance Corp.

    2,600        81,015   

Prestige International, Inc.

    6,700        52,804   

Prima Meat Packers, Ltd.

    48,000        108,549   

Pronexus, Inc.

    12,300        76,495   

Proto Corp.

    6,400        92,241   

PS Mitsubishi Construction Co., Ltd.

    8,800        36,056   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Qol Co., Ltd.

    4,700      31,150   

Raito Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    18,200        157,269   

Rasa Industries, Ltd. (b)

    26,000        28,769   

Relo Holdings, Inc.

    3,400        241,398   

Renaissance, Inc.

    5,100        49,462   

Rengo Co., Ltd. (a)

    72,000        297,115   

Renown, Inc. (b)

    29,200        27,436   

Resort Solution Co., Ltd.

    4,000        7,794   

Resorttrust, Inc. (a)

    28,400        624,396   

Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.

    5,000        21,909   

Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd.

    30,000        37,863   

Riberesute Corp.

    4,300        24,299   

Ricoh Leasing Co., Ltd.

    5,400        139,324   

Right On Co., Ltd.

    5,900        36,322   

Riken Corp.

    35,000        131,924   

Riken Keiki Co., Ltd.

    7,100        75,244   

Riken Technos Corp.

    15,000        55,243   

Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.

    4,800        171,798   

Ringer Hut Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,800        45,295   

Rion Co., Ltd.

    2,200        25,182   

Riso Kagaku Corp.

    13,758        221,263   

Riso Kyoiku Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    11,590        23,049   

Rock Field Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,400        71,581   

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    30,100        374,985   

Rokko Butter Co., Ltd.

    5,500        50,621   

Roland DG Corp.

    3,000        98,677   

Round One Corp.

    28,300        165,351   

Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,500        132,236   

Ryobi, Ltd.

    44,000        119,223   

Ryoden Trading Co., Ltd.

    18,000        121,255   

Ryosan Co., Ltd.

    14,000        305,244   

Ryoyo Electro Corp.

    8,600        91,425   

S Foods, Inc.

    5,800        114,995   

S&B Foods, Inc.

    600        21,684   

Sac’s Bar Holdings, Inc.

    5,850        75,015   

Saibu Gas Co., Ltd.

    148,000        322,759   

Saizeriya Co., Ltd. (a)

    16,200        213,406   

Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

    51,000        160,518   

Sakai Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    12,000        30,527   

Sakai Moving Service Co., Ltd.

    1,300        37,658   

Sakai Ovex Co., Ltd.

    16,000        23,383   

Sakata INX Corp.

    15,300        170,524   

Sakata Seed Corp.

    11,800        196,922   

Sala Corp.

    12,900        64,667   

San Holdings, Inc.

    2,700        40,675   

San-A Co., Ltd.

    8,800        296,242   

San-Ai Oil Co., Ltd.

    25,000        167,290   

San-In Godo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    57,000        429,079   

Sanden Corp.

    53,000        284,269   

Sanei Architecture Planning Co., Ltd.

    4,300        32,378   

Sangetsu Co., Ltd.

    10,600        255,845   

Sanix, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,100        36,885   

Sanken Electric Co., Ltd. (a)

    37,000        296,293   

Sanki Engineering Co., Ltd.

    25,000        167,370   

Sanko Marketing Foods Co., Ltd.

    3,100        23,321   

Sanko Metal Industrial Co., Ltd.

    10,000        20,913   

Sankyo Frontier Co., Ltd.

    2,000        15,133   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Sankyo Seiko Co., Ltd.

    22,100      $ 86,486   

Sankyo Tateyama, Inc.

    10,800        198,401   

Sankyu, Inc.

    85,000        346,618   

Sanoh Industrial Co., Ltd.

    10,100        63,600   

Sanshin Electronics Co., Ltd.

    13,900        95,058   

Sanwa Holdings Corp.

    64,000        445,972   

Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.

    17,000        122,909   

Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd.

    16,000        106,719   

Sanyo Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    13,000        47,702   

Sanyo Housing Nagoya Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,000        31,705   

Sanyo Industries, Ltd.

    13,000        21,992   

Sanyo Shokai, Ltd.

    73,000        177,021   

Sanyo Special Steel Co., Ltd. (a)

    42,000        140,409   

Sapporo Holdings, Ltd.

    101,000        429,124   

Sata Construction Co., Ltd.

    13,000        15,224   

Sato Holdings Corp.

    6,900        157,203   

Sato Restaurant Systems Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,800        37,309   

Sato Shoji Corp.

    6,500        40,701   

Satori Electric Co., Ltd.

    7,100        45,121   

Sawada Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    10,300        77,587   

Saxa Holdings, Inc. (a)

    24,000        49,948   

SBS Holdings, Inc.

    6,900        56,974   

SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.

    57,000        336,618   

Scroll Corp.

    15,700        37,150   

SEC Carbon, Ltd.

    7,000        18,565   

Secom Joshinetsu Co., Ltd.

    900        23,271   

Seibu Electric Industry Co., Ltd.

    12,000        48,578   

Seika Corp.

    28,000        63,531   

Seikagaku Corp.

    10,900        176,134   

Seikitokyu Kogyo Co., Ltd. (a)

    12,500        63,691   

Seiko Holdings Corp. (a)

    44,000        246,224   

Seino Holdings Co., Ltd.

    26,000        261,539   

Seiren Co., Ltd.

    21,300        165,026   

Sekisui Jushi Corp.

    14,700        196,409   

Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.

    24,000        91,669   

Senko Co., Ltd. (a)

    31,000        156,079   

Senshu Electric Co., Ltd.

    3,200        45,623   

Senshu Ikeda Holdings, Inc.

    84,000        379,857   

Senshukai Co., Ltd. (a)

    13,800        95,879   

Septeni Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,500        52,149   

Seria Co., Ltd.

    6,500        215,727   

Shibaura Electronics Co., Ltd.

    2,800        52,441   

Shibaura Mechatronics Corp. (a)

    18,000        53,259   

Shibusawa Warehouse Co., Ltd. (The)

    25,000        71,077   

Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    8,900        171,571   

Shidax Corp. (a)

    9,600        43,625   

Shiga Bank, Ltd. (The)

    78,000        416,204   

Shikibo, Ltd.

    56,000        57,399   

Shikoku Bank, Ltd. (The)

    93,000        195,239   

Shikoku Chemicals Corp.

    18,000        123,089   

Shima Seiki Manufacturing, Ltd.

    10,700        194,658   

Shimachu Co., Ltd.

    20,500        498,069   

SHIMANE BANK, Ltd. (The)

    2,500        28,856   

Shimizu Bank, Ltd. (The)

    5,400        131,804   

Shimojima Co., Ltd.

    6,300        53,284   

Shin Nippon Air Technologies Co., Ltd.

    7,300        60,049   

Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.

    22,600        93,051   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Shin-Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    23,000      73,545   

Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd.

    27,000        60,445   

Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    28,000        161,048   

Shinkawa, Ltd. (b)

    5,300        28,777   

Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.

    24,700        168,093   

Shinko Plantech Co., Ltd.

    16,100        112,969   

Shinko Shoji Co., Ltd.

    7,700        76,875   

Shinko Wire Co., Ltd.

    12,000        17,406   

Shinmaywa Industries, Ltd.

    34,000        321,299   

Shinnihon Corp.

    14,000        55,210   

Shinsho Corp.

    14,000        31,708   

Shinwa Co., Ltd.

    3,900        42,330   

Ship Healthcare Holdings, Inc.

    11,500        261,302   

Shiroki Corp.

    31,000        85,250   

Shizuki Electric Co., Inc.

    8,000        38,317   

Shizuoka Gas Co., Ltd.

    21,300        133,312   

Shobunsha Publications, Inc.

    6,700        49,069   

Shochiku Co., Ltd.

    3,000        29,161   

Shoei Foods Corp.

    4,300        31,913   

Shofu, Inc.

    3,900        50,891   

Shoko Co., Ltd. (a)

    39,000        55,088   

Showa Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd.

    4,000        38,148   

Showa Corp.

    14,300        132,274   

Showa Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    34,000        136,227   

Siix Corp. (a)

    5,900        123,833   

Sinanen Co., Ltd.

    18,000        66,348   

Sinfonia Technology Co., Ltd.

    42,000        61,610   

Sinko Industries, Ltd.

    6,400        61,035   

Sintokogio, Ltd.

    19,300        131,631   

SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings, Inc.

    34,800        206,176   

SMK Corp.

    23,000        92,139   

SMS Co., Ltd.

    9,600        101,718   

SNT Corp.

    7,800        33,072   

Soda Nikka Co., Ltd.

    7,000        28,627   

Sodick Co., Ltd.

    16,800        135,507   

Soft99 Corp. (a)

    5,100        27,903   

Softbank Technology Corp.

    1,600        16,615   

Software Service, Inc.

    1,500        50,756   

Sogo Medical Co., Ltd.

    1,200        60,888   

Soshin Electric Co., Ltd.

    1,500        5,145   

Sotoh Co., Ltd.

    4,300        36,763   

Space Co., Ltd.

    5,800        55,771   

Sparx Group Co., Ltd. (a)

    35,900        60,419   

SPK Corp.

    2,500        43,098   

Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,200        66,515   

SRA Holdings

    3,700        44,481   

Srg Takamiya Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,200        47,957   

ST Corp.

    6,900        57,808   

St. Marc Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,900        166,151   

Star Micronics Co., Ltd.

    12,600        159,604   

Starts Corp., Inc.

    5,200        68,308   

Starzen Co., Ltd.

    28,000        97,833   

Stella Chemifa Corp.

    5,600        61,498   

Step Co., Ltd.

    4,100        28,637   

Studio Alice Co., Ltd.

    2,900        39,555   

Subaru Enterprise Co., Ltd.

    1,000        3,778   

Sugimoto & Co., Ltd.

    3,800        38,067   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Sumida Corp.

    6,300      $ 42,989   

Suminoe Textile Co., Ltd.

    23,000        54,615   

Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.

    74,000        287,037   

Sumitomo Densetsu Co., Ltd.

    7,700        95,469   

Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. (b)

    237,600        299,417   

Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd. (a)

    150,000        428,428   

Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd. (a)

    12,000        49,764   

Sumitomo Real Estate Sales Co., Ltd.

    5,960        133,736   

Sumitomo Riko Co., Ltd.

    12,200        91,896   

Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Co., Ltd.

    18,000        120,021   

Sumitomo Warehouse Co., Ltd. (The)

    45,000        241,708   

Sun Frontier Fudousan Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,600        69,723   

Sun-Wa Technos Corp.

    3,900        39,667   

Suncall Corp.

    11,000        61,334   

SWCC Showa Holdings Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    116,000        97,451   

Systena Corp.

    10,800        77,234   

T Hasegawa Co., Ltd.

    8,700        122,177   

T RAD Co., Ltd.

    36,000        75,296   

T&K Toka Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,000        96,162   

T-Gaia Corp.

    8,400        83,016   

Tabuchi Electric Co., Ltd. (a)

    8,900        71,840   

Tachi-S Co., Ltd. (a)

    10,700        146,931   

Tachibana Eletech Co., Ltd.

    3,800        53,956   

Tadano, Ltd.

    28,000        346,803   

Taihei Dengyo Kaisha, Ltd.

    12,000        91,852   

Taiheiyo Kouhatsu, Inc.

    21,000        17,047   

Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    7,800        84,964   

Taikisha, Ltd.

    9,800        213,532   

Taiko Bank, Ltd. (The)

    41,000        75,163   

Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    2,300        38,366   

Taisei Lamick Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,700        61,097   

Taiyo Holdings Co., Ltd.

    5,300        188,259   

Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.

    37,900        443,053   

Takachiho Koheki Co., Ltd.

    400        3,452   

Takagi Securities Co., Ltd.

    18,000        38,756   

Takamatsu Construction Group Co., Ltd.

    6,400        129,300   

Takano Co., Ltd.

    6,000        29,325   

Takaoka Toko Co., Ltd.

    5,365        77,845   

Takara Holdings, Inc.

    4,200        27,129   

Takara Leben Co., Ltd.

    29,900        129,138   

Takara Printing Co., Ltd.

    3,100        21,604   

Takara Standard Co., Ltd.

    43,000        311,471   

Takasago International Corp.

    38,000        171,100   

Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd.

    20,900        268,084   

Takashima & Co., Ltd.

    25,000        51,976   

Takata Corp. (a)

    7,400        89,642   

Take And Give Needs Co., Ltd.

    4,010        32,605   

Takeei Corp.

    8,200        64,508   

Takeuchi Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    3,300        136,374   

Takihyo Co., Ltd.

    13,000        44,592   

Takiron Co., Ltd.

    21,000        93,359   

Takisawa Machine Tool Co., Ltd.

    35,000        61,929   

Takuma Co., Ltd.

    26,000        172,366   

Tama Home Co., Ltd.

    4,800        23,527   

Tamron Co., Ltd.

    7,100        140,445   

Tamura Corp. (a)

    26,000        93,409   

Tanseisha Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,100        61,392   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Tatsuta Electric Wire and Cable Co., Ltd.

    14,600      61,719   

Tayca Corp.

    17,000        61,609   

TBK Co., Ltd.

    8,000        44,977   

Teac Corp. (a) (b)

    40,000        19,229   

TECHNO ASSOCIE Co., Ltd.

    300        2,839   

Techno Medica Co., Ltd.

    2,400        48,978   

Techno Ryowa, Ltd.

    4,800        20,527   

Teikoku Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    5,800        63,380   

Teikoku Sen-I Co., Ltd.

    6,900        153,966   

Teikoku Tsushin Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    24,000        45,695   

Ten Allied Co., Ltd. (b)

    2,600        7,909   

Tenma Corp.

    6,200        81,930   

Teraoka Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

    200        682   

Tigers Polymer Corp.

    2,200        14,088   

TKC Corp.

    7,600        125,163   

Toa Corp. / Hyogo

    7,700        78,750   

Toa Corp. / Tokyo

    82,000        139,560   

Toa Oil Co., Ltd. (a)

    32,000        41,407   

TOA ROAD Corp.

    18,000        69,030   

Toabo Corp.

    34,000        21,398   

Toagosei Co., Ltd.

    74,000        291,915   

Tobishima Corp. (a) (b)

    62,200        144,536   

Tobu Store Co., Ltd.

    11,000        26,055   

TOC Co., Ltd.

    18,000        101,104   

Tocalo Co., Ltd.

    4,800        82,094   

Tochigi Bank, Ltd. (The)

    50,000        221,590   

Toda Corp.

    71,000        280,388   

Toda Kogyo Corp. (b)

    11,000        42,411   

Toei Animation Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,500        71,131   

Toei Co., Ltd.

    25,000        143,260   

Toenec Corp.

    20,000        94,060   

Toho Bank, Ltd. (The)

    77,000        259,142   

Toho Co., Ltd.

    20,000        74,204   

Toho Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    18,700        272,332   

Toho Titanium Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    3,000        19,600   

Toho Zinc Co., Ltd.

    48,000        159,027   

Tohoku Bank, Ltd. (The)

    56,000        72,995   

Tohokushinsha Film Corp.

    4,800        34,150   

Tohto Suisan Co., Ltd.

    14,000        23,048   

Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.

    63,000        183,709   

Tokai Corp.

    4,300        128,230   

TOKAI Holdings Corp.

    34,500        157,317   

Tokai Lease Co., Ltd.

    16,000        27,366   

Tokai Rika Co., Ltd.

    8,800        184,858   

Token Corp.

    2,760        111,576   

Toko, Inc.

    11,000        29,565   

Tokushu Tokai Paper Co., Ltd.

    36,000        82,591   

Tokuyama Corp. (a)

    106,000        214,638   

Tokyo Dome Corp. (a)

    62,000        272,725   

Tokyo Electron Device, Ltd. (a)

    2,400        30,533   

Tokyo Energy & Systems, Inc.

    8,000        57,688   

Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, Inc.

    5,000        15,835   

Tokyo Keiki, Inc.

    21,000        48,418   

Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    13,100        400,849   

Tokyo Rakutenchi Co., Ltd.

    17,000        72,038   

Tokyo Rope Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (b)

    46,000        90,469   

Tokyo Sangyo Co., Ltd.

    12,000        46,622   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.

    13,800      $ 277,880   

Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (a)

    33,300        205,039   

Tokyo Tekko Co., Ltd.

    17,000        78,170   

Tokyo Theatres Co., Inc.

    42,000        49,524   

Tokyo TY Financial Group, Inc. (b)

    9,724        267,903   

Tokyu Recreation Co., Ltd.

    6,000        33,490   

Toli Corp.

    30,000        60,496   

Tomato Bank, Ltd.

    62,000        91,094   

Tomen Devices Corp.

    1,500        22,663   

Tomoe Corp.

    12,500        46,492   

Tomoe Engineering Co., Ltd.

    2,100        30,049   

Tomoegawa Co., Ltd.

    12,000        19,427   

Tomoku Co., Ltd.

    37,000        87,027   

TOMONY Holdings, Inc.

    72,500        312,201   

Tomy Co., Ltd.

    24,400        128,512   

Tonami Holdings Co., Ltd.

    32,000        85,872   

Toppan Forms Co., Ltd.

    19,800        198,661   

Topre Corp.

    15,300        219,139   

Topy Industries, Ltd.

    91,000        179,933   

Toridoll.corp

    5,600        78,825   

Torigoe Co., Ltd. (The)

    9,200        58,900   

Torii Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,600        87,812   

Torishima Pump Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (a)

    9,700        69,181   

Tosei Corp. (a)

    13,200        75,181   

Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.

    42,000        166,708   

Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corp.

    12,600        193,396   

Toshiba TEC Corp.

    13,000        89,577   

Tosho Co., Ltd.

    2,400        54,428   

Tosho Printing Co., Ltd.

    14,000        38,001   

Totetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    11,700        267,218   

Tottori Bank, Ltd. (The)

    37,000        72,151   

Toukei Computer Co., Ltd.

    2,200        32,067   

Towa Bank, Ltd. (The)

    114,000        96,073   

Towa Corp.

    8,000        43,848   

Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (a)

    2,800        123,799   

Toyo Construction Co., Ltd.

    25,499        109,139   

Toyo Corp. (a)

    9,600        80,884   

Toyo Denki Seizo - Toyo Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    16,000        52,719   

Toyo Engineering Corp. (a)

    34,000        124,356   

Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd.

    65,000        320,236   

Toyo Kanetsu KK (a)

    48,000        97,781   

Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.

    16,000        85,008   

Toyo Machinery & Metal Co., Ltd.

    3,000        11,155   

Toyo Securities Co., Ltd.

    23,000        65,728   

Toyo Sugar Refining Co., Ltd.

    9,000        7,485   

Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,300        70,256   

Toyo Wharf & Warehouse Co., Ltd.

    25,000        41,599   

Toyobo Co., Ltd.

    332,000        444,216   

TPR Co., Ltd.

    8,200        207,079   

Trancom Co., Ltd.

    2,300        92,649   

Transcosmos, Inc.

    8,100        133,720   

Trusco Nakayama Corp.

    7,200        185,700   

Trust Tech, Inc.

    1,500        22,503   

TS Tech Co., Ltd.

    3,400        79,634   

TSI Holdings Co., Ltd.

    28,205        166,262   

Tsubakimoto Chain Co.

    47,000        374,488   

Japan—(Continued)

   

Tsubakimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    8,000      20,026   

Tsudakoma Corp. (b)

    16,000        21,441   

Tsugami Corp. (a)

    20,000        106,962   

Tsukada Global Holdings, Inc. (a)

    7,200        49,124   

Tsukamoto Corp. Co., Ltd.

    21,000        23,915   

Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd. (a)

    8,000        83,114   

Tsukuba Bank, Ltd. (The)

    34,500        104,788   

Tsukui Corp.

    7,700        65,468   

Tsumura & Co. (a)

    2,500        55,270   

Tsurumi Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    10,000        159,152   

Tsutsumi Jewelry Co., Ltd.

    3,800        80,330   

TTK Co., Ltd. (a)

    4,000        15,742   

TV Tokyo Holdings Corp.

    3,700        83,798   

TYK Corp.

    6,000        10,839   

Tyo, Inc.

    9,600        14,401   

U-Shin, Ltd. (a)

    11,400        66,822   

UACJ Corp. (a)

    93,850        239,822   

Ube Industries, Ltd.

    111,000        165,849   

Uchida Yoko Co., Ltd.

    32,000        100,810   

Ueki Corp.

    11,000        24,247   

UKC Holdings Corp.

    4,300        60,615   

Ulvac, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,600        314,757   

Uniden Corp.

    25,000        47,189   

Union Tool Co.

    3,400        74,260   

Unipres Corp.

    13,900        227,989   

United Arrows, Ltd. (a)

    6,900        192,964   

Unitika, Ltd. (b)

    145,000        74,693   

Universal Entertainment Corp. (a)

    7,500        111,904   

UNY Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    88,400        450,644   

Usen Corp. (b)

    35,900        99,141   

Ushio, Inc.

    36,300        379,717   

UT Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    14,500        61,543   

Utoc Corp.

    5,100        23,534   

Valor Co., Ltd.

    12,300        217,214   

Village Vanguard Co., Ltd. (a)

    3,400        38,187   

Vital KSK Holdings, Inc. (a)

    18,400        138,088   

Vitec Co., Ltd.

    3,700        31,676   

VT Holdings Co., Ltd.

    30,900        121,736   

Wacoal Holdings Corp.

    26,000        261,872   

Wacom Co., Ltd. (a)

    49,500        191,227   

Wakachiku Construction Co., Ltd. (a)

    46,000        78,689   

Wakamoto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    9,000        19,741   

Wakita & Co., Ltd.

    16,600        156,347   

Warabeya Nichiyo Co., Ltd.

    5,000        84,302   

Watabe Wedding Corp. (b)

    4,400        18,924   

WATAMI Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,600        70,607   

Weathernews, Inc.

    2,400        59,701   

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,200        95,190   

Wellnet Corp.

    2,700        47,398   

West Holdings Corp. (a)

    7,200        60,288   

Wood One Co., Ltd.

    19,000        42,971   

Wowow, Inc.

    900        37,261   

Xebio Co., Ltd.

    8,700        145,297   

Y. A. C. Co., Ltd.

    4,900        26,154   

Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.

    5,600        38,333   

Yahagi Construction Co., Ltd.

    12,000        94,594   

Yaizu Suisankagaku Industry Co., Ltd.

    4,400        38,166   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

   

YAMABIKO Corp.

    3,200      $ 138,156   

Yamagata Bank, Ltd. (The) (a)

    48,000        208,767   

Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd. (a)

    8,200        56,271   

Yamanashi Chuo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    79,000        319,791   

Yamatane Corp.

    34,000        48,768   

Yamato Corp.

    9,000        31,624   

Yamato International, Inc.

    6,700        23,145   

Yamaya Corp. (a)

    1,150        15,078   

Yamazawa Co., Ltd.

    1,000        13,772   

Yamazen Corp.

    19,500        137,911   

Yaoko Co., Ltd.

    2,600        149,493   

Yashima Denki Co., Ltd. (a)

    7,500        34,995   

Yasuda Logistics Corp.

    7,400        65,349   

Yellow Hat, Ltd.

    9,100        185,916   

Yodogawa Steel Works, Ltd. (a)

    38,000        141,438   

Yokogawa Bridge Holdings Corp.

    11,500        131,339   

Yokohama Reito Co., Ltd.

    17,800        118,858   

Yokowo Co., Ltd.

    7,900        44,362   

Yomeishu Seizo Co., Ltd.

    6,000        45,908   

Yomiuri Land Co., Ltd. (a)

    13,000        53,595   

Yondenko Corp.

    8,000        29,872   

Yondoshi Holding, Inc. (a)

    6,000        93,813   

Yonekyu Corp.

    800        11,970   

Yonex Co., Ltd. (a)

    5,900        63,075   

Yorozu Corp. (a)

    7,200        119,318   

Yoshinoya Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,200        48,334   

Yuasa Funashoku Co., Ltd.

    8,000        20,446   

Yuasa Trading Co., Ltd.

    6,700        130,960   

Yuken Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    22,000        46,120   

Yuki Gosei Kogyo Co., Ltd.

    6,000        14,203   

Yumeshin Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    10,100        61,035   

Yurtec Corp.

    26,000        151,499   

Yusen Logistics Co., Ltd.

    7,100        77,895   

Yushiro Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

    6,100        86,109   

Zappallas, Inc.

    4,900        24,192   

Zenrin Co., Ltd.

    10,200        116,891   

Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd. (a)

    35,300        290,709   

ZERIA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    8,800        146,079   

Zojirushi Corp. (a)

    15,000        93,312   

Zuiko Corp. (a)

    1,000        43,283   

Zuken, Inc.

    7,200        72,749   
   

 

 

 
      154,331,348   
   

 

 

 

Luxembourg—0.0%

   

Oriflame Cosmetics S.A. (a)

    4,387        60,652   
   

 

 

 

Netherlands—2.3%

   

Aalberts Industries NV

    53,139        1,569,946   

Accell Group

    10,698        175,932   

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group NV (b)

    12,258        99,715   

Amsterdam Commodities NV

    8,120        186,733   

APERAM S.A. (a) (b)

    33,328        975,632   

Arcadis NV

    32,441        970,119   

ASM International NV

    15,591        656,473   

Ballast Nedam NV (b)

    2,716        12,224   

BE Semiconductor Industries NV

    23,461        522,705   

Netherlands—(Continued)

   

Beter Bed Holding NV (a)

    7,490      155,748   

BinckBank NV

    39,299        334,912   

Brack Capital Properties NV (b)

    233        12,654   

Brunel International NV (a)

    12,600        206,497   

Corbion NV (a)

    19,955        330,764   

Delta Lloyd NV

    93,740        2,060,193   

Exact Holding NV (a)

    7,888        302,377   

Fugro NV

    4,189        86,405   

Grontmij (a) (b)

    37,446        159,149   

Heijmans NV (a)

    14,562        156,809   

Hunter Douglas NV

    2,423        101,176   

KAS Bank NV

    5,649        67,623   

Kendrion NV

    3,947        103,166   

Koninklijke BAM Groep NV (a)

    107,080        333,411   

Koninklijke Ten Cate NV (a)

    14,185        320,576   

Koninklijke Wessanen NV

    54,622        346,985   

Macintosh Retail Group NV (b)

    7,046        30,514   

Mota-Engil Africa NV (a) (b)

    3,596        31,147   

Nederland Apparatenfabriek (a)

    2,625        84,792   

Nutreco NV (a)

    25,410        1,367,853   

Ordina NV (a) (b)

    57,689        87,114   

PostNL NV (b)

    126,664        471,252   

Royal Imtech NV (a) (b)

    10,038        46,488   

SBM Offshore NV (a) (b)

    54,432        645,489   

Sligro Food Group NV

    11,098        419,663   

SNS REAAL NV (a) (b) (c) (d)

    105,329        0   

Telegraaf Media Groep NV (b)

    13,542        98,652   

TKH Group NV

    17,476        554,145   

TNT Express NV

    140,156        931,176   

TomTom NV (a) (b)

    34,636        229,517   

USG People NV

    43,376        489,212   

Van Lanschot NV

    45        947   
   

 

 

 
      15,735,885   
   

 

 

 

New Zealand—1.3%

   

a2 Milk Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    134,580        60,888   

Abano Healthcare Group, Ltd.

    880        5,277   

Air New Zealand, Ltd.

    194,012        373,066   

Briscoe Group, Ltd.

    13,123        30,410   

Cavalier Corp., Ltd.

    7,259        3,467   

Chorus, Ltd. (a) (b)

    106,254        220,626   

Diligent Board Member Services, Inc. (a) (b)

    19,249        78,591   

Ebos Group, Ltd.

    41,788        320,922   

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

    260,892        1,269,559   

Freightways, Ltd.

    81,878        370,440   

Hallenstein Glasson Holdings, Ltd.

    19,012        46,557   

Heartland New Zealand, Ltd.

    72,313        63,741   

Infratil, Ltd.

    301,704        706,033   

Kathmandu Holdings, Ltd.

    23,984        40,336   

Mainfreight, Ltd.

    40,292        498,952   

Methven, Ltd.

    19,898        17,538   

Metlifecare, Ltd.

    20,611        75,565   

Michael Hill International, Ltd.

    82,929        75,686   

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand, Ltd.

    7,968        8,080   

New Zealand Oil & Gas, Ltd.

    164,080        80,591   

New Zealand Refining Co., Ltd. (The) (b)

    27,432        47,188   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

New Zealand—(Continued)

   

Nuplex Industries, Ltd.

    105,582      $ 244,575   

NZX, Ltd.

    114,554        104,555   

Opus International Consultants, Ltd.

    4,000        4,534   

Pacific Edge, Ltd. (b)

    17,353        11,485   

PGG Wrightson, Ltd.

    58,545        21,007   

Pike River Coal Co., Ltd. (b) (c) (d)

    82,575        0   

Port of Tauranga, Ltd.

    30,898        405,994   

Pumpkin Patch, Ltd. (b)

    31,660        5,142   

Restaurant Brands New Zealand, Ltd.

    55,682        159,231   

Rubicon, Ltd. (b)

    9,922        2,795   

Ryman Healthcare, Ltd.

    152,639        1,013,324   

Sanford, Ltd.

    314        1,172   

Skellerup Holdings, Ltd.

    29,759        32,963   

Sky City Entertainment Group, Ltd.

    283,721        857,056   

Sky Network Television, Ltd.

    114,579        539,505   

Tower, Ltd.

    59,836        100,320   

Trade Me Group, Ltd.

    64,691        184,187   

TrustPower, Ltd.

    13,980        86,092   

Vector, Ltd.

    151,308        329,116   

Warehouse Group, Ltd. (The)

    43,961        106,990   

Xero, Ltd. (a) (b)

    18,201        229,011   
   

 

 

 
      8,832,567   
   

 

 

 

Norway—0.9%

   

ABG Sundal Collier Holding ASA

    130,019        84,614   

AF Gruppen ASA

    945        10,016   

Akastor ASA (a)

    3,345        9,695   

American Shipping ASA

    12,027        60,234   

Archer, Ltd. (a) (b)

    82,799        44,644   

Atea ASA

    22,644        233,945   

Austevoll Seafood ASA

    29,238        181,770   

Bionor Pharma ASA (b)

    16,875        5,191   

Biotec Pharmacon ASA (a) (b)

    10,494        24,779   

Bonheur ASA

    4,316        42,349   

BW Offshore, Ltd.

    108,665        109,208   

Deep Sea Supply plc

    40,102        28,176   

Det Norske Oljeselskap ASA (a) (b)

    29,953        159,186   

DOF ASA (b)

    21,760        43,476   

Ekornes ASA

    11,636        148,330   

Electromagnetic GeoServices (a) (b)

    59,116        31,337   

Eltek ASA

    122,435        190,168   

Farstad Shipping ASA

    6,040        40,987   

Frontline, Ltd. (a) (b)

    36,608        92,292   

Ganger Rolf ASA

    7,335        70,382   

Golden Ocean Group, Ltd. (a)

    173,259        109,010   

Grieg Seafood ASA (b)

    11,731        44,292   

Hexagon Composites ASA

    24,991        76,458   

Hoegh LNG Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    12,362        135,251   

Kongsberg Automotive ASA (b)

    236,674        180,935   

Kvaerner ASA

    92,750        108,921   

Leroy Seafood Group ASA

    7,679        281,313   

Nordic Semiconductor ASA (a) (b)

    76,341        482,463   

Norske Skogindustrier ASA (b)

    101,549        52,252   

Northern Offshore, Ltd.

    32,781        18,115   

Norwegian Air Shuttle A/S (a) (b)

    4,766        176,209   

Odfjell SE - A Shares (b)

    1,949        7,532   

Norway—(Continued)

   

Opera Software ASA (a)

    21,316      269,509   

Panoro Energy ASA (b)

    64,409        13,991   

PhotoCure ASA (b)

    5,477        20,280   

ProSafe SE (a)

    51,314        156,996   

Q-Free ASA (b)

    24,256        32,004   

REC Silicon ASA (a) (b)

    630,934        148,879   

REC Solar ASA (b)

    10,877        148,867   

Salmar ASA

    8,438        143,919   

Sevan Marine ASA

    16,466        44,130   

Siem Offshore, Inc. (a)

    73,429        39,558   

Solstad Offshore ASA

    5,178        54,193   

Songa Offshore (b)

    121,279        24,022   

SpareBank 1 SMN

    40,946        319,019   

Stolt-Nielsen, Ltd.

    5,818        97,340   

Tomra Systems ASA

    59,552        458,512   

TTS Group ASA (b)

    18,359        11,684   

Veidekke ASA

    57,200        566,014   

Wilh Wilhelmsen ASA (a)

    21,003        129,161   

Wilh Wilhelmsen Holding ASA

    4,777        108,240   
   

 

 

 
      6,069,848   
   

 

 

 

Philippines—0.0%

   

Del Monte Pacific, Ltd. (b)

    52,000        19,601   
   

 

 

 

Portugal—0.5%

   

Altri SGPS S.A.

    49,174        147,630   

Banco BPI S.A. (a) (b)

    181,563        222,344   

Banco Comercial Portugues S.A. - Class R (a) (b)

    10,046,492        790,007   

Banco Espirito Santo S.A. (b) (c)

    89,078        0   

Mota-Engil SGPS S.A. (a)

    40,942        130,040   

NOS SGPS

    101,535        642,766   

Novabase SGPS S.A.

    7,827        20,969   

Portucel Empresa Produtora de Pasta e Papel S.A.

    106,918        396,545   

REN - Redes Energeticas Nacionais SGPS S.A.

    58,852        171,239   

Semapa-Sociedade de Investimento e Gestao

    37,733        457,374   

Sonae Industria SGPS S.A. (b)

    2,595,000        20,078   

Sonae SGPS S.A.

    188,577        231,548   

Teixeira Duarte S.A.

    59,382        50,626   
   

 

 

 
      3,281,166   
   

 

 

 

Singapore—1.3%

   

Abterra, Ltd. (b)

    51,720        21,084   

Amtek Engineering, Ltd.

    21,000        9,027   

ASL Marine Holdings, Ltd.

    105,000        34,481   

Ausgroup, Ltd. (a) (b)

    143,000        32,115   

Baker Technology, Ltd.

    166,000        31,180   

Banyan Tree Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    155,000        68,457   

Biosensors International Group, Ltd. (a) (b)

    473,000        208,770   

Bonvests Holdings, Ltd.

    18,000        18,331   

Boustead Singapore, Ltd.

    81,000        108,943   

Breadtalk Group, Ltd.

    37,000        43,292   

Broadway Industrial Group, Ltd. (a) (b)

    156,399        22,326   

Bukit Sembawang Estates, Ltd.

    72,000        274,567   

Bund Center Investment, Ltd.

    552,000        81,680   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Singapore—(Continued)

   

Centurion Corp., Ltd.

    38,000      $ 14,455   

CH Offshore, Ltd.

    157,000        61,061   

China Aviation Oil Singapore Corp., Ltd.

    153,600        77,650   

China Merchants Holdings Pacific, Ltd.

    112,000        82,398   

Chip Eng Seng Corp., Ltd.

    117,000        74,569   

Chuan Hup Holdings, Ltd.

    125,000        25,464   

Cityspring Infrastructure Trust (a)

    186,000        74,209   

Cordlife Group, Ltd.

    39,000        26,166   

Cosco Corp. Singapore, Ltd. (a)

    477,000        201,390   

Creative Technology, Ltd.

    22,600        32,902   

CSC Holdings, Ltd.

    284,000        10,850   

CSE Global, Ltd.

    197,000        89,977   

Cw Group Holdings, Ltd.

    106,000        30,943   

CWT, Ltd.

    81,000        97,717   

Datapulse Technology, Ltd.

    106,000        9,497   

Delong Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    91,000        16,144   

DMX Technologies Group, Ltd.

    186,000        22,213   

Dyna-Mac Holdings, Ltd.

    98,000        24,062   

Elec & Eltek International Co., Ltd.

    23,000        28,292   

Eu Yan Sang International, Ltd.

    90,000        49,884   

Ezion Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    375,000        317,921   

Ezra Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    345,070        136,927   

Far East Orchard, Ltd.

    74,044        93,337   

First Sponsor Group, Ltd. (b)

    8,628        8,139   

FJ Benjamin Holdings, Ltd.

    106,000        13,043   

Food Empire Holdings, Ltd.

    54,000        12,425   

Fragrance Group, Ltd. (a)

    915,000        148,336   

Gallant Venture, Ltd. (b)

    126,000        23,253   

Geo Energy Resources, Ltd. (a) (b)

    155,000        24,514   

GK Goh Holdings, Ltd.

    12,000        8,152   

Global Premium Hotels, Ltd. (a)

    73,200        19,325   

GMG Global, Ltd.

    2,022,000        94,058   

GuocoLand, Ltd.

    28,000        37,208   

GuocoLeisure, Ltd.

    188,000        126,610   

Hanwell Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    19,000        4,001   

Healthway Medical Corp., Ltd. (b)

    701,750        24,826   

Hi-P International, Ltd.

    125,000        68,742   

Hiap Hoe, Ltd.

    58,000        35,215   

Hiap Seng Engineering, Ltd.

    61,500        7,006   

HLH Group, Ltd. (b)

    1,066,000        10,333   

Ho Bee Land, Ltd. (a)

    87,000        127,102   

Hong Fok Corp., Ltd.

    133,400        82,697   

Hong Leong Asia, Ltd.

    41,000        40,205   

Hotel Grand Central, Ltd.

    1,000        997   

Hour Glass, Ltd. (The)

    129,000        62,220   

HTL International Holdings, Ltd.

    69,000        13,319   

HupSteel, Ltd.

    111,000        16,380   

Hwa Hong Corp., Ltd.

    138,000        34,346   

Hyflux, Ltd. (a)

    179,500        113,962   

Indofood Agri Resources, Ltd.

    152,000        82,575   

Interra Resources, Ltd. (b)

    103,000        12,679   

IPC Corp., Ltd.

    296,000        32,575   

Jiutian Chemical Group, Ltd. (b)

    649,000        26,936   

K1 Ventures, Ltd.

    404,000        57,002   

Keppel Infrastructure Trust

    160,000        128,641   

Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation, Ltd.

    44,000        48,940   

Singapore—(Continued)

   

Koh Brothers Group, Ltd.

    97,000      23,103   

LCD Global Investments, Ltd.

    174,000        40,055   

Li Heng Chemical Fibre Technologies, Ltd. (b)

    309,000        22,932   

Lian Beng Group, Ltd.

    123,000        56,138   

Low Keng Huat Singapore, Ltd.

    153,000        77,361   

Lum Chang Holdings, Ltd.

    115,000        31,692   

Marco Polo Marine, Ltd.

    51,000        10,572   

Mercator Lines Singapore, Ltd. (b)

    70,000        4,597   

Mermaid Maritime plc

    136,000        29,573   

Metro Holdings, Ltd.

    141,600        97,204   

Mewah International, Inc. (a)

    110,000        32,382   

Midas Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    452,000        85,076   

Nam Cheong, Ltd. (a)

    321,000        75,956   

Neptune Orient Lines, Ltd. (a) (b)

    17,000        10,745   

NSL, Ltd.

    15,000        18,113   

OSIM International, Ltd. (a)

    85,000        126,568   

Otto Marine, Ltd. (a)

    522,000        18,380   

Overseas Union Enterprise, Ltd.

    174,000        267,222   

Oxley Holdings, Ltd.

    155,000        59,627   

Pan-United Corp., Ltd.

    43,000        27,265   

Penguin International, Ltd.

    193,000        31,099   

Petra Foods, Ltd.

    66,000        189,127   

Popular Holdings, Ltd.

    192,000        32,615   

QAF, Ltd.

    130,040        94,650   

Raffles Education Corp., Ltd.

    470,374        118,570   

Raffles Medical Group, Ltd.

    50,077        146,927   

Rickmers Maritime

    110,000        23,235   

Riverstone Holdings, Ltd.

    20,000        14,707   

Rotary Engineering, Ltd.

    85,000        36,886   

Roxy-Pacific Holdings, Ltd.

    85,750        36,575   

S I2I, Ltd. (b)

    1,741,000        5,239   

SBS Transit, Ltd.

    40,500        50,735   

Sheng Siong Group, Ltd.

    191,000        99,228   

SHS Holdings, Ltd.

    47,000        8,121   

Sim Lian Group, Ltd.

    121,500        77,699   

Sinarmas Land, Ltd.

    735,000        323,574   

Sing Holdings, Ltd.

    82,000        18,894   

Singapore Reinsurance Corp., Ltd.

    1,000        243   

Sino Grandness Food Industry Group, Ltd. (a) (b)

    84,000        28,519   

SMRT Corp., Ltd. (a)

    175,000        208,521   

Stamford Land Corp., Ltd.

    278,000        116,418   

Sunningdale Tech, Ltd.

    303,000        38,347   

SunVic Chemical Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    51,000        18,427   

Super Group, Ltd. (a)

    143,000        123,086   

Swiber Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    157,000        32,041   

Swissco Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    84,000        32,302   

Thakral Corp., Ltd.

    197,000        3,568   

Tuan Sing Holdings, Ltd.

    169,000        50,185   

UMS Holdings, Ltd.

    93,000        35,584   

United Engineers, Ltd.

    138,000        304,066   

United Envirotech, Ltd. (a)

    67,000        81,065   

United Fiber System, Ltd. (b)

    426,950        1,934   

United Overseas Insurance, Ltd.

    4,000        13,800   

UOB-Kay Hian Holdings, Ltd.

    143,987        164,789   

UPP Holdings, Ltd.

    46,000        7,796   

Vard Holdings, Ltd. (a) (b)

    203,000        91,827   

Venture Corp., Ltd.

    97,000        575,992   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Singapore—(Continued)

   

Vibrant Group, Ltd.

    220,071      $ 15,917   

Vicom, Ltd.

    2,000        9,429   

Wee Hur Holdings, Ltd.

    85,000        24,382   

Wheelock Properties Singapore, Ltd.

    58,000        76,980   

Wing Tai Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    159,621        196,920   

Yeo Hiap Seng, Ltd.

    19,712        25,885   

YHI International, Ltd.

    78,000        13,249   

Yongnam Holdings, Ltd.

    645,000        91,879   
   

 

 

 
      8,903,636   
   

 

 

 

Spain—2.0%

   

Abengoa S.A. (a)

    20,975        53,731   

Abengoa S.A. - B Shares (a)

    135,030        292,852   

Acciona S.A. (a) (b)

    6,551        439,821   

Acerinox S.A. (a)

    64,877        969,862   

Adveo Group International S.A. (b)

    6,292        88,863   

Almirall S.A. (a) (b)

    17,526        289,670   

Atresmedia Corp. de Medios de Comunicaion S.A. (a)

    13,229        186,066   

Azkoyen S.A. (b)

    1,608        3,746   

Baron de Ley (a) (b)

    1,139        103,321   

Bolsas y Mercados Espanoles S.A.

    23,133        891,706   

Caja de Ahorros del
Mediterraneo (a) (b) (c) (d)

    14,621        0   

Cementos Portland Valderrivas S.A. (b)

    1,935        8,889   

Cie Automotive S.A. (a)

    8,688        117,732   

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A.

    458        167,065   

Deoleo S.A. (a) (b)

    191,757        87,056   

Dinamia Capital Privado Sociedad de Capital Riesgo S.A.

    3,678        37,319   

Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentacion S.A.

    118,194        794,731   

Duro Felguera S.A.

    22,982        92,872   

Ebro Foods S.A. (a)

    23,798        392,176   

Elecnor S.A.

    11,262        115,565   

Ence Energia y Celulosa S.A (a)

    45,999        115,173   

Ercros S.A. (b)

    60,314        28,629   

Faes Farma S.A.

    154,898        319,967   

Fluidra S.A. (b)

    9,730        35,836   

Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas S.A. (a) (b)

    28,711        407,733   

Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica S.A. (b)

    46,649        420,192   

Grupo Catalana Occidente S.A.

    21,149        609,280   

Grupo Ezentis S.A. (b)

    39,717        33,783   

Iberpapel Gestion S.A.

    185        2,836   

Indra Sistemas S.A. (a)

    36,407        352,742   

Inmobiliaria Colonial S.A. (b)

    143,682        94,236   

Jazztel plc (a) (b)

    120,507        1,829,687   

Laboratorios Farmaceuticos Rovi S.A.

    6,104        75,342   

Mediaset Espana Comunicacion S.A. (b)

    46,514        580,906   

Melia Hotels International S.A. (a)

    15,550        165,808   

Miquel y Costas & Miquel S.A.

    4,480        173,294   

NH Hoteles Group S.A. (b)

    46,739        222,042   

Obrascon Huarte Lain S.A. (a)

    11,925        264,470   

Papeles y Cartones de Europa S.A.

    19,820        91,357   

Pescanova S.A. (b) (c) (d)

    7,446        0   

Prim S.A.

    3,013        22,930   

Promotora de Informaciones S.A. (b)

    209,868        64,667   

Prosegur Cia de Seguridad S.A.

    40,634        230,904   

Spain—(Continued)

   

Realia Business S.A. (a) (b)

    74,911      46,227   

Sacyr Vallehermoso S.A. (a) (b)

    87,671        298,503   

Solaria Energia y Medio Ambiente S.A. (b)

    19,439        16,326   

Tecnicas Reunidas S.A.

    10,017        439,389   

Telecomunicaciones y Energia (b)

    13,592        21,151   

Tubacex S.A.

    28,250        105,801   

Tubos Reunidos S.A. (a)

    21,752        44,364   

Urbas Grupo Financiero S.A. (b)

    887,506        15,909   

Vidrala S.A. (a)

    7,952        365,497   

Viscofan S.A.

    13,448        713,671   

Vocento S.A. (b)

    5,362        11,306   

Zeltia S.A. (b)

    72,263        233,025   
   

 

 

 
      13,586,026   
   

 

 

 

Sweden—3.7%

   

AAK AB (a)

    11,380        606,835   

Acando AB

    32,705        55,534   

AddNode Group AB

    1,849        10,898   

AddTech AB - B Shares (a)

    30,232        411,892   

AF AB - B Shares

    24,002        387,916   

Arise AB (b)

    4,852        10,642   

Atrium Ljungberg AB - B Shares

    3,824        56,261   

Avanza Bank Holding AB (a)

    7,660        253,485   

Axfood AB (a)

    5,038        299,952   

Axis Communications AB (a)

    11,341        290,371   

B&B Tools AB - B Shares

    12,796        250,280   

BE Group AB (b)

    15,694        11,022   

Beijer Alma AB

    9,404        219,511   

Beijer Electronics AB

    5,229        34,762   

Beijer Ref AB - B Shares

    6,405        104,428   

Betsson AB (b)

    9,155        321,418   

Bilia AB - A Shares

    10,743        324,637   

Billerud AB

    89,835        1,287,168   

BioGaia AB - B Shares

    4,484        103,232   

Biotage AB (a)

    15,339        25,708   

Bjoern Borg AB (b)

    9,936        29,799   

Bulten AB

    2,144        18,344   

Bure Equity AB

    17,448        80,343   

Byggmax Group AB

    18,326        123,254   

Castellum A.B.

    46,395        723,717   

Clas Ohlson AB - B Shares

    19,724        340,929   

Cloetta AB - B Shares (b)

    77,922        225,880   

Concentric AB

    30,796        367,292   

Concordia Maritime AB - B Shares (b)

    4,217        6,976   

Dios Fastigheter AB (a)

    25,743        190,686   

Doro AB

    741        3,688   

Duni AB

    15,028        222,489   

East Capital Explorer AB (b)

    7,088        38,541   

Eniro AB (a) (b)

    55,843        51,301   

Fabege AB

    45,507        583,945   

Fagerhult AB

    6,390        112,712   

Fastighets AB Balder - B Shares (b)

    36,044        506,131   

Gunnebo AB

    12,816        61,819   

Haldex AB

    33,062        427,949   

Hexpol AB (a)

    5,925        555,049   

HIQ International AB (a) (b)

    32,278        169,049   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-32


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Sweden—(Continued)

   

HMS Networks AB

    709      $ 13,552   

Holmen AB - B Shares

    14,243        486,147   

Hufvudstaden AB - A Shares

    15,492        201,096   

Industrial & Financial Systems

    10,165        311,121   

Indutrade AB

    5,726        227,561   

Intrum Justitia AB

    21,993        650,534   

JM AB (a)

    23,748        752,864   

KappAhl AB

    29,980        160,547   

Karolinska Development AB (a) (b)

    7,514        12,764   

Klovern AB - A Shares

    11,418        12,008   

Klovern AB - B Shares (b)

    114,185        111,321   

Know It AB

    9,489        66,506   

Kungsleden AB

    43,816        316,137   

Lagercrantz AB - B Shares

    9,342        167,176   

Lindab International AB (b)

    18,765        157,883   

Loomis AB - Class B

    39,066        1,132,428   

Medivir AB - B Shares (a) (b)

    10,470        131,304   

Mekonomen AB (a)

    7,582        197,737   

Modern Times Group MTG AB - B Shares

    9,830        311,909   

MQ Holding AB

    9,112        40,282   

Mycronic AB

    46,878        148,371   

NCC AB - A Shares

    3,116        97,995   

NCC AB - B Shares (a)

    21,019        660,306   

Nederman Holding AB

    932        20,023   

Net Entertainment NE AB - B Shares (b)

    16,258        548,398   

Net Insight AB (b)

    143,837        56,763   

New Wave Group AB - B Shares

    15,773        77,136   

Nibe Industrier AB - B Shares (a)

    40,031        1,031,461   

Nobia AB (a)

    51,796        463,399   

Nolato AB - B Shares

    12,091        273,200   

Nordnet AB - B Shares

    33,249        120,259   

OEM International AB - B Shares

    498        7,026   

Peab AB (a)

    50,023        350,304   

Pricer AB - B Shares (b)

    32,212        25,935   

Proact IT Group AB

    4,203        42,321   

Proffice AB - B Shares

    23,058        61,214   

Ratos AB - B Shares (a)

    35,390        212,855   

Rezidor Hotel Group AB (b)

    37,700        137,551   

Saab AB - Class B (a)

    27,146        701,013   

Sagax AB

    14,540        82,069   

SAS AB (a) (b)

    41,924        81,737   

Sectra AB - B Shares (b)

    2,976        38,081   

Semcon AB

    5,540        34,927   

SkiStar AB

    7,836        88,016   

SSAB AB - A Shares (a) (b)

    45,510        262,846   

SSAB AB - A Shares (b)

    27,650        159,834   

SSAB AB - B Shares (a) (b)

    24,047        124,007   

SSAB AB - B Shares (a) (b)

    70,586        362,557   

Sweco AB - B Shares

    18,222        246,396   

Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (b)

    56,264        572,555   

Systemair AB

    4,286        57,574   

TradeDoubler AB (a)

    21,483        28,247   

Transcom Worldwide AB (a) (b)

    1,837        14,551   

Transmode Holding AB (a)

    2,253        21,240   

Tribona AB

    7,277        36,036   

Unibet Group plc

    16,402        1,032,082   

Vitrolife AB

    4,321        91,741   

Sweden—(Continued)

   

Wallenstam AB - B Shares (a)

    32,302      537,392   

Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB

    34,720        633,733   
   

 

 

 
      24,907,873   
   

 

 

 

Switzerland—4.4%

   

AFG Arbonia-Forster Holding AG (a) (b)

    4,400        108,817   

Allreal Holding AG (b)

    3,390        467,473   

Alpiq Holding AG (b)

    28        2,535   

APG SGA S.A.

    647        187,950   

Ascom Holding AG

    17,215        263,480   

Autoneum Holding AG (b)

    2,052        347,129   

Bachem Holding AG (b)

    1,074        52,886   

Bank Coop AG

    2,772        118,671   

Banque Cantonale de Geneve

    375        80,738   

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise

    57        30,751   

Basler Kantonalbank

    130        8,373   

Belimo Holding AG

    215        499,584   

Bell AG

    56        137,878   

Bellevue Group AG

    2,584        37,173   

Berner Kantonalbank AG (a)

    1,858        339,094   

BKW AG

    3,918        116,064   

Bobst Group AG

    5,636        217,441   

Bossard Holding AG (a) (b)

    3,458        376,952   

Bucher Industries AG (a)

    3,522        877,066   

Burckhardt Compression Holding AG

    1,451        555,548   

Burkhalter Holding AG

    1,316        114,297   

Calida Holding AG (b)

    2,002        74,199   

Carlo Gavazzi Holding AG

    48        10,178   

Cham Paper Holding AG (b)

    113        27,391   

Charles Voegele Holding AG (b)

    4,263        54,018   

Cicor Technologies (b)

    644        23,009   

Cie Financiere Tradition S.A.

    530        22,483   

Clariant AG (b)

    36,782        617,656   

Coltene Holding AG

    1,138        72,073   

Conzzeta AG (b)

    66        224,708   

Daetwyler Holding AG

    3,203        410,570   

Dufry AG (a) (b)

    7,215        1,069,555   

Edmond de Rothschild Suisse S.A.

    3        46,092   

EFG International AG (a) (b)

    12,149        141,373   

Emmi AG (b)

    1,190        420,111   

Energiedienst Holding AG

    3,017        93,787   

Feintool International Holding AG

    554        56,609   

Fenix Outdoor International AG (b)

    384        17,701   

Flughafen Zuerich AG

    1,504        1,008,203   

Forbo Holding AG (b)

    819        819,185   

GAM Holding AG (b)

    57,233        1,029,347   

Gategroup Holding AG (a) (b)

    9,636        275,191   

Georg Fischer AG (b)

    2,362        1,486,133   

Gurit Holding AG (a) (b)

    292        112,899   

Helvetia Holding AG

    2,382        1,129,718   

Highlight Communications AG (b)

    7,829        31,472   

Huber & Suhner AG

    5,179        246,596   

Implenia AG (b)

    8,148        473,246   

Inficon Holding AG (b)

    777        240,903   

Interroll Holding AG (b)

    265        140,070   

Intershop Holdings AG

    492        176,201   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-33


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Switzerland—(Continued)

   

Jungfraubahn Holding AG

    85      $ 6,451   

Kaba Holding AG - Class B (b)

    1,080        544,572   

Kardex AG (b)

    2,548        118,515   

Komax Holding AG (b)

    1,485        215,259   

Kudelski S.A.

    13,221        160,565   

Kuoni Reisen Holding AG (b)

    767        231,673   

LEM Holding S.A.

    312        231,410   

Liechtensteinische Landesbank AG

    2,973        119,675   

LifeWatch AG (b)

    1,912        23,543   

Logitech International S.A. (a)

    84,871        1,147,978   

Lonza Group AG (b)

    10,961        1,235,274   

Luzerner Kantonalbank AG (a)

    1,489        525,312   

MCH Group AG

    831        54,162   

Metall Zug AG

    53        128,021   

Meyer Burger Technology AG (a) (b)

    24,493        158,030   

Micronas Semiconductor Holding AG (b)

    11,059        63,170   

Mikron Holding AG (b)

    474        3,361   

Mobilezone Holding AG (b)

    10,014        105,958   

Mobimo Holding AG (b)

    3,001        601,255   

OC Oerlikon Corp. AG (b)

    101,100        1,265,251   

Orascom Development Holding AG (b)

    5,250        95,031   

Orell Fuessli Holding AG (b)

    428        39,885   

Orior AG (b)

    1,802        99,505   

Panalpina Welttransport Holding AG (a)

    2,292        307,719   

Phoenix Mecano AG

    337        155,922   

PSP Swiss Property AG (b)

    2,635        226,883   

Rieter Holding AG (b)

    1,437        237,955   

Romande Energie Holding S.A.

    111        111,809   

Schaffner Holding AG (b)

    238        69,009   

Schmolz & Bickenbach AG (b)

    161,565        173,667   

Schweiter Technologies AG

    332        259,118   

Siegfried Holding AG (b)

    1,665        270,926   

St. Galler Kantonalbank AG (a)

    1,175        426,641   

Straumann Holding AG

    3,414        857,691   

Swissquote Group Holding S.A.

    3,968        124,519   

Tamedia AG

    904        115,388   

Tecan Group AG

    2,612        296,837   

Temenos Group AG (b)

    24,817        880,193   

Tornos Holding AG (b)

    3,719        21,435   

U-Blox AG (b)

    3,324        457,186   

Valiant Holding

    4,267        354,301   

Valora Holding AG (b)

    1,084        248,344   

Vaudoise Assurances Holding S.A.

    531        238,744   

Vetropack Holding AG

    88        140,183   

Von Roll Holding AG (b)

    7,038        9,619   

Vontobel Holding AG (a)

    6,679        251,478   

VP Bank AG

    1,844        157,617   

Walliser Kantonalbank

    116        83,431   

Walter Meier AG (b)

    872        35,830   

Ypsomed Holding AG (b)

    1,609        138,521   

Zehnder Group AG

    3,945        163,870   

Zug Estates Holding AG (b)

    73        91,311   

Zuger Kantonalbank AG (a)

    68        305,842   
   

 

 

 
      29,876,422   
   

 

 

 

United Arab Emirates—0.0%

   

Lamprell plc (b)

    100,553        186,861   
   

 

 

 

United Kingdom—21.7%

   

4imprint Group plc

    6,953      $ 87,305   

888 Holdings plc

    43,367        92,983   

A.G.BARR plc

    44,327        405,087   

Acacia Mining plc

    43,734        174,153   

Acal plc

    7,314        27,357   

Afren plc (b)

    251,096        180,354   

Aga Rangemaster Group plc (b)

    25,439        46,771   

Air Partner plc

    992        3,958   

Alent plc

    102,762        512,703   

Amec Foster Wheeler plc

    49,672        650,106   

Amlin plc

    227,509        1,682,986   

Anglo Pacific Group plc

    29,836        46,065   

Anglo-Eastern Plantations

    4,252        36,734   

Anite plc

    81,502        99,953   

Ashmore Group plc (a)

    84,430        366,045   

Ashtead Group plc

    113,981        2,015,095   

Atrium European Real Estate, Ltd. (b)

    114,274        565,430   

Avon Rubber plc

    12,019        143,118   

Balfour Beatty plc (a)

    231,851        759,164   

Bank of Georgia Holdings plc

    6,261        200,839   

Barratt Developments plc

    211,324        1,538,862   

BBA Aviation plc

    221,729        1,236,372   

Beazley plc

    386,682        1,713,133   

Bellway plc

    82,065        2,465,218   

Berendsen plc

    106,561        1,816,910   

Berkeley Group Holdings plc

    70,062        2,684,722   

Betfair Group plc

    16,616        404,979   

Bioquell plc

    5,000        7,483   

Bloomsbury Publishing plc

    25,349        63,998   

Bodycote plc

    122,371        1,227,845   

Booker Group plc

    415,681        1,059,060   

Boot Henry plc

    1,476        4,484   

Bovis Homes Group plc

    79,588        1,096,090   

Braemar Shipping Services plc

    4,402        28,135   

Brammer plc

    36,027        190,836   

Brewin Dolphin Holdings plc

    143,539        661,627   

British Polythene Industries plc

    10,947        112,841   

Britvic plc

    142,790        1,487,942   

BTG plc (b)

    150,041        1,846,678   

Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment plc (a)

    231,573        422,310   

Cable & Wireless Communications plc

    732,967        562,695   

Cairn Energy plc (b)

    165,216        453,526   

Cape plc

    61,478        227,958   

Capital & Counties Properties plc (a)

    107,134        604,318   

Capital & Regional plc

    80,929        66,193   

Carclo plc

    16,990        23,787   

Carillion plc (a)

    147,712        765,090   

Carr’s Milling Industries plc

    1,554        41,285   

Castings plc

    1,484        9,391   

Catlin Group, Ltd.

    174,373        1,813,226   

Centamin plc

    307,624        282,569   

Centaur Media plc

    92,526        91,974   

Chemring Group plc

    78,826        291,458   

Chesnara plc

    55,231        290,757   

Chime Communications plc

    23,457        103,382   

Cineworld Group plc

    61,490        395,544   

Clarkson plc

    4,513        133,213   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-34


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

United Kingdom—(Continued)

   

Close Brothers Group plc

    58,401      $ 1,346,850   

Cobham plc

    363,956        1,825,022   

Colt Group S.A. (b)

    208,005        430,279   

Communisis plc

    57,478        44,308   

Computacenter plc

    40,615        371,508   

Connect Group plc

    116,163        278,547   

Consort Medical plc

    24,997        336,381   

Costain Group plc

    21,151        92,185   

Cranswick plc

    24,566        528,332   

Creston plc

    5,272        10,598   

CSR plc

    116,351        1,546,751   

Daily Mail & General Trust plc (a)

    156,527        2,009,847   

Dairy Crest Group plc

    63,445        489,977   

Darty plc

    135,252        144,338   

De La Rue plc

    25,638        206,820   

Debenhams plc

    358,902        417,587   

Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc

    25,937        337,986   

Development Securities plc

    61,163        210,456   

Devro plc

    58,511        276,775   

Dignity plc

    22,395        666,148   

Diploma plc

    53,467        590,236   

Dixons Carphone plc

    188,802        1,359,865   

Domino Printing Sciences plc

    62,672        640,585   

Domino’s Pizza Group plc

    41,403        453,156   

Drax Group plc

    137,597        978,199   

DS Smith plc

    336,909        1,678,993   

Dunelm Group plc

    11,505        165,035   

E2V Technologies plc

    61,165        164,557   

Electrocomponents plc

    168,669        559,350   

Elementis plc

    196,653        795,848   

EnQuest plc (b)

    429,925        234,898   

Enterprise Inns plc (b)

    256,620        454,024   

Essentra plc

    78,989        893,071   

Euromoney Institutional Investor plc

    14,736        240,269   

Evraz plc (a)

    44,482        106,082   

Exillon Energy plc (a) (b)

    19,973        46,630   

Fenner plc

    100,550        335,485   

Ferrexpo plc

    36,701        30,241   

Fidessa Group plc

    20,495        758,292   

Findel plc (b)

    17,439        61,084   

Firstgroup plc (b)

    412,049        678,565   

Fortune Oil plc (b)

    575,627        85,362   

Fuller Smith & Turner

    7,667        111,608   

Galliford Try plc

    41,886        834,266   

Gem Diamonds, Ltd. (b)

    50,253        136,037   

Genus plc

    27,158        528,868   

Go-Ahead Group plc

    22,995        880,593   

Greene King plc (a)

    85,536        992,305   

Greggs plc

    37,510        425,800   

Halfords Group plc

    119,495        866,078   

Halma plc (a)

    130,691        1,393,256   

Hansard Global plc

    2,566        3,505   

Hardy Oil & Gas plc (b)

    14,946        14,696   

Hays plc

    644,027        1,442,661   

Headlam Group plc

    56,842        389,734   

Helical Bar plc

    65,404        390,277   

Henderson Group plc

    548,846        1,807,137   

United Kingdom—(Continued)

   

Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc

    82,141      2,518,992   

Hill & Smith Holdings plc

    46,114        416,794   

Hilton Food Group plc

    1,888        11,277   

Hiscox, Ltd.

    183,522        2,060,563   

Hochschild Mining plc (a) (b)

    49,761        68,089   

Hogg Robinson Group plc

    72,262        46,757   

Home Retail Group plc

    448,340        1,441,588   

Homeserve plc

    170,640        892,216   

Hornby plc (b)

    1,884        2,253   

Howden Joinery Group plc

    223,492        1,389,692   

Hunting plc

    34,598        282,623   

Huntsworth plc

    31,310        23,914   

ICAP plc

    149,517        1,042,905   

IG Group Holdings plc

    105,180        1,172,339   

Imagination Technologies Group plc (b)

    26,208        92,395   

Inchcape plc

    151,334        1,693,754   

Informa plc

    241,241        1,760,311   

Inmarsat plc

    79,615        986,625   

Innovation Group plc

    525,112        244,267   

Intermediate Capital Group plc

    32,693        232,763   

International Personal Finance plc

    83,965        580,837   

Interserve plc

    82,100        706,063   

IP Group plc (b)

    139,902        442,780   

ITE Group plc

    53,863        134,301   

James Fisher & Sons plc

    20,889        387,096   

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc

    65,575        909,661   

JD Sports Fashion plc

    36,964        292,298   

JD Wetherspoon plc

    48,692        617,913   

JKX Oil & Gas plc (b)

    48,421        9,056   

John Menzies plc

    14,551        80,618   

John Wood Group plc

    122,821        1,129,633   

Johnston Press plc (b)

    4,425        11,333   

Jupiter Fund Management plc

    84,695        475,495   

KAZ Minerals plc (a) (b)

    44,157        175,662   

Kcom Group plc

    281,704        393,615   

Keller Group plc

    22,093        299,773   

Kier Group plc

    12,989        299,898   

Ladbrokes plc

    281,189        480,214   

Laird plc

    156,521        751,020   

Lancashire Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    50,563        438,250   

Laura Ashley Holdings plc

    25,157        11,592   

Lavendon Group plc

    44,306        119,094   

Lonmin plc (b)

    113,391        310,792   

Lookers plc

    122,220        245,426   

Low & Bonar plc

    37,972        29,672   

LSL Property Services plc

    4,671        21,660   

Man Group plc

    757,211        1,873,564   

Marshalls plc

    63,336        230,762   

Marston’s plc

    318,910        708,064   

McBride plc (b)

    96,041        119,724   

Mears Group plc

    51,685        301,352   

Mecom Group plc (b)

    42,085        93,105   

Melrose Industries plc

    325,983        1,341,318   

Michael Page International plc (a)

    65,403        415,268   

Micro Focus International plc

    69,631        1,165,567   

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc

    74,043        676,897   

Mitchells & Butlers plc (b)

    67,625        401,355   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-35


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

United Kingdom—(Continued)

   

Mitie Group plc (a)

    94,015      $ 405,485   

Moneysupermarket.com Group plc

    121,798        439,927   

Morgan Advanced Materials plc

    155,365        761,228   

Morgan Sindall Group plc

    17,569        169,427   

Mothercare plc (b)

    46,876        126,864   

N Brown Group plc (a)

    78,447        468,365   

National Express Group plc

    260,013        998,939   

NCC Group plc

    73,096        232,048   

New World Resources plc - A Shares (b)

    11,898        227   

Northgate plc

    45,161        427,238   

Novae Group plc

    22,502        208,758   

Optos plc (b)

    26,295        104,526   

Oxford Biomedica plc (b)

    67,707        5,592   

Oxford Instruments plc (a)

    13,946        275,480   

Pace plc

    170,988        917,353   

PayPoint plc

    24,349        339,719   

Pendragon plc

    294,775        150,875   

Pennon Group plc

    105,426        1,510,077   

Persimmon plc (b)

    2,361        57,755   

Petra Diamonds, Ltd. (b)

    147,321        442,670   

Petropavlovsk plc (a) (b)

    68,962        15,736   

Phoenix Group Holdings (a)

    35,981        462,536   

Phoenix IT Group, Ltd.

    21,830        45,274   

Photo-Me International plc

    27,274        59,929   

Playtech plc

    53,689        575,869   

Premier Farnell plc

    128,115        351,107   

Premier Foods plc (a) (b)

    329,141        163,107   

Premier Oil plc

    172,107        439,326   

Punch Taverns plc (b)

    16,132        30,619   

PV Crystalox Solar plc (a) (b)

    36,217        7,338   

PZ Cussons plc (a)

    95,810        454,435   

QinetiQ Group plc

    338,186        984,241   

Quintain Estates & Development plc (b)

    254,907        378,151   

Rank Group plc

    18,115        45,450   

Rathbone Brothers plc

    24,973        793,732   

Raven Russia, Ltd. (b)

    84,960        62,862   

REA Holdings plc

    1,120        6,136   

Redrow plc

    166,873        767,344   

Regus plc

    206,169        664,043   

Renishaw plc

    17,538        531,781   

Renold plc (b)

    64,766        58,298   

Renovo Group plc (b)

    13,825        3,065   

Rentokil Initial plc

    639,278        1,204,580   

Restaurant Group plc (The)

    119,275        1,216,614   

Rexam plc

    74,000        520,242   

Ricardo plc

    11,747        114,604   

Rightmove plc

    34,875        1,214,174   

RM plc

    43,283        101,543   

Robert Walters plc

    14,599        70,052   

Rotork plc

    28,630        1,030,258   

RPC Group plc

    92,930        720,045   

RPS Group plc

    111,368        358,909   

Salamander Energy plc (b)

    86,381        86,811   

Savills plc

    69,739        735,270   

SDL plc (b)

    38,231        245,570   

Senior plc

    172,051        805,225   

Sepura plc

    11,245        25,598   

United Kingdom—(Continued)

   

Serco Group plc (a)

    45,096      112,146   

Severfield plc (b)

    98,696        104,586   

Shanks Group plc

    168,746        261,112   

SIG plc

    166,769        452,870   

Skyepharma plc (b)

    7,067        36,809   

Soco International plc (b)

    50,968        238,452   

Spectris plc

    42,891        1,398,476   

Speedy Hire plc

    205,988        251,959   

Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc

    25,034        1,112,524   

Spirent Communications plc

    212,310        249,713   

Spirit Pub Co. plc

    253,343        410,829   

Sportech plc (b)

    20,264        19,781   

St. Ives plc

    36,663        108,275   

St. Modwen Properties plc

    110,240        658,412   

Stagecoach Group plc

    135,346        777,031   

Sthree plc

    35,906        164,630   

Stobart Group, Ltd.

    7,112        11,965   

SuperGroup plc (b)

    17,932        245,616   

Synergy Health plc

    30,931        1,003,593   

Synthomer plc

    163,534        597,871   

TalkTalk Telecom Group plc (a)

    188,301        884,795   

Tate & Lyle plc

    123,201        1,157,286   

Ted Baker plc

    6,962        238,914   

Telecity Group plc (a)

    58,426        732,143   

Telecom Plus plc (a)

    21,749        425,598   

Thomas Cook Group plc (b)

    485,971        956,796   

Thorntons plc (a) (b)

    25,294        35,043   

Topps Tiles plc

    106,295        187,107   

Tribal Group plc

    21,793        54,384   

Trifast plc

    6,100        10,230   

Trinity Mirror plc (b)

    174,518        442,481   

TT electronics plc

    79,682        128,004   

Tullett Prebon plc

    100,781        442,652   

UBM PCL

    110,444        824,304   

Ultra Electronics Holdings plc

    18,262        509,390   

UNITE Group plc

    93,231        675,522   

UTV Media plc

    54,341        147,354   

Vectura Group plc (b)

    199,135        395,438   

Vedanta Resources plc

    28,343        250,279   

Vesuvius plc

    108,451        753,493   

Victrex plc

    43,917        1,418,172   

Vitec Group plc (The)

    10,351        95,315   

Volex plc (b)

    20,438        21,936   

Vp plc

    1,199        11,680   

WH Smith plc

    85,603        1,786,009   

William Hill plc

    217,459        1,222,899   

Wincanton plc (b)

    37,122        93,752   

WS Atkins plc

    68,957        1,457,257   

Xaar plc

    18,088        108,627   

Xchanging plc

    144,207        346,090   

XP Power, Ltd. (a)

    3,554        77,376   

Zeal Network SE (a)

    1,676        79,580   
   

 

 

 
      148,059,268   
   

 

 

 

United States—0.0%

   

Kofax, Ltd. (b)

    6,012        42,200   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-36


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description       
    
Shares
    Value  

United States—(Continued)

   

Performance Sports Group, Ltd. (b)

    8,035      $ 146,204   
   

 

 

 
      188,404   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $572,001,302)

      676,273,757   
   

 

 

 
Rights—0.0%                

Australia—0.0%

   

Alliance Resource Partners L.P., Expires 01/19/15 (b)

    14,797        48   

Boart Longyear, Ltd., Expires 01/19/15 (a) (b)

    227,989        558   

Peninsula Energy, Ltd. (b)

    279,281        0   
   

 

 

 
      606   
   

 

 

 

Austria—0.0%

   

Intercell AG (b) (c) (d)

    24,163        0   
   

 

 

 

Hong Kong—0.0%

   

Kantone Holdings, Ltd., Expires 01/07/15 (b)

    27,900        36   

New Times Energy Corp., Ltd., Expires 01/22/15 (b)

    102,100        737   

Shenyin Wanguo HK, Ltd., Expires 01/08/15 (b)

    57,500        29,660   
   

 

 

 
      30,433   
   

 

 

 

Spain—0.0%

   

Faes Farma S.A., Expires 01/02/15 (a) (b)

    154,898        11,621   
   

 

 

 

Sweden—0.0%

   

Karolinska Development AB (a) (b)

    5,000        1   
   

 

 

 

United Kingdom—0.0%

   

RPC Group plc, Expires 01/07/15 (b)

    30,976        84,730   
   

 

 

 

Total Rights
(Cost $30,668)

      127,391   
   

 

 

 
Warrants—0.0%                

France—0.0%

   

Peugeot S.A., Expires 04/29/17 (a) (b)

    37,313        63,617   
   

 

 

 

Hong Kong—0.0%

   

International Standard Resources Holdings, Ltd.,
Expires 11/27/15 (b)

    124,666        836   
   

 

 

 

Singapore—0.0%

   

Interra Resources, Ltd., Expires 12/08/15 (b)

    10,300        62   

SHS Holdings, Ltd., Expires 12/16/19 (b)

    23,500        852   
   

 

 

 
      914   
   

 

 

 

Total Warrants
(Cost $38,935)

      65,367   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—17.7%   
Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Mutual Fund—16.9%

   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (e)

    115,054,907      115,054,907   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—0.8%

   

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $5,029,910 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $5,130,000 U.S. Government Agency obligations with rates ranging from 0.160% - 2.125%, maturity dates ranging from 03/11/15 - 05/31/15, with a value of $5,133,800.

    5,029,910        5,029,910   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $120,084,817)

      120,084,817   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—117.0%
(Cost $692,155,722) (f)

      796,551,332   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(17.0)%

      (115,629,230
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 680,922,102   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $109,848,968 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $115,054,907 and non-cash collateral with a value of $2,204,090. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent less than 0.05% of net assets.
(d) Illiquid security. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.0% of net assets.
(e) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(f) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $701,065,795. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $188,576,755 and $(93,091,218), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $95,485,537 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-37


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Ten Largest Industries as of
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

  

% of
Net Assets

 

Machinery

     5.8   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     4.2   

Banks

     4.1   

Real Estate Management & Development

     3.9   

Media

     3.8   

Metals & Mining

     3.7   

Construction & Engineering

     3.7   

Specialty Retail

     3.5   

Food Products

     3.4   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

     3.2   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-38


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks            

Australia

   $ 30,639       $ 35,633,888       $ 42,773       $ 35,707,300   

Austria

     4,663         6,094,110         0         6,098,773   

Belgium

     307,415         8,806,193         —           9,113,608   

Cambodia

     —           335,739         —           335,739   

Canada

     60,614,386         10,114         7,196         60,631,696   

China

     11,852         11,896         —           23,748   

Denmark

     —           11,473,675         —           11,473,675   

Finland

     —           16,226,751         10,518         16,237,269   

France

     —           27,535,835         0         27,535,835   

Germany

     —           35,422,958         —           35,422,958   

Hong Kong

     418,760         21,033,966         54,211         21,506,937   

Ireland

     593,217         10,206,746         —           10,799,963   

Israel

     25,025         5,645,777         —           5,670,802   

Italy

     403,557         21,272,340         0         21,675,897   

Japan

     150,761         154,180,587         —           154,331,348   

Luxembourg

     —           60,652         —           60,652   

Netherlands

     31,147         15,704,738         0         15,735,885   

New Zealand

     8,080         8,824,487         0         8,832,567   

Norway

     —           6,069,848         —           6,069,848   

Philippines

     —           19,601         —           19,601   

Portugal

     —           3,281,166         0         3,281,166   

Singapore

     152,973         8,750,663         —           8,903,636   

Spain

     —           13,586,026         0         13,586,026   

Sweden

     125,872         24,782,001         —           24,907,873   

Switzerland

     46,092         29,830,330         —           29,876,422   

United Arab Emirates

     —           186,861         —           186,861   

United Kingdom

     —           148,059,268         —           148,059,268   

United States

     146,204         42,200         —           188,404   

Total Common Stocks

     63,070,643         613,088,416         114,698         676,273,757   
Rights            

Australia

     606         —           —           606   

Austria

     —           —           0         0   

Hong Kong

     30,433         —           —           30,433   

Spain

     11,621         —           —           11,621   

Sweden

     —           1         —           1   

United Kingdom

     84,730         —           —           84,730   

Total Rights

     127,390         1         —           127,391   

Total Warrants*

     65,367         —           —           65,367   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-39


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

   $ 115,054,907       $ —        $ —         $ 115,054,907   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           5,029,910        —           5,029,910   

Total Short-Term Investments

     115,054,907         5,029,910        —           120,084,817   

Total Investments

   $ 178,318,307       $ 618,118,327      $ 114,698       $ 796,551,332   
                                    

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (115,054,907   $ —         $ (115,054,907

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 in the amount of $902,561 were due to the discontinuation of a systematic fair valuation model factor. Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 in the amount of $578,674 were due to the application of a systematic fair valuation model factor.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

  Balance as
of
December 31,
2013
    Realized
Gain/
(Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
    Purchases     Sales     Transfers
in to
Level 3
    Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Balance
as of
December 31,
2014
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
from
Investments
Still Held at
December 31,
2014
 
Common Stocks                  

Australia

  $ 24,817      $ (319,741   $ 190,956      $      $ (2,818   $ 149,559      $      $ 42,773      $ (110,074

Belgium

    137,117                                           (137,117              

Canada

                  (140,407     137,853               9,750               7,196        (140,407

Finland

                  (19,731         30,249          10,518        (19,731

Hong Kong

    51,560        (39,454     8,339        119,487        (71,368            (14,353     54,211        (69,036

France

           (56,659     65,015               (8,356                            

Japan

    107,568               (16,452       (91,116                            

Greece

      (396,098     396,098                    

Portugal

           142,866        (218,510            (334,497     410,141                        
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 321,062      $ (669,086   $ 265,308      $ 257,340      $ (508,155   $ 599,699      $ (151,470   $ 114,698      $ (339,248
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common stocks in the amount of $599,699 were transferred into Level 3 due to trading halts on the securities’ respective exchanges which resulted in the lack of observable inputs.

Common stocks in the amount of $(151,470) were transferred out of Level 3 due to the resumption of trading activity which resulted in the availability of significant observable inputs.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-40


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 796,551,332   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     817,373   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     372,555   

Fund shares sold

     181,839   

Dividends

     982,158   

Prepaid expenses

     1,889   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     798,907,146   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     115,054,907   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     1,995,705   

Fund shares redeemed

     78,059   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     461,058   

Distribution and service fees

     15,621   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,842   

Other expenses

     315,852   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     117,985,044   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 680,922,102   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 456,619,052   

Undistributed net investment income

     4,564,470   

Accumulated net realized gain

     115,373,443   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     104,365,137   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 680,922,102   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 606,419,447   

Class B

     74,502,655   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     40,874,125   

Class B

     5,045,628   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 14.84   

Class B

     14.77   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $692,155,722.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $109,848,968.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $819,391.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 19,133,773   

Interest

     943   

Securities lending income

     1,264,286   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     20,399,002   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     6,440,401   

Administration fees

     19,000   

Custodian and accounting fees

     987,747   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     194,688   

Audit and tax services

     63,583   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,592   

Shareholder reporting

     68,330   

Insurance

     4,997   

Miscellaneous

     151,544   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     7,998,896   

Less management fee waiver

     (50,000
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     7,948,896   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     12,450,106   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     120,788,214   

Futures contracts

     (1,532,592

Foreign currency transactions

     (402,802
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     118,852,820   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (168,918,000

Foreign currency transactions

     (56,767
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (168,974,767
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

     (50,121,947
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets From Operations

   $ (37,671,841
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,680,545.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-41


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 12,450,106      $ 16,465,101   

Net realized gain

     118,852,820        35,576,671   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (168,974,767     171,335,640   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (37,671,841     223,377,412   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (19,590,503     (16,583,025

Class B

     (1,558,960     (1,219,147

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (30,600,469     (23,007,574

Class B

     (2,714,425     (1,906,054
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (54,464,357     (42,715,800
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (221,399,926     36,860,137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (313,536,124     217,521,749   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     994,458,226        776,936,477   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 680,922,102      $ 994,458,226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 4,564,470      $ 10,016,566   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     2,245,230      $ 34,872,137        4,884,609      $ 71,182,005   

Reinvestments

     3,121,329        50,190,972        2,902,536        39,590,599   

Redemptions

     (18,770,202     (309,191,634     (5,021,741     (76,955,031
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (13,403,643   $ (224,128,525     2,765,404      $ 33,817,573   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     1,231,126      $ 19,736,361        1,118,126      $ 16,478,798   

Reinvestments

     266,587        4,273,385        229,794        3,125,201   

Redemptions

     (1,293,322     (21,281,147     (1,110,043     (16,561,435
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     204,391      $ 2,728,599        237,877      $ 3,042,564   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (221,399,926     $ 36,860,137   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-42


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 16.83       $ 13.85       $ 13.25       $ 16.68       $ 14.54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.26         0.28         0.27         0.29         0.20   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.28      3.42         2.04         (2.77      3.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (1.02      3.70         2.31         (2.48      3.20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.38      (0.30      (0.36      (0.35      (0.25

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.59      (0.42      (1.35      (0.60      (0.81
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.97      (0.72      (1.71      (0.95      (1.06
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.84       $ 16.83       $ 13.85       $ 13.25       $ 16.68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (6.50      27.94         18.25         (16.08      22.93   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.98         0.95         0.98         1.02         1.01   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.97         0.94         0.98         1.02         1.01   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.58         1.86         2.06         1.86         1.38   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     10         12         12         25         13   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 606.4       $ 913.3       $ 713.4       $ 578.9       $ 697.0   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 16.75       $ 13.79       $ 13.20       $ 16.62       $ 14.50   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.21         0.24         0.24         0.26         0.16   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.26      3.41         2.02         (2.77      2.98   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (1.05      3.65         2.26         (2.51      3.14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.34      (0.27      (0.32      (0.31      (0.21

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.59      (0.42      (1.35      (0.60      (0.81
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.93      (0.69      (1.67      (0.91      (1.02
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.77       $ 16.75       $ 13.79       $ 13.20       $ 16.62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (6.69      27.60         17.90         (16.25      22.59   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.23         1.20         1.23         1.27         1.26   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.22         1.19         1.23         1.27         1.26   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.32         1.58         1.81         1.69         1.12   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     10         12         12         25         13   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 74.5       $ 81.1       $ 63.5       $ 56.7       $ 43.6   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-43


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers two classes of shares: Class A and B shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-44


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-45


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, partnership basis adjustments and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $5,029,910, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-46


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 10, 2014 through April 29, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $234,278,816 in notional cost on equity index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized losses in the amount of $1,532,592 which are shown under Net realized loss on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Foreign Investment Risk: The investments by the Portfolio in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Because securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies and may pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Portfolio. Foreign investments may also subject the Portfolio to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. In addition to the risks described above, risks may arise from forward foreign currency contracts with respect to the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

 

MSF-47


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 81,198,643       $ 0       $ 344,047,221   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average daily net assets
$6,440,401      0.850   Of the first $100 million
     0.800   On amounts in excess of $100 million

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average daily net assets
0.050%    Of the first $100 million

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A and B Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

MSF-48


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$25,651,476    $ 17,802,172       $ 28,812,881       $ 24,913,628       $ 54,464,357       $ 42,715,800   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$14,886,478    $ 114,021,681       $ 95,458,729       $       $ 224,366,888   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before re-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-49


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-50


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-51


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-52


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-53


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

 

MSF-54


Metropolitan Series Fund

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World ex USA Small Cap Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were below the Expense Group median and Sub-advised Expense Universe median and were equal to the Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also considered that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-55


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A and B shares of the MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio returned 4.73% and 4.47%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Dow Jones Conservative Index1, returned 3.86%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

After a sharp weather-related contraction in the first quarter, the U.S. economy turned the corner and ended 2014 on a strong note, with the majority of leading economic indicators pointing to continued strength. U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew healthily in the second and third quarters, the strongest two quarters of expansion since 2003. Solid economic growth domestically, combined with the Federal Reserve Bank’s (the “Fed”) accommodative stance in respect to interest rates, provided ample support for the U.S. stock market, which delivered another strong year of performance in 2014. Economic growth around the world became increasingly divergent in 2014. While the U.S. economy was on the rise, renewed concerns over economic growth in Europe and Asia weighed on the equity market outside the U.S. Furthermore, geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe and Iraq added to short-term volatility. As the Fed finally wound down its quantitative easing program as planned, the European Central Bank initiated an easing strategy, and the Bank of Japan increased its asset purchasing program. In November, China cut interest rates unexpectedly, stepping up a campaign to prop up growth in the world’s second-largest economy as it headed toward its slowest growth in nearly a quarter century. As other central banks moved towards further stimulus, the U.S. dollar rallied strongly, which further dented the returns of international stocks in U.S. dollar terms.

The U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, was the bright spot in the global equity market, advancing 13.7% over the twelve month period. Small cap stocks, represented by the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, trailed their large cap counterparts at 5.8%, despite an outperformance in the fourth quarter. Energy stocks were the bottom performing sector and the only sector that produced a negative return for the year, driven by plummeting oil prices as a result of increased production in the U.S. and a slower demand worldwide. On the other side of the spectrum, the Utilities sector delivered the best results, as investors were hungry for yields in an extended low interest rate environment. The Health Care sector followed closely behind, gaining on strong earnings reports and forward guidance. Technology stocks performed strongly as well, with semiconductor manufacturers and software firms benefitting from order expansions and merger activities. The equity markets outside the U.S., however, ended the year in negative territory in both the developed world and emerging markets. The MSCI EAFE Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Index declined 4.9% and 2.2% in U.S. dollar terms, respectively.

Contrary to many investors’ expectations of rising yields in the U.S., Treasury yields declined across the maturity spectrum in 2014. The 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 2.17% at the end of the year. As a result, the bond market rallied over the course of the past year. The yield curve continued to flatten with yields on the long end of the curve coming down significantly more than yields on the short end. While Investment Grade credit outperformed Treasuries, the High Yield sector underperformed. For the twelve month period, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index advanced 6.0%. The Barclays Corporate High Yield Index was up 2.5%. As yields across the world declined due to further monetary easing implemented by a number of central banks, bond markets outside the U.S. on average delivered strong returns in local currency terms. However, the positive local returns were erased by the depreciation of many currencies against the U.S. dollar. The Barclays Global Aggregate ex-U.S. Index lost 3.1% in U.S. dollar terms for the year.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio invested in underlying portfolios of the Met Investors Series Trust and the Metropolitan Series Fund to maintain a broad asset allocation of approximately 20% to equities and 80% to fixed income.

Over the twelve month period, the Portfolio outpaced the Dow Jones Conservative Index driven largely by the Portfolio’s domestic orientation relative to the index, particularly on the fixed income side, as the U.S. markets performed substantially better than most other markets.

Among all the fixed income underlying portfolios, the BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio produced the largest positive contribution to the allocation portfolio’s relative performance. The portfolio outperformed the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index due largely to its yield curve positioning. Yields on the long end of the U.S. yield curve declined significantly as the curve flattened throughout the year; bonds with a long maturity delivered remarkable returns in 2014. The portfolio benefited from an overweight to longer dated bonds. Additionally, the portfolio’s holdings in securitized assets added value as investors’ demand for yield boosted the returns of this sector. The Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio also contributed positively. Despite a modest detraction from its defensive interest rate position, the portfolio significantly benefited from a sizable underweight to the euro and the Japanese yen, as both currencies experienced a large depreciation against the U.S. dollar. Conversely, the PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio detracted from the allocation portfolio’s relative result due to the underperformance of the Treasury Inflation Protected Securities sector, as inflation expectations moderated over the course of the year. The Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio was another performance detractor, driven by the portfolio’s mandate of focusing on short duration bonds, which underperformed long duration bonds over the year.

The domestic equity portfolios in aggregate produced a modestly negative contribution. Underperformance was observed in a number of portfolios across the market cap range. Within the large cap space,

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

the Jennison Growth Portfolio and T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio detracted from performance. Both portfolios were negatively impacted by unfavorable stock selection in the Technology and Consumer sectors. In the midcap arena, the Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio was a noticeable detractor. The portfolio substantially underperformed its benchmark, the Russell Mid Cap Value Index, driven largely by its Energy sector holdings. An overweight position in the sector as well as stock selection within the sector weighed heavily on results. The portfolio’s holdings in a number of oil & gas exploration and production companies and drillers were among the largest decliners within the Energy sector as stock prices of these companies were most impacted by plunging oil prices. In the small cap space, the Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio trailed its benchmark, largely attributable to a lack of exposure in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which enjoyed a strong return in 2014. The team generally does not invest in REITs as these companies do not meet the team’s investment criteria: strong cash flow generating capabilities, the ability to finance their own growth, and high barriers to entry.

Within the equity portfolios that invest outside the U.S., the Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio was the top performance contributor as the REIT industry surged in the past year. The Clarion portfolio serves as a good diversifier in the underlying portfolio line-up, especially to balance off the other portfolios whose managers don’t invest in REITs. Since being added to the allocation portfolio in the beginning of May, the Met/Artisan International Portfolio also contributed positively, benefiting from a minimal exposure to the Energy sector in addition to healthy stock selection in the Technology and Health Care sectors. Conversely, the MFS Research International Portfolio somewhat hindered the allocation portfolio’s relative result due to its weak stock selection in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors.

Investment Committee

MetLife Advisers, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the advisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE DOW JONES CONSERVATIVE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        Since Inception2  
MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio                 

Class A

       4.73           6.47           5.48   

Class B

       4.47           6.21           5.23   
Dow Jones Conservative Index        3.86           4.88           4.92   

1 The Dow Jones Conservative Index is a total returns index designed to provide asset allocation strategists with a target risk benchmark. Each month, the Index adjusts its weighting of stocks, bonds, and cash indices (both domestic and foreign) from Barclays and Dow Jones such that the risk combination will have 20% of the risk of an all equity portfolio.

2 Inception date of the Class A and Class B shares is 5/2/05. Index since inception return is based on the Portfolio’s inception date.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
PIMCO Total Return Portfolio (Class A)      18.1   
Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio (Class A)      15.0   
BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (Class A)      12.5   
JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio (Class A)      10.5   
PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio (Class A)      9.0   
Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio (Class A)      6.0   
Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio (Class A)      3.0   
Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate Portfolio (Class A)      2.0   
Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio (Class A)      2.0   
Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A)      2.0   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)(b)

   Actual      0.64    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,008.70         $ 3.24   
   Hypothetical*      0.64    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.98         $ 3.26   

Class B(a)(b)

   Actual      0.89    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,007.90         $ 4.50   
   Hypothetical*      0.89    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.72         $ 4.53   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects an expense limitation agreement between MetLife Advisers, LLC and the Portfolio as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

(b) The annualized expense ratio reflects the expenses of both the Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mutual Funds—100.0% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Affiliated Investment Companies—100.0%

  

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    694,151      $ 6,990,101   

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    795,559        88,283,196   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    169,815        6,994,675   

BlackRock High Yield Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    429,244        3,524,094   

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    706,632        6,988,592   

Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    561,676        6,981,634   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    214,573        3,506,116   

Harris Oakmark International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    435,775        6,946,248   

Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    885,505        13,982,117   

Jennison Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    429,945        6,978,003   

JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    7,082,405        74,152,775   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    193,835        3,506,470   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    270,206        3,526,190   

Met/Artisan International Portfolio (Class A) (b) (c)

    691,103        6,938,677   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    12,889        3,503,176   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    1,368,590        14,110,167   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    4,243,403        42,306,723   

Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    1,240,424        14,041,600   

MetLife Small Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value Portfolio) (Class A) (b)

    171,003        3,507,270   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    182,583        1,756,445   

MFS Research International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    477,026        5,213,892   

MFS Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    759,925        13,967,430   

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    387,457        7,001,348   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    6,276,891        63,271,056   

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    10,511,749        127,087,048   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    283,220        7,012,523   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    388,867        13,975,866   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    1,576,094        21,166,947   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    8,739,893        105,840,104   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    323,362        13,946,596   

Affiliated Investment Companies—(Continued)

  

WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    481,809      6,981,419   
   

 

 

 

Total Mutual Funds
(Cost $680,790,193)

      703,988,498   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—100.0%
(Cost $680,790,193) (d)

      703,988,498   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—0.0%

      (282,348
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 703,706,150   
   

 

 

 

 

(a) A Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(b) A Portfolio of Met Investors Series Trust. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(c) Non-income producing security.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $684,148,460. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $27,788,616 and $(7,948,578), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $19,840,038 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Mutual Funds            

Affiliated Investment Companies

   $ 703,988,498       $ —         $ —         $ 703,988,498   

Total Investments

   $ 703,988,498       $ —         $ —         $ 703,988,498   
                                     

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Affiliated investments at value (a)

   $ 703,988,498   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     57,984   

Fund shares sold

     205,107   

Due from investment adviser

     11,781   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     704,263,370   

Liabilities

  

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     263,090   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     55,637   

Distribution and service fees

     139,403   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,842   

Other expenses

     35,248   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     557,220   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 703,706,150   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 648,229,655   

Undistributed net investment income

     14,325,756   

Accumulated net realized gain

     17,952,434   

Unrealized appreciation on affiliated investments

     23,198,305   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 703,706,150   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 50,069,457   

Class B

     653,636,693   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     4,319,018   

Class B

     56,802,910   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 11.59   

Class B

     11.51   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of affiliated investments was $680,790,193.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

   $ 15,722,502   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     15,722,502   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     650,652   

Administration fees

     22,220   

Custodian and accounting fees

     25,030   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,624,893   

Audit and tax services

     38,335   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,591   

Miscellaneous

     7,242   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     2,436,977   

Less expenses reimbursed by the Adviser

     (111,213
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     2,325,764   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     13,396,738   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain on:   

Affiliated investments

     15,285,035   

Capital gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     7,445,038   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     22,730,073   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation on affiliated investments

     (5,339,689
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     17,390,384   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 30,787,122   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 13,396,738      $ 18,884,748   

Net realized gain

     22,730,073        39,019,916   

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (5,339,689     (26,985,702
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     30,787,122        30,918,962   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (2,053,611     (1,669,825

Class B

     (24,345,939     (20,320,447

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (2,078,453     (252,309

Class B

     (26,396,677     (3,326,264
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (54,874,680     (25,568,845
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     23,536,074        (78,957,486
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

     (551,484     (73,607,369

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     704,257,634        777,865,003   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 703,706,150      $ 704,257,634   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 14,325,756      $ 26,235,354   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     743,506      $ 8,684,348        1,010,238      $ 12,089,640   

Reinvestments

     367,949        4,132,064        162,755        1,922,134   

Redemptions

     (982,643     (11,475,936     (1,579,390     (18,842,708
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     128,812      $ 1,340,476        (406,397   $ (4,830,934
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     10,113,496      $ 115,990,094        5,676,456      $ 67,480,408   

Reinvestments

     4,546,830        50,742,616        2,012,486        23,646,711   

Redemptions

     (12,486,605     (144,537,112     (14,002,275     (165,253,671
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     2,173,721      $ 22,195,598        (6,313,333   $ (74,126,552
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 23,536,074        $ (78,957,486
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 12.05       $ 11.94       $ 11.60       $ 11.51       $ 10.87   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.25         0.33         0.30         0.33         0.33   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.29         0.20         0.77         0.07         0.77   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.54         0.53         1.07         0.40         1.10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.50      (0.36      (0.41      (0.31      (0.46

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.50      (0.06      (0.32      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.00      (0.42      (0.73      (0.31      (0.46
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.59       $ 12.05       $ 11.94       $ 11.60       $ 11.51   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     4.73         4.50         9.49         3.48         10.34   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.12         0.11         0.11         0.11         0.11   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)(d)

     0.10         0.10         0.10         0.10         0.10   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (e)

     2.17         2.73         2.58         2.84         2.97   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     16         18         9         33         21   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 50.1       $ 50.5       $ 54.9       $ 48.7       $ 45.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.97       $ 11.86       $ 11.53       $ 11.44       $ 10.81   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.22         0.29         0.27         0.29         0.30   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.28         0.22         0.76         0.08         0.77   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.50         0.51         1.03         0.37         1.07   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.46      (0.34      (0.38      (0.28      (0.44

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.50      (0.06      (0.32      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.96      (0.40      (0.70      (0.28      (0.44
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.51       $ 11.97       $ 11.86       $ 11.53       $ 11.44   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     4.47         4.29         9.18         3.25         10.05   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.37         0.36         0.36         0.36         0.36   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)(d)

     0.35         0.35         0.35         0.35         0.35   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (e)

     1.89         2.49         2.35         2.49         2.68   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     16         18         9         33         21   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 653.6       $ 653.8       $ 723.0       $ 634.3       $ 562.4   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) The ratio of operating expenses to average net assets does not include expenses of the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.
(d) Includes the effects of expenses reimbursed by the Adviser (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(e) Recognition of net investment income by the Asset Allocation Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio (the “Asset Allocation Portfolio”), which is diversified. The Asset Allocation Portfolio operates under a “fund of funds” structure, investing substantially all of its assets in other Portfolios advised by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., or its affiliates (each, an “Underlying Portfolio,” and, collectively, the “Underlying Portfolios”). Shares in the Asset Allocation Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio has registered and offers two classes of shares: Class A and B shares. Shares of each Class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Asset Allocation Portfolio, and certain Asset Allocation Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Asset Allocation Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Asset Allocation Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are valued at their closing daily net asset value on the valuation date. Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. For information about the use of fair value pricing by the Underlying Portfolios, please refer to the prospectuses of the Underlying Portfolios.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Asset Allocation Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Capital gains distributions received from the Underlying Portfolios are recorded as net realized gain in the Statement of Operations.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Asset Allocation Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to distributions from Underlying Portfolios. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Asset Allocation Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Underlying Portfolios invest in securities and enter into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Underlying Portfolios may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Underlying Portfolios; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Underlying Portfolios may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Underlying Portfolios have unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Underlying Portfolios to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Underlying Portfolios manage counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of their trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of their net exposure to each individual counterparty based on the adviser’s assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Underlying Portfolios restrict their exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom the Underlying Portfolios undertake a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of shares of the Underlying Portfolios by the Asset Allocation Portfolio, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases      Sales  
U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$ 0       $ 110,023,056       $ 0       $ 120,447,926   

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Asset Allocation Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014
   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$650,652      0.100   Of the first $500 million
     0.075   Of the next $500 million
     0.050   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

In addition to the above management fee paid to MetLife Advisers, the Asset Allocation Portfolio indirectly pays MetLife Advisers an investment advisory fee through its investments in the Underlying Portfolios.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Expense Limitation Agreement - Pursuant to an expense agreement relating to each class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio, MetLife Advisers has contractually agreed, from April 28, 2014 to April 26, 2015, to waive a portion of its advisory fees or pay a portion of the other operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage costs, interest, taxes, or extraordinary expenses) to the extent total operating expenses exceed stated annual expense limits (based on the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s then-current fiscal year). For the Asset Allocation Portfolio, this subsidy, and identical subsidies in effect in earlier periods, are subject to the obligation of each class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio to repay MetLife Advisers in future years, if any, when a class’ expenses fall

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

below the stated expense limit pertaining to that class that was in effect at the time of the subsidy in question. Such deferred expenses may be charged to a class in a subsequent year to the extent that the charge does not cause the total expenses in such subsequent year to exceed the class’ stated expense limit that was in effect at the time of the subsidy in question; provided, however, that no class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio is obligated to repay any expense paid by MetLife Advisers more than five years after the end of the fiscal year in which such expense was incurred. The expense limits (annual rates as a percentage of each class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s net average daily net assets) in effect from April 28, 2014 to April 26, 2015 are 0.10% and 0.35% for Class A and B, respectively.

As of December 31, 2014, the amount of expenses deferred in 2010 subject to repayment until December 31, 2015 was $71,127. The amount of expenses deferred in 2011 subject to repayment until December 31, 2016 was $38,237. The amount of expenses deferred in 2012 subject to repayment until December 31, 2017 was $74,663. The amount of expenses deferred in 2013 subject to repayment until December 31, 2018 was $61,885. The amount of expenses deferred in 2014 subject to repayment until December 31, 2019 was $111,213.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class A and B Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class B shares. Under the Distribution and Services Plan, the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Asset Allocation Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Services Plan for each class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B shares. Amount incurred by the Asset Allocation Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 is shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an active employee of MetLife or its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Asset Allocation Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Transactions in Securities of Affiliated Issuers

The Portfolio does not invest in the Underlying Portfolios for the purpose of exercising control; however, investments by the Portfolio within its principal investment strategies may represent a significant portion of the Underlying Portfolios’ net assets. Transactions in the Underlying Portfolios for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Underlying Portfolio

  Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares sold     Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

    674,662         153,637         (134,148     694,151   

BlackRock Bond Income

    819,606         68,823         (92,870     795,559   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation

    187,852         35,280         (53,317     169,815   

BlackRock High Yield

    558,310         101,450         (230,516     429,244   

BlackRock Large Cap Value

    591,358         308,443         (193,169     706,632   

Clarion Global Real Estate

    636,517         81,095         (155,936     561,676   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value

    200,123         78,184         (63,734     214,573   

Harris Oakmark International

    371,169         146,946         (82,340     435,775   

Invesco Comstock

    975,148         162,568         (252,211     885,505   

Jennison Growth

    539,041         129,797         (238,893     429,945   

JPMorgan Core Bond

    5,870,256         1,826,449         (614,300     7,082,405   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value

    177,607         71,756         (55,528     193,835   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

    365,350         52,179         (147,323     270,206   

Met/Artisan International

            768,900         (77,797     691,103   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

    13,233         2,403         (2,747     12,889   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate

    1,327,385         128,214         (87,009     1,368,590   

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Underlying Portfolio

  Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
    Shares
purchased
     Shares sold     Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return

    4,198,867        338,349         (293,813     4,243,403   

Met/Templeton International Bond

    1,206,952        150,923         (117,451     1,240,424   

MetLife Small Cap Value (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value)

    506,729        125,293         (461,019     171,003   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

    170,443        53,485         (41,345     182,583   

MFS Research International

    443,928        105,560         (72,462     477,026   

MFS Value

    801,107        163,775         (204,957     759,925   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

    391,139        81,325         (85,007     387,457   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

    7,032,253        631,942         (1,387,304     6,276,891   

PIMCO Total Return

    11,231,865        825,586         (1,545,702     10,511,749   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

    347,982        87,410         (152,172     283,220   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

    508,477        66,506         (186,116     388,867   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

    1,364,300        341,615         (129,821     1,576,094   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government

    8,784,176        640,576         (684,859     8,739,893   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

    380,528        79,767         (136,933     323,362   

WMC Large Cap Research

           571,449         (89,640     481,809   

Underlying Portfolio

  Net Realized
Gain/(Loss) on sales
of Underlying
Portfolios
    Capital Gain
Distributions
from Underlying
Portfolios
     Dividend Income
from Underlying
Portfolios
    Ending Value
as of
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

  $ 253,560      $       $ 94,944      $ 6,990,101   

BlackRock Bond Income

    353,650                2,986,268        88,283,196   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation

    534,416                4,477        6,994,675   

BlackRock High Yield

    (40,528     214,091         291,607        3,524,094   

BlackRock Large Cap Value

    157,595        1,611,807         88,456        6,988,592   

Clarion Global Real Estate

    199,561                127,597        6,981,634   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value

    47,267        613,745         27,215        3,506,116   

Harris Oakmark International

    330,636        632,153         171,886        6,946,248   

Invesco Comstock

    1,428,884                161,387        13,982,117   

Jennison Growth

    915,185        452,001         22,230        6,978,003   

JPMorgan Core Bond

    (101,932     327,825         1,017,388        74,152,775   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value

    100,242        405,779         37,076        3,506,470   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

    49,943        128,393         275,425        3,526,190   

Met/Artisan International

    18,974                       6,938,677   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

    257,264                24,715        3,503,176   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate

    44,057        57,975         490,854        14,110,167   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return

    6,619                926,522        42,306,723   

Met/Templeton International Bond

    51,391                654,113        14,041,600   

MetLife Small Cap Value (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value)

    2,464,166        413,690         28,749        3,507,270   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

    (7,560             18,299        1,756,445   

MFS Research International

    157,063                123,836        5,213,892   

MFS Value

    1,390,325        656,407         235,257        13,967,430   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

    432,875                26,575        7,001,348   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

    (1,345,017             1,258,380        63,271,056   

PIMCO Total Return

    1,841,309                3,314,568        127,087,048   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

    1,486,017        584,797         5,121        7,012,523   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

    1,953,141                245,248        13,975,866   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

    197,586                959,076        21,166,947   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government

    180,181                1,992,575        105,840,104   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

    1,826,748        1,346,375         112,658        13,946,596   

WMC Large Cap Research

    101,417                       6,981,419   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 15,285,035      $ 7,445,038       $ 15,722,502      $ 703,988,498   
 

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income      Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  
2014      2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$ 27,307,125       $ 21,990,272       $ 27,567,555       $ 3,578,573       $ 54,874,680       $ 25,568,845   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$ 14,506,337       $ 21,193,960       $ 19,840,040       $       $ 55,540,337   

The Asset Allocation Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses. As of December 31, 2014, the Asset Allocation Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements” or “Agreements”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser that the Adviser had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser has provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance program, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser regularly review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding material information related to those reviews and assessments.

The Board further considered the provision of investment advisory services by the Adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolios (i.e., MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio and MetLife Asset Allocation 100 Portfolio) and the American Funds of Funds (i.e., American Funds Balanced Allocation Portfolio, American Funds Growth Allocation Portfolio and American Funds Moderate Allocation Portfolio). With respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board noted that the Adviser has hired an independent consultant to provide research and consulting services with respect to the periodic asset allocation targets for each of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and to investments

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

in other Portfolios of the Trusts (the “Underlying Portfolios”), which may assist the Adviser with the selection of Underlying Portfolios for inclusion in each Asset Allocation Portfolio. Additionally, the Board considered that a committee, consisting of investment professionals from across the Adviser, meets periodically to review the asset allocations and discuss the performance of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and the American Funds of Funds.

The Board further considered and found that the advisory fee to be paid to the Adviser with respect to each Asset Allocation Portfolio and American Fund of Funds was based on services to be provided that were in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided pursuant to the advisory agreements for the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance. The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”) and a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report.

The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. In the case of the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board also considered the Adviser’s analysis of its profitability that was attributable to its management of the Underlying Portfolios of the Trust in which the Asset Allocation Portfolios invest. The Board further considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Portfolios, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio (formerly, MetLife Conservative Allocation Portfolio). The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreement with the Adviser regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed both the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Conservative AA Broad Index, for the one-year period ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed the Conservative AA Broad Index for the three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio outperformed its other benchmark, the Dow Jones Conservative Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board took into account management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance, including prevailing market conditions.

The Board considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median and Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also took into account that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A and B shares of the MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio returned 5.16% and 4.93%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Dow Jones Moderately Conservative Index1, returned 4.78%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

After a sharp weather-related contraction in the first quarter, the U.S. economy turned the corner and ended 2014 on a strong note, with the majority of leading economic indicators pointing to continued strength. U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew healthily in the second and third quarters, the strongest two quarters of expansion since 2003. Solid economic growth domestically, combined with the Federal Reserve Bank’s (the “Fed”) accommodative stance in respect to interest rates, provided ample support for the U.S. stock market, which delivered another strong year of performance in 2014. Economic growth around the world became increasingly divergent in 2014. While the U.S. economy was on the rise, renewed concerns over economic growth in Europe and Asia weighed on the equity market outside the U.S. Furthermore, geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe and Iraq added to short-term volatility. As the Fed finally wound down its quantitative easing program as planned, the European Central Bank initiated an easing strategy, and the Bank of Japan increased its asset purchasing program. In November, China cut interest rates unexpectedly, stepping up a campaign to prop up growth in the world’s second-largest economy as it headed toward its slowest growth in nearly a quarter century. As other central banks moved towards further stimulus, the U.S. dollar rallied strongly, which further dented the returns of international stocks in U.S. dollar terms.

The U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, was the bright spot in the global equity market, advancing 13.7% over the twelve month period. Small cap stocks, represented by the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, trailed their large cap counterparts at 5.8%, despite an outperformance in the fourth quarter. Energy stocks were the bottom performing sector and the only sector that produced a negative return for the year, driven by plummeting oil prices as a result of increased production in the U.S. and a slower demand worldwide. On the other side of the spectrum, the Utilities sector delivered the best results, as investors were hungry for yields in an extended low interest rate environment. The Health Care sector followed closely behind, gaining on strong earnings reports and forward guidance. Technology stocks performed strongly as well, with semiconductor manufacturers and software firms benefitting from order expansions and merger activities. The equity markets outside the U.S., however, ended the year in negative territory in both the developed world and emerging markets. The MSCI EAFE Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Index declined 4.9% and 2.2% in U.S. dollar terms, respectively.

Contrary to many investors’ expectations of rising yields in the U.S., Treasury yields declined across the maturity spectrum in 2014. The 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 2.17% at the end of the year. As a result, the bond market rallied over the course of the past year. The yield curve continued to flatten with yields on the long end of the curve coming down significantly more than yields on the short end. While Investment Grade credit outperformed Treasuries, the High Yield sector underperformed. For the twelve month period, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index advanced 6.0%. The Barclays Corporate High Yield Index was up 2.5%. As yields across the world declined due to further monetary easing implemented by a number of central banks, bond markets outside the U.S. on average delivered strong returns in local currency terms. However, the positive local returns were erased by the depreciation of many currencies against the U.S. dollar. The Barclays Global Aggregate ex-U.S. Index lost 3.1% in U.S. dollar terms for the year.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio invested in underlying portfolios of the Met Investors Series Trust and the Metropolitan Series Fund to maintain a broad asset allocation of approximately 40% to equities and 60% to fixed income.

Over the twelve month period, the Portfolio outpaced the Dow Jones Moderately Conservative Index driven largely by the Portfolio’s domestic orientation relative to the index as the U.S. markets performed substantially better than most other markets.

Among all the fixed income underlying portfolios, the BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio produced the largest positive contribution to the allocation portfolio’s relative performance. The portfolio outperformed the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index due largely to its yield curve positioning. Yields on the long end of the U.S. yield curve declined significantly as the curve flattened throughout the year; bonds with a long maturity delivered remarkable returns in 2014. The portfolio benefited from an overweight to longer dated bonds. Additionally, the portfolio’s holdings in securitized assets added value as investors’ demand for yield boosted the returns of this sector. The Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio also contributed positively. Despite a modest detraction from its defensive interest rate position, the portfolio significantly benefited from a sizable underweight to the euro and the Japanese yen, as both currencies experienced a large depreciation against the U.S. dollar. Conversely, the PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio detracted from the allocation portfolio’s relative result due to the underperformance of the Treasury Inflation Protected Securities sector, as inflation expectations moderated over the course of the year. The Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio was another performance detractor, driven by the portfolio’s mandate of focusing on short duration bonds, which underperformed long duration bonds over the year.

The domestic equity portfolios in aggregate produced a positive contribution. The ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio considerably outpaced its benchmark. Strong stock selection in the Health Care, Technology, and Consumer Discretionary sectors generated sizable

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

contributions to relative performance. An overweight to the Health Care sector further enhanced return. The T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio and WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio also contributed positively. For the T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio, solid stock selection in the Industrials sector more than compensated for a negative impact from an underweight position to the Technology sector. More specifically, within the Industrials sector, the portfolio’s holding in Southwest Airlines generated a significant contribution as the price of the stock soared more than 100% in the past year. The WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio benefited from healthy stock selection in the Health Care and Materials sectors. Conversely, the Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio detracted from the allocation’s relative result, largely driven by a lack of exposure in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which enjoyed a strong return in 2014. The team generally does not invest in REITs as these companies do not meet the team’s investment criteria: strong cash flow generating capabilities, the ability to finance their own growth, and high barriers to entry. The Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio also trailed its benchmark index driven largely by the Energy sector where both an overweight position and unfavorable stock selection weighed heavily on results. The portfolio’s holdings in a number of oil & gas exploration and production companies and drilling companies were among the largest decliners within the Energy sector as stock prices of these companies were most impacted by plunging oil prices.

Within the equity portfolios that invest outside the U.S., the Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio produced a large detraction to the allocation portfolio’s relative performance as the Energy sector sold off due to plummeting oil prices. The MFS Research International Portfolio also hindered the allocation portfolio’s relative result to some extent due to its weak stock selection in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors. Conversely, the Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio aided the relative performance of the allocation portfolio as the REIT industry surged in the past year. The Clarion portfolio serves as a good diversifier in the underlying portfolio line-up, especially to balance off the other portfolios whose managers don’t invest in REITs. Since being added to the allocation portfolio in the beginning of May, the Met/Artisan International Portfolio also contributed positively, benefiting from a minimal exposure to the Energy sector in addition to healthy stock selection in the Technology and Health Care sectors.

Investment Committee

MetLife Advisers, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the advisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE DOW JONES MODERATELY CONSERVATIVE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        Since Inception2  
MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio                 

Class A

       5.16           8.14           6.08   

Class B

       4.93           7.89           5.81   
Dow Jones Moderately Conservative Index        4.78           7.03           5.74   

1 The Dow Jones Moderately Conservative Index is a total returns index designed to provide asset allocation strategists with a target risk benchmark. Each month, the Index adjusts its weighting of stocks, bonds, and cash indices (both domestic and foreign) from Barclays and Dow Jones such that the risk combination will have 40% of the risk of an all equity portfolio.

2 Inception date of the Class A and Class B shares is 5/2/05. Index since inception return is based on the Portfolio’s inception date.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio (Class A)

     14.1   

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (Class A)

     9.6   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio (Class A)

     9.0   

JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio (Class A)

     8.6   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio (Class A)

     6.0   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio (Class A)

     4.0   

MFS Value Portfolio (Class A)

     3.5   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A)

     3.5   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (Class A)

     3.5   

Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A)

     3.0   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.66    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,007.10         $ 3.34   
   Hypothetical*      0.66    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.88         $ 3.36   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.91    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,006.40         $ 4.60   
   Hypothetical*      0.91    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.62         $ 4.63   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio reflects the expenses of both the Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mutual Funds—100.0% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Affiliated Investment Companies—100.0%

  

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    16,663,364      $ 167,800,073   

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    7,261,961        805,859,867   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    4,095,624        168,698,756   

BlackRock High Yield Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    5,145,360        42,243,409   

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    17,043,410        168,559,322   

Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    6,787,848        84,372,956   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    5,262,299        84,038,908   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    2,583,508        42,214,513   

Harris Oakmark International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    13,047,619        207,979,045   

Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    16,019,661        252,950,455   

Invesco Small Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    6,445,844        126,467,465   

Jennison Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    7,775,525        126,196,776   

JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    68,737,222        719,678,710   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    4,667,169        84,429,089   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    3,255,431        42,483,376   

Met/Artisan International Portfolio (Class A) (b) (c)

    8,263,325        82,963,780   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    155,288        42,205,680   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    16,466,536        169,769,985   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    33,991,005        338,890,317   

Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    22,292,246        252,348,230   

MetLife Small Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value Portfolio) (Class A) (b)

    4,118,035        84,460,904   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    8,201,306        78,896,561   

MFS Research International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    11,282,085        123,313,187   

MFS Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    16,048,262        294,967,062   

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    4,663,646        84,272,081   

Oppenheimer Global Equity Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    2,054,951        41,797,711   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    49,719,666        501,174,230   

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    98,215,823        1,187,429,295   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    8,531,107        211,230,214   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    8,202,897        294,812,117   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    3,369,713        42,188,806   

Affiliated Investment Companies—(Continued)

  

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    6,212,917      70,330,218   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    12,649,858        169,887,588   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    62,892,871        761,632,664   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    6,833,966        294,748,966   

WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    11,612,157        168,260,148   
   

 

 

 

Total Mutual Funds
(Cost $7,683,904,663)

      8,419,552,464   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—100.0%
(Cost $7,683,904,663) (d)

      8,419,552,464   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—0.0%

      (2,380,160
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 8,417,172,304   
   

 

 

 

 

(a) A Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(b) A Portfolio of Met Investors Series Trust. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(c) Non-income producing security.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $7,733,326,940. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $763,993,275 and $(77,767,751), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $686,225,524 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1- unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Mutual Funds            

Affiliated Investment Companies

   $ 8,419,552,464       $ —         $ —         $ 8,419,552,464   

Total Investments

   $ 8,419,552,464       $ —         $ —         $ 8,419,552,464   
                                     

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Affiliated investments at value (a)

   $ 8,419,552,464   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     2,289,543   

Fund shares sold

     73,829   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     8,421,915,836   

Liabilities

  

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     2,363,372   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     391,637   

Distribution and service fees

     1,774,913   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     170,653   

Other expenses

     42,957   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     4,743,532   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 8,417,172,304   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 7,273,781,788   

Undistributed net investment income

     20,885,060   

Accumulated net realized gain

     386,857,655   

Unrealized appreciation on affiliated investments

     735,647,801   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 8,417,172,304   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 112,910,149   

Class B

     8,304,262,155   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     8,860,639   

Class B

     657,214,653   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 12.74   

Class B

     12.64   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of affiliated investments was $7,683,904,663.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

   $ 35,781,623   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     35,781,623   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     3,649,375   

Administration fees

     22,580   

Custodian and accounting fees

     24,951   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     16,091,146   

Audit and tax services

     54,815   

Legal

     74,237   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     34,295   

Miscellaneous

     8,491   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     19,959,890   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     15,821,733   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain on:   

Affiliated investments

     441,664,043   

Capital gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     37,894,526   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     479,558,569   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation on affiliated investments

     (149,304,304
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     330,254,265   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 346,075,998   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 15,821,733      $ 37,223,856   

Net realized gain

     479,558,569        85,696,460   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (149,304,304     59,784,094   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     346,075,998        182,704,410   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (3,378,136     (2,796,845

Class B

     (47,144,461     (41,855,943

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (3,987,034     (1,053,884

Class B

     (60,578,097     (17,273,881
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (115,087,728     (62,980,553
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     6,400,075,922        (48,986,259
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     6,631,064,192        70,737,598   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,786,108,112        1,715,370,514   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 8,417,172,304      $ 1,786,108,112   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 20,885,060      $ 50,366,350   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     1,248,024      $ 15,816,049        1,772,088      $ 22,163,090   

Shares issued through acquisition (a)

     118,331        1,450,736        0        0   

Reinvestments

     602,715        7,365,170        317,717        3,850,729   

Redemptions

     (1,401,100     (17,765,133     (1,815,178     (22,693,095
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     567,970      $ 6,866,822        274,627      $ 3,320,724   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     8,492,611      $ 106,596,008        8,148,498      $ 101,089,311   

Shares issued through acquisition (a)

     596,895,609        7,270,188,523        0        0   

Reinvestments

     8,873,357        107,722,558        4,911,115        59,129,824   

Redemptions

     (87,261,113     (1,091,297,989     (17,141,715     (212,526,118
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     527,000,464      $ 6,393,209,100        (4,082,102   $ (52,306,983
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 6,400,075,922        $ (48,986,259
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 9 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data  
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 12.99       $ 12.14       $ 11.25       $ 11.36       $ 10.54   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.24         0.29         0.28         0.29         0.28   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.40         1.04         1.02         (0.14      0.94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.64         1.33         1.30         0.15         1.22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.41      (0.35      (0.37      (0.26      (0.40

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.48      (0.13      (0.04      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.89      (0.48      (0.41      (0.26      (0.40
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.74       $ 12.99       $ 12.14       $ 11.25       $ 11.36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.16         11.20         11.74         1.27         11.78   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.06         0.08         0.08         0.08         0.10   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.06         0.08         0.08         0.08         0.10   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (d)

     1.92         2.31         2.37         2.50         2.64   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     15         15         10         32         16   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 112.9       $ 107.7       $ 97.3       $ 84.8       $ 86.2   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 12.89       $ 12.05       $ 11.17       $ 11.28       $ 10.47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.03         0.26         0.25         0.24         0.25   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.57         1.03         1.01         (0.11      0.94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.60         1.29         1.26         0.13         1.19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.37      (0.32      (0.34      (0.24      (0.38

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.48      (0.13      (0.04      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.85      (0.45      (0.38      (0.24      (0.38
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.64       $ 12.89       $ 12.05       $ 11.17       $ 11.28   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     4.93         10.92         11.46         1.05         11.53   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.31         0.33         0.33         0.33         0.35   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.31         0.33         0.33         0.33         0.35   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.21         2.10         2.16         2.16         2.31   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     15         15         10         32         16   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 8,304.3       $ 1,678.4       $ 1,618.0       $ 1,498.6       $ 1,364.2   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) The ratio of operating expenses to average net assets does not include expenses of the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.
(d) Recognition of net investment income by the Asset Allocation Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio (the “Asset Allocation Portfolio”), which is diversified. The Asset Allocation Portfolio operates under a “fund of funds” structure, investing substantially all of its assets in other Portfolios advised by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., or its affiliates (each, an “Underlying Portfolio,” and, collectively, the “Underlying Portfolios”). Shares in the Asset Allocation Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio has registered and offers two classes of shares: Class A and B shares. Shares of each Class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Asset Allocation Portfolio, and certain Asset Allocation Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Asset Allocation Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Asset Allocation Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are valued at their closing daily net asset value on the valuation date. Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. For information about the use of fair value pricing by the Underlying Portfolios, please refer to the prospectuses of the Underlying Portfolios.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Asset Allocation Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Capital gains distributions received from the Underlying Portfolios are recorded as net realized gain in the Statement of Operations.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Asset Allocation Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to distributions from Underlying Portfolios and merger adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Asset Allocation Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Underlying Portfolios invest in securities and enter into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Underlying Portfolios may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Underlying Portfolios; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Underlying Portfolios may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Underlying Portfolios have unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Underlying Portfolios to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Underlying Portfolios manage counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of their trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of their net exposure to each individual counterparty based on the adviser’s assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Underlying Portfolios restrict their exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom the Underlying Portfolios undertake a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of shares of the Underlying Portfolios by the Asset Allocation Portfolio, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 976,912,099       $ 0       $ 1,909,828,081   

With respect to the Portfolio’s mergers with Met Investors Series Trust MetLife Defensive Strategy Portfolio and Met Investors Series Trust MetLife Moderate Strategy Portfolio (see Note 9) on April 25, 2014, the Portfolio acquired long-term equity securities with a cost of $6,602,941,434 that are not included in the above non-U.S. Government purchases.

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Asset Allocation Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$3,649,375      0.100   Of the first $500 million
     0.075   Of the next $500 million
     0.050   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

In addition to the above management fee paid to MetLife Advisers, the Asset Allocation Portfolio indirectly pays MetLife Advisers an investment advisory fee through its investments in the Underlying Portfolios.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class A and B Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class B shares. Under the Distribution and Services Plan, the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Asset Allocation Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Services Plan for each class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B shares. Amount incurred by the Asset Allocation Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 is shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an active employee of MetLife or its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Asset Allocation Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Transactions in Securities of Affiliated Issuers

The Portfolio does not invest in the Underlying Portfolios for the purpose of exercising control; however, investments by the Portfolio within its principal investment strategies may represent a significant portion of the Underlying Portfolios’ net assets. Transactions in the Underlying Portfolios for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares
sold
    Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

     3,499,409         14,167,880         (1,003,925     16,663,364   

BlackRock Bond Income

     1,557,182         6,134,087         (429,308     7,261,961   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation

     990,300         5,163,313         (2,057,989     4,095,624   

BlackRock High Yield

     1,422,298         14,518,819         (10,795,757     5,145,360   

BlackRock Large Cap Value

     3,065,295         30,291,204         (16,313,089     17,043,410   

Clarion Global Real Estate

     1,568,400         10,719,423         (5,499,975     6,787,848   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth

     1,380,024         8,594,239         (4,711,964     5,262,299   

Frontier Mid Cap Growth

             550,384         (550,384       

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value

     1,039,162         4,525,661         (2,981,315     2,583,508   

Harris Oakmark International

     2,389,106         11,855,953         (1,197,440     13,047,619   

Invesco Comstock

     3,805,416         17,625,781         (5,411,536     16,019,661   

Invesco Small Cap Growth

     1,807,941         6,796,147         (2,158,244     6,445,844   

Jennison Growth

     1,762,477         10,548,644         (4,535,596     7,775,525   

JPMorgan Core Bond

     11,007,462         61,642,005         (3,912,245     68,737,222   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value

     461,918         4,686,468         (481,217     4,667,169   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

     930,138         4,096,830         (1,771,537     3,255,431   

Met/Artisan International

             8,920,071         (656,746     8,263,325   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

     68,472         236,968         (150,152     155,288   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company

             2,996,408         (2,996,408       

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate

     3,342,055         14,442,689         (1,318,208     16,466,536   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return

     7,018,649         27,935,321         (962,965     33,991,005   

Met/Templeton International Bond

     4,520,341         18,699,898         (927,993     22,292,246   

MetLife Small Cap Value (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value)

     1,315,291         4,962,689         (2,159,945     4,118,035   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

     1,687,237         8,539,825         (2,025,756     8,201,306   

MFS Research International

     2,284,354         13,742,573         (4,744,842     11,282,085   

MFS Value

     4,694,365         21,611,803         (10,257,906     16,048,262   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

     1,015,597         6,233,640         (2,585,591     4,663,646   

Oppenheimer Global Equity

             2,246,304         (191,353     2,054,951   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

     11,939,482         39,090,406         (1,310,222     49,719,666   

PIMCO Total Return

     22,207,312         97,059,969         (21,051,458     98,215,823   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

     1,893,047         8,205,484         (1,567,424     8,531,107   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

     2,576,002         9,464,441         (3,837,546     8,202,897   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     1,503,974         4,475,173         (2,609,434     3,369,713   

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares
sold
    Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

Van Eck Global Natural Resources

     1,263,823         5,463,220         (514,126     6,212,917   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

     2,116,592         11,136,553         (603,287     12,649,858   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government *

     13,089,672         52,044,106         (2,240,907     62,892,871   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

     1,293,728         6,563,374         (1,023,136     6,833,966   

WMC Large Cap Research

             13,794,132         (2,181,975     11,612,157   

 

* The Portfolio had ownership of at least 25% of the outstanding voting securities of the Underlying Portfolio as of December 31, 2014. The most recent Annual Report of the Underlying Portfolio is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 848-3854 or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Net Realized
Gain/(Loss) on sales
of Underlying
Portfolios
    Capital Gain
Distributions
from Underlying
Portfolios
     Dividend Income
from Underlying
Portfolios
     Ending Value
as of
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

   $ 1,430,824      $       $ 487,470       $ 167,800,073   

BlackRock Bond Income

     3,722,831                5,836,116         805,859,867   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation

     17,693,417                22,243         168,698,756   

BlackRock High Yield

     3,044,723        551,211         750,789         42,243,409   

BlackRock Large Cap Value

     (3,856,344     8,293,127         455,128         168,559,322   

Clarion Global Real Estate

     22,270,224                327,492         84,372,956   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth

     26,034,791                55,026         84,038,908   

Frontier Mid Cap Growth

     1,348,631                          

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value

     11,659,852        3,154,797         139,891         42,214,513   

Harris Oakmark International

     6,506,010        4,063,733         1,104,949         207,979,045   

Invesco Comstock

     46,461,498                622,856         252,950,455   

Invesco Small Cap Growth

     13,276,298        3,885,209                 126,467,465   

Jennison Growth

     15,161,854        1,389,935         68,357         126,196,776   

JPMorgan Core Bond

     (518,136     641,744         1,991,619         719,678,710   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value

     644,856        1,040,323         95,055         84,429,089   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

     (124,246     331,312         710,717         42,483,376   

Met/Artisan International

     163,594                        82,963,780   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

     20,945,658                127,279         42,205,680   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company

     7,263,059                          

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate

     443,032        149,068         1,262,104         169,769,985   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return

     (53,219             1,589,568         338,890,317   

Met/Templeton International Bond

     1,344,346                2,526,412         252,348,230   

MetLife Small Cap Value (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value)

     15,728,609        1,065,453         74,042         84,460,904   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

     9,092,712                187,828         78,896,561   

MFS Research International

     12,789,137                638,352         123,313,187   

MFS Value

     77,170,326        3,805,093         1,363,752         294,967,062   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

     14,593,108                68,324         84,272,081   

Oppenheimer Global Equity

     147,483                        41,797,711   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

     (216,839             2,247,549         501,174,230   

PIMCO Total Return

     18,061,046                6,714,037         1,187,429,295   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

     18,641,507        3,033,222         26,561         211,230,214   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

     46,058,696                1,234,344         294,812,117   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     12,103,233        1,675,109                 42,188,806   

Van Eck Global Natural Resources

     2,795,947        283,856         91,370         70,330,218   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

     822,552                1,517,178         169,887,588   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government

     (290,807             3,066,055         761,632,664   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

     17,078,645        4,531,334         379,160         294,748,966   

WMC Large Cap Research

     2,225,135                        168,260,148   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 441,664,043      $ 37,894,526       $ 35,781,623       $ 8,419,552,464   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$52,413,626    $ 44,793,771       $ 62,674,102       $ 18,186,782       $ 115,087,728       $ 62,980,553   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$23,586,962    $ 433,748,682       $ 686,225,524       $       $ 1,143,561,168   

The Asset Allocation Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses. As of December 31, 2014, the Asset Allocation Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 25, 2014, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A and Class B net assets of $110,043,214 and $1,648,206,168, respectively, acquired all the assets and liabilities of both MetLife Defensive Strategy Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“MetLife Defensive Strategy”) and MetLife Moderate Strategy Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“MetLife Moderate Strategy”).

The acquisitions were accomplished by a tax-free exchange of shares of the Portfolio in the following amounts:

 

Portfolio

   Share Class      Shares Prior to
Acquisition
     Value of Shares
Issued by Portfolio
     Shares Issued By
Portfolio
 

MetLife Defensive Strategy

     Class A         2,596       $ 26,376         2,151   

MetLife Defensive Strategy

     Class B         239,308,576         2,419,426,306         198,639,270   

MetLife Moderate Strategy

     Class A         127,474         1,424,360         116,180   

MetLife Moderate Strategy

     Class B         435,277,824         4,850,762,217         398,256,339   

Each shareholder of MetLife Defensive Strategy and MetLife Moderate Strategy received shares of the Portfolio with the same class designation and at the respective Class NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 25, 2014. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by the MetLife Defensive Strategy and MetLife Moderate Strategy Portfolios may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. All costs associated with the merger were borne by the shareholders of the Portfolios.

MetLife Defensive Strategy’s net assets on April 25, 2014 were $26,376 and $2,419,426,306 for Class A and B shares, respectively, including investments valued at $2,420,095,150 with a cost basis of $2,283,459,843. MetLife Moderate Strategy’s net assets on April 25, 2014 were $1,424,360 and $4,850,762,217 for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, including investments valued at $4,853,371,562 with a cost basis of $4,319,481,591. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed, and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from MetLife Defensive Strategy and MetLife Moderate Strategy Portfolios were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $9,029,888,641, which included $136,635,307 and $533,889,971 of acquired unrealized appreciation on investments from MetLife Defensive Strategy and MetLife Moderate Strategy, respectively.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2014, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

Net Investment income

   $ 154,153,884 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     269,770,459 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 423,924,343   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of MetLife Defensive Strategy and MetLife Moderate Strategy that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 25, 2014.

 

(a) $15,821,733 net investment income as reported plus $49,602,970 from MetLife Defensive Strategy pre-merger net investment income, plus $88,380,787 from MetLife Moderate Strategy pre-merger net investment income, plus $240,411 in lower net advisory fees, plus $107,983 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $735,647,801 unrealized appreciation as reported minus $1,218,019,715 pro-forma December 31, 2013 unrealized appreciation, plus $479,558,569 net realized gain as reported, plus $74,144,708 and $198,439,096 in net realized gain from MetLife Defensive Strategy and MetLife Moderate Strategy pre-merger, respectively.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements” or “Agreements”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser that the Adviser had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser has provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance program, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser regularly review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding material information related to those reviews and assessments.

The Board further considered the provision of investment advisory services by the Adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolios (i.e., MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio and MetLife Asset Allocation 100 Portfolio) and the American Funds of Funds (i.e., American Funds Balanced Allocation Portfolio, American Funds Growth Allocation Portfolio and American Funds Moderate Allocation Portfolio). With respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board noted that the Adviser has hired an independent consultant to provide research and consulting services with respect to the periodic asset allocation targets for each of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and to investments

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

in other Portfolios of the Trusts (the “Underlying Portfolios”), which may assist the Adviser with the selection of Underlying Portfolios for inclusion in each Asset Allocation Portfolio. Additionally, the Board considered that a committee, consisting of investment professionals from across the Adviser, meets periodically to review the asset allocations and discuss the performance of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and the American Funds of Funds.

The Board further considered and found that the advisory fee to be paid to the Adviser with respect to each Asset Allocation Portfolio and American Fund of Funds was based on services to be provided that were in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided pursuant to the advisory agreements for the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance. The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”) and a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report.

The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. In the case of the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board also considered the Adviser’s analysis of its profitability that was attributable to its management of the Underlying Portfolios of the Trust in which the Asset Allocation Portfolios invest. The Board further considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Portfolios, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio (formerly, MetLife Conservative to Moderate Allocation Portfolio). The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreement with the Adviser regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed both the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Conservative to Moderate AA Broad Index, for the one-year period ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed the Conservative to Moderate AA Broad Index for the three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. In addition, the Board noted that the Portfolio outperformed its other benchmark, the Dow Jones Moderately Conservative Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median and the Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A and B shares of the MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio returned 5.29% and 5.05%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Dow Jones Moderate Index1, returned 5.35%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

After a sharp weather-related contraction in the first quarter, the U.S. economy turned the corner and ended 2014 on a strong note, with the majority of leading economic indicators pointing to continued strength. U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew healthily in the second and third quarters, the strongest two quarters of expansion since 2003. Solid economic growth domestically, combined with the Federal Reserve Bank’s (the “Fed”) accommodative stance in respect to interest rates, provided ample support for the U.S. stock market, which delivered another strong year of performance in 2014. Economic growth around the world became increasingly divergent in 2014. While the U.S. economy was on the rise, renewed concerns over economic growth in Europe and Asia weighed on the equity market outside the U.S. Furthermore, geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe and Iraq added to short-term volatility. As the Fed finally wound down its quantitative easing program as planned, the European Central Bank initiated an easing strategy, and the Bank of Japan increased its asset purchasing program. In November, China cut interest rates unexpectedly, stepping up a campaign to prop up growth in the world’s second-largest economy as it headed toward its slowest growth in nearly a quarter century. As other central banks moved towards further stimulus, the U.S. dollar rallied strongly, which further dented the returns of international stocks in U.S. dollar terms.

The U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, was the bright spot in the global equity market, advancing 13.7% over the twelve month period. Small cap stocks, represented by the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, trailed their large cap counterparts at 5.8%, despite an outperformance in the fourth quarter. Energy stocks were the bottom performing sector and the only sector that produced a negative return for the year, driven by plummeting oil prices as a result of increased production in the U.S. and a slower demand worldwide. On the other side of the spectrum, the Utilities sector delivered the best results, as investors were hungry for yields in an extended low interest rate environment. The Health Care sector followed closely behind, gaining on strong earnings reports and forward guidance. Technology stocks performed strongly as well, with semiconductor manufacturers and software firms benefitting from order expansions and merger activities. The equity markets outside the U.S., however, ended the year in negative territory in both the developed world and emerging markets. The MSCI EAFE Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Index declined 4.9% and 2.2% in U.S. dollar terms, respectively.

Contrary to many investors’ expectations of rising yields in the U.S., Treasury yields declined across the maturity spectrum in 2014. The 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 2.17% at the end of the year. As a result, the bond market rallied over the course of the past year. The yield curve continued to flatten with yields on the long end of the curve coming down significantly more than yields on the short end. While Investment Grade credit outperformed Treasuries, the High Yield sector underperformed. For the twelve month period, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond index advanced 6.0%. The Barclays Corporate High Yield Index was up 2.5%. As yields across the world declined due to further monetary easing implemented by a number of central banks, bond markets outside the U.S. on average delivered strong returns in local currency terms. However, the positive local returns were erased by the depreciation of many currencies against the U.S. dollar. The Barclays Global Aggregate ex-U.S. Index lost 3.1% in U.S. dollar terms for the year.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio invested in underlying portfolios of the Met Investors Series Trust and the Metropolitan Series Fund to maintain a broad asset allocation of approximately 60% to equities and 40% to fixed income.

Over the twelve month period, the Portfolio performed relatively in line with the Dow Jones Moderate Index. While the Portfolio’s domestic orientation relative to the index proved to be beneficial as the U.S. markets performed better than most other markets, security selection in a number of underlying portfolios along with expenses weighed on relative results.

The domestic equity portfolios in aggregate produced a positive contribution. The ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio considerably outpaced its benchmark. Strong stock selection in the Health Care, Technology, and Consumer Discretionary sectors generated sizable contributions to relative performance. An overweight to the Health Care sector further enhanced return. The T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio and WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio also contributed positively. For the T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio, solid stock selection in the Industrials sector more than compensated for a negative impact from an underweight position to the Technology sector. More specifically, within the Industrials sector, the portfolio’s holding in Southwest Airlines generated a significant contribution as the price of the stock soared more than 100% in the past year. The WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio benefited from healthy stock selection in the Health Care and Materials sectors. Conversely, the Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio detracted from the allocation portfolio’s relative result, largely driven by a lack of exposure in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which enjoyed a strong return in 2014. The team generally does not invest in REITs as these companies do not meet the team’s investment criteria: strong cash flow generating capabilities, the ability to finance their own growth, and high barriers to entry. The Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio also trailed its benchmark index driven largely by the Energy sector where both an overweight position and unfavorable stock selection weighed heavily on results. The portfolio’s holdings in a

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

number of oil & gas exploration and production companies and drilling companies were among the largest decliners within the Energy sector as stock prices of these companies were most impacted by plunging oil prices.

Within the equity portfolios that invest outside the U.S., the Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio produced a large detraction to the allocation portfolio’s relative performance as the Energy sector sold off due to plummeting oil prices. The MFS Research International Portfolio also hindered the allocation portfolio’s relative result to some extent due to its weak stock selection in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors. The MFS Emerging Markets Portfolio was another performance detractor. Despite a positive contribution from an underweight position to the Energy and Materials sector, stock selection in a number of sectors hampered the relative performance. Conversely, the Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio aided the relative performance of the allocation portfolio as the REIT industry surged in the past year. The Clarion portfolio serves as a good diversifier in the underlying portfolio line-up, especially to balance off the other portfolios whose managers don’t invest in REITs. Since being added to the allocation portfolio in the beginning of May, the Met/Artisan International Portfolio also contributed positively, benefiting from a minimal exposure to the Energy sector in addition to healthy stock selection in the Technology and Health Care sectors.

Among all the fixed income underlying portfolios, the BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio produced the largest positive contribution to the allocation portfolio’s relative performance. The portfolio outperformed the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index due largely to its yield curve positioning. Yields on the long end of the U.S. yield curve declined significantly as the curve flattened throughout the year; bonds with a long maturity delivered remarkable returns in 2014. The portfolio benefited from an overweight to longer dated bonds. Additionally, the portfolio’s holdings in securitized assets added value as investors’ demand for yield boosted the returns of this sector. The Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio also contributed positively. Despite a modest detraction from its defensive interest rate position, the portfolio significantly benefited from a sizable underweight to the euro and the Japanese yen, as both currencies experienced a large depreciation against the U.S. dollar. Conversely, the PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio detracted from the allocation portfolio’s relative result due to the underperformance of the Treasury Inflation Protected Securities sector, as inflation expectations moderated over the course of the year. The Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio was another performance detractor, driven by the portfolio’s mandate of focusing on short duration bonds, which underperformed long duration bonds over the year.

Investment Committee

MetLife Advisers, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the advisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE DOW JONES MODERATE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        Since Inception2  
MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio                 

Class A

       5.29           9.65           6.47   

Class B

       5.05           9.39           6.21   
Dow Jones Moderate Index        5.35           8.92           6.87   

1 The Dow Jones Moderate Index is a total returns index designed to provide asset allocation strategists with a target risk benchmark. Each month, the Index adjusts its weighting of stocks, bonds, and cash indices (both domestic and foreign) from Barclays and Dow Jones such that the risk combination will have 60% of the risk of an all equity portfolio.

2 Inception date of the Class A and Class B shares is 5/2/05. Index since inception return is based on the Portfolio’s inception date.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio (Class A)

     8.0   

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (Class A)

     6.5   

JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio (Class A)

     5.5   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio (Class A)

     5.0   

MFS Value Portfolio (Class A)

     4.6   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A)

     4.1   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (Class A)

     4.1   

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A)

     3.6   

Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A)

     3.6   

Jennison Growth Portfolio (Class A)

     3.6   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.68    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,005.20         $ 3.44   
   Hypothetical*      0.68    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.78         $ 3.47   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.93    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,004.50         $ 4.70   
   Hypothetical*      0.93    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.52         $ 4.74   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio reflects the expenses of both the Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mutual Funds—100.0% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Affiliated Investment Companies—100.0%

  

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    40,371,694      $ 406,542,957   

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    9,656,362        1,071,566,452   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    12,284,829        506,012,109   

BlackRock High Yield Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    11,981,367        98,367,021   

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    59,755,727        590,984,144   

Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    26,943,803        334,911,477   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    31,566,793        504,121,678   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    5,187,761        84,768,016   

Harris Oakmark International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    30,304,290        483,050,376   

Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    37,280,225        588,654,746   

Invesco Small Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    17,210,807        337,676,027   

Jennison Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    36,050,742        585,103,550   

JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    86,347,118        904,054,322   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    9,473,130        171,368,927   

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    5,764,191        84,733,607   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    8,897,334        116,110,205   

Met/Artisan International Portfolio (Class A) (b) (c)

    31,859,594        319,870,322   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    616,033        167,431,573   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    10,408,592        154,463,502   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    31,866,281        328,541,361   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    49,100,578        489,532,763   

Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    43,125,365        488,179,129   

MetLife Small Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value Portfolio) (Class A) (b)

    10,267,739        210,591,331   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    27,540,483        264,939,449   

MFS Research International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    28,966,078        316,599,235   

MFS Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    41,233,752        757,876,365   

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    13,965,922        252,364,211   

Oppenheimer Global Equity Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    4,009,453        81,552,264   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    48,046,122        484,304,909   

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    109,492,403        1,323,763,150   

Affiliated Investment Companies—(Continued)

  

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    20,330,575      503,385,035   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    18,758,082        674,165,482   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    13,516,410        169,225,450   

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    10,860,366        254,132,560   

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    23,863,380        270,133,465   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    14,471,654        194,354,320   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    67,570,527        818,279,084   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    15,574,285        671,718,920   

WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    29,055,659        421,016,496   
   

 

 

 

Total Mutual Funds
(Cost $14,371,601,517)

      16,484,445,990   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—100.0%
(Cost $14,371,601,517) (d)

      16,484,445,990   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—0.0%

      (4,328,949
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 16,480,117,041   
   

 

 

 

 

(a) A Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(b) A Portfolio of Met Investors Series Trust. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(c) Non-income producing security.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $14,531,398,103. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $2,096,051,514 and $(143,003,627), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $1,953,047,887 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Mutual Funds            

Affiliated Investment Companies

   $ 16,484,445,990       $ —         $ —         $ 16,484,445,990   

Total Investments

   $ 16,484,445,990       $ —         $ —         $ 16,484,445,990   
                                     

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Affiliated investments at value (a)

   $ 16,484,445,990   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     3,107,275   

Fund shares sold

     405,028   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     16,487,958,293   

Liabilities

  

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     3,512,302   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     734,192   

Distribution and service fees

     3,436,794   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     117,248   

Other expenses

     40,716   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     7,841,252   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 16,480,117,041   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 13,424,046,454   

Undistributed net investment income

     84,165,656   

Accumulated net realized gain

     859,060,458   

Unrealized appreciation on affiliated investments

     2,112,844,473   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 16,480,117,041   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 352,992,725   

Class B

     16,127,124,316   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     26,003,882   

Class B

     1,193,224,893   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 13.57   

Class B

     13.52   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of affiliated investments was $14,371,601,517.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

   $ 95,400,348   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     95,400,348   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     7,015,220   

Administration fees

     22,400   

Custodian and accounting fees

     24,991   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     32,340,604   

Audit and tax services

     46,575   

Legal

     57,914   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     36,444   

Miscellaneous

     11,569   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     39,555,717   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     55,844,631   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain on:   

Affiliated investments

     918,584,154   

Capital gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     199,603,934   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     1,118,188,088   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation on affiliated investments

     (395,614,488
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     722,573,600   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 778,418,231   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 55,844,631      $ 93,435,102   

Net realized gain

     1,118,188,088        258,647,093   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (395,614,488     542,145,252   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     778,418,231        894,227,447   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (7,722,496     (6,579,578

Class B

     (110,873,673     (98,876,180

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (12,992,250     (2,396,846

Class B

     (208,131,280     (40,341,482
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (339,719,699     (148,194,086
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     10,289,071,405        (68,950,282
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     10,727,769,937        677,083,079   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     5,752,347,104        5,075,264,025   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 16,480,117,041      $ 5,752,347,104   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 84,165,656      $ 118,231,029   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     2,498,122      $ 33,731,626        3,759,163      $ 47,811,309   

Shares issued through acquisition (a)

     270,939        3,514,078        0        0   

Reinvestments

     1,605,794        20,714,746        738,193        8,976,424   

Redemptions

     (2,501,403     (33,700,936     (3,300,963     (42,156,876
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     1,873,452      $ 24,259,514        1,196,393      $ 14,630,857   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     27,652,134      $ 364,958,919        14,696,439      $ 187,617,520   

Shares issued through acquisition (a)

     854,334,141        11,046,540,441        0        0   

Reinvestments

     24,786,710        319,004,953        11,477,136        139,217,662   

Redemptions

     (109,596,527     (1,465,692,422     (32,218,569     (410,416,321
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     797,176,458      $ 10,264,811,891        (6,044,994   $ (83,581,139
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 10,289,071,405        $ (68,950,282
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 9 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.74       $ 11.98       $ 10.83       $ 11.14       $ 10.09   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.21         0.25         0.23         0.22         0.20   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.48         1.89         1.21         (0.34      1.14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.69         2.14         1.44         (0.12      1.34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.32      (0.28      (0.29      (0.19      (0.29

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.54      (0.10      0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.86      (0.38      (0.29      (0.19      (0.29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.57       $ 13.74       $ 11.98       $ 10.83       $ 11.14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.29         18.29         13.47         (1.14      13.47   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.05         0.06         0.06         0.06         0.06   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.05         0.06         0.06         0.06         0.06   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (d)

     1.58         1.95         2.03         1.99         1.95   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     16         15         11         41         14   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 353.0       $ 331.6       $ 274.8       $ 239.0       $ 233.4   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.69       $ 11.94       $ 10.79       $ 11.10       $ 10.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.05         0.22         0.21         0.19         0.17   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.61         1.88         1.20         (0.33      1.14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.66         2.10         1.41         (0.14      1.31   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.29      (0.25      (0.26      (0.17      (0.27

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.54      (0.10      0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.83      (0.35      (0.26      (0.17      (0.27
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.52       $ 13.69       $ 11.94       $ 10.79       $ 11.10   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.05         17.98         13.24         (1.37      13.17   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.30         0.31         0.31         0.31         0.31   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.30         0.31         0.31         0.31         0.31   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.39         1.71         1.81         1.74         1.64   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     16         15         11         41         14   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 16,127.1       $ 5,420.8       $ 4,800.4       $ 4,461.4       $ 4,219.7   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) The ratio of operating expenses to average net assets does not include expenses of the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.
(d) Recognition of net investment income by the Asset Allocation Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio (the “Asset Allocation Portfolio”), which is diversified. The Asset Allocation Portfolio operates under a “fund of funds” structure, investing substantially all of its assets in other Portfolios advised by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., or its affiliates (each, an “Underlying Portfolio,” and, collectively, the “Underlying Portfolios”). Shares in the Asset Allocation Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio has registered and offers two classes of shares: Class A and B shares. Shares of each Class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Asset Allocation Portfolio, and certain Asset Allocation Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Asset Allocation Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Asset Allocation Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are valued at their closing daily net asset value on the valuation date. Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. For information about the use of fair value pricing by the Underlying Portfolios, please refer to the prospectuses of the Underlying Portfolios.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Asset Allocation Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Capital gains distributions received from the Underlying Portfolios are recorded as net realized gain in the Statement of Operations.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Asset Allocation Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to distributions from Underlying Portfolios and merger adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Asset Allocation Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Underlying Portfolios invest in securities and enter into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Underlying Portfolios may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Underlying Portfolios; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Underlying Portfolios may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Underlying Portfolios have unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Underlying Portfolios to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Underlying Portfolios manage counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of their trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of their net exposure to each individual counterparty based on the adviser’s assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Underlying Portfolios restrict their exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom the Underlying Portfolios undertake a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of shares of the Underlying Portfolios by the Asset Allocation Portfolio, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases      Sales  
U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$ 0       $ 2,201,850,809       $ 0       $ 3,046,832,074   

With respect to the Portfolio’s merger with Met Investors Series Trust MetLife Balanced Strategy Portfolio (see Note 9) on April 25, 2014, the Portfolio acquired long-term securities with a cost of $9,509,489,354 that are not included in the above non-U.S. Government purchases value.

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Asset Allocation Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014
   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$7,015,220      0.100   Of the first $500 million
     0.075   Of the next $500 million
     0.050   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

In addition to the above management fee paid to MetLife Advisers, the Asset Allocation Portfolio indirectly pays MetLife Advisers an investment advisory fee through its investments in the Underlying Portfolios.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class A and B Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class B shares. Under the Distribution and Services Plan, the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Asset Allocation Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Services Plan for each class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B shares. Amount incurred by the Asset Allocation Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 is shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an active employee of MetLife or its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Asset Allocation Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Transactions in Securities of Affiliated Issuers

The Portfolio does not invest in the Underlying Portfolios for the purpose of exercising control; however, investments by the Portfolio within its principal investment strategies may represent a significant portion of the Underlying Portfolios’ net assets. Transactions in the Underlying Portfolios for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares sold     Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

     16,757,595         33,202,180         (9,588,081     40,371,694   

BlackRock Bond Income

     3,281,051         6,561,662         (186,351     9,656,362   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation*

     3,995,975         9,653,649         (1,364,795     12,284,829   

BlackRock High Yield

     3,831,483         8,779,257         (629,373     11,981,367   

BlackRock Large Cap Value*

     19,948,238         56,543,459         (16,735,970     59,755,727   

Clarion Global Real Estate

     9,567,506         19,973,029         (2,596,732     26,943,803   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth

     11,521,236         23,479,287         (3,433,730     31,566,793   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value

     3,368,370         16,150,226         (14,330,835     5,187,761   

Harris Oakmark International

     9,251,039         28,052,984         (6,999,733     30,304,290   

Invesco Comstock

     17,359,089         31,630,982         (11,709,846     37,280,225   

Invesco Small Cap Growth

     7,437,714         22,418,359         (12,645,266     17,210,807   

Jennison Growth

     14,108,871         29,076,192         (7,134,321     36,050,742   

JPMorgan Core Bond*

     23,892,401         64,152,923         (1,698,206     86,347,118   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value*

     2,998,775         7,073,081         (598,726     9,473,130   

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth

     3,632,397         2,468,706         (336,912     5,764,191   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

     2,924,363         6,484,635         (511,664     8,897,334   

Met/Artisan International*

             32,091,957         (232,363     31,859,594   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

     222,153         426,556         (32,676     616,033   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company

     3,557,396         14,093,729         (7,242,533     10,408,592   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate*

     10,367,598         21,941,190         (442,507     31,866,281   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return*

     16,341,675         33,233,362         (474,459     49,100,578   

Met/Templeton International Bond*

     14,024,109         30,355,077         (1,253,821     43,125,365   

MetLife Small Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value Portfolio)

     7,180,783         8,947,666         (5,860,710     10,267,739   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

     9,200,408         22,647,619         (4,307,544     27,540,483   

MFS Research International

     11,054,527         29,578,901         (11,667,350     28,966,078   

MFS Value

     17,028,061         42,306,174         (18,100,483     41,233,752   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

     5,028,181         9,689,392         (751,651     13,965,922   

Oppenheimer Global Equity

             4,038,574         (29,121     4,009,453   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

     16,046,401         33,187,621         (1,187,900     48,046,122   

PIMCO Total Return

     41,095,101         76,223,744         (7,826,442     109,492,403   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

     9,094,824         19,364,140         (8,128,389     20,330,575   

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares sold     Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

     7,839,091         16,033,506         (5,114,515     18,758,082   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     4,918,420         20,477,054         (11,879,064     13,516,410   

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth

     1,283,538         10,258,323         (681,495     10,860,366   

Van Eck Global Natural Resources*

     8,009,776         17,727,359         (1,873,755     23,863,380   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

     2,833,312         11,763,069         (124,727     14,471,654   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government*

     22,624,854         45,839,113         (893,440     67,570,527   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

     7,023,969         15,388,295         (6,837,979     15,574,285   

WMC Large Cap Research

             30,985,993         (1,930,334     29,055,659   

 

* The Portfolio had ownership of at least 25% of the outstanding voting securities of the Underlying Portfolio as of December 31, 2014. The most recent Annual Report of the Underlying Portfolio is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 848-3854 or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Net Realized
Gain/(Loss) on sales
of Underlying
Portfolios
    Capital Gain
Distributions
from Underlying
Portfolios
     Dividend Income
from Underlying
Portfolios
     Ending Value
as of
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

   $ 9,472,981      $       $ 2,425,130       $ 406,542,957   

BlackRock Bond Income

     352,419                12,582,516         1,071,566,452   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation

     14,061,720                91,999         506,012,109   

BlackRock High Yield

     890,531        1,541,632         2,099,808         98,367,021   

BlackRock Large Cap Value

     (1,338,052     55,507,233         3,046,247         590,984,144   

Clarion Global Real Estate

     (3,669,478             2,084,141         334,911,477   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth

     32,060,752                481,803         504,121,678   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value

     46,293,179        10,529,324         466,897         84,768,016   

Harris Oakmark International

     34,896,329        16,071,778         4,369,998         483,050,376   

Invesco Comstock

     96,889,695                2,900,019         588,654,746   

Invesco Small Cap Growth

     69,232,868        16,285,825                 337,676,027   

Jennison Growth

     44,362,550        11,574,369         569,231         585,103,550   

JPMorgan Core Bond

     (251,286     1,392,497         4,321,541         904,054,322   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value

     851,705        6,928,647         633,074         171,368,927   

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth

     1,439,510        6,570,196                 84,733,607   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

     465,569        1,078,369         2,313,276         116,110,205   

Met/Artisan International

     10,707                        319,870,322   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

     5,250,505                423,339         167,431,573   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company

     31,900,637        1,997,115         1,278,558         154,463,502   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate

     131,156        468,143         3,963,605         328,541,361   

Met/Franklin Low Duration Total Return

     (30,280             3,724,877         489,532,763   

Met/Templeton International Bond

     1,814,672                7,941,742         488,179,129   

MetLife Small Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value Portfolio)

     45,446,339        5,933,506         412,340         210,591,331   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

     20,814,252                1,054,187         264,939,449   

MFS Research International

     31,233,392                3,137,172         316,599,235   

MFS Value

     149,499,700        14,016,276         5,023,459         757,876,365   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

     5,890,336                339,743         252,364,211   

Oppenheimer Global Equity

     5,415                        81,552,264   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

     (758,241             3,017,727         484,304,909   

PIMCO Total Return

     5,006,370                12,593,377         1,323,763,150   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

     66,078,156        15,073,755         131,995         503,385,035   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

     81,278,369                3,837,486         674,165,482   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     49,670,568        5,571,663                 169,225,450   

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth

     2,413,820        2,173,956         4,875         254,132,560   

Van Eck Global Natural Resources

     10,288,068        1,861,493         599,193         270,133,465   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

     155,554                2,117,190         194,354,320   

Western Asset Management U.S. Government

     (97,708             5,319,567         818,279,084   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

     64,231,930        25,028,157         2,094,236         671,718,920   

WMC Large Cap Research

     2,339,445                        421,016,496   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 918,584,154      $ 199,603,934       $ 95,400,348       $ 16,484,445,990   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

Ordinary Income      Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  
2014      2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$ 123,142,634       $ 105,455,758       $ 216,577,065       $ 42,738,328       $ 339,719,699       $ 148,194,086   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$ 87,172,559       $ 1,015,967,392       $ 1,953,047,887       $       $ 3,056,187,838   

The Asset Allocation Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses. As of December 31, 2014, the Asset Allocation Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 25, 2014, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A and Class B net assets of $335,269,853 and $5,341,696,130, respectively, acquired all of the assets and liabilities of MetLife Balanced Strategy Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“MetLife Balanced Strategy”).

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 270,939 Class A shares of the Portfolio (valued at $3,514,078) for 296,996 Class A shares of MetLife Balanced Strategy and 854,334,141 Class B shares of the Portfolio (valued at $11,046,540,441) for 936,790,443 Class B shares of MetLife Balanced Strategy. Each shareholder of MetLife Balanced Strategy received shares of the Portfolio with the same class designation and at the respective Class NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 25, 2014. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by MetLife Balanced Strategy may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. All costs associated with the merger were borne by the shareholders of the Portfolio.

MetLife Balanced Strategy’s net assets on April 25, 2014, were $3,514,078 and $11,046,540,441 for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, including investments valued at $11,052,624,568 with a cost basis of $9,509,489,354. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from MetLife Balanced Strategy were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $16,727,020,502, which included $1,543,135,214 of acquired unrealized appreciation.

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2014, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

Net investment income

   $ 228,457,836 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

   $ 611,797,014 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 840,254,850   
  

 

 

 

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of MetLife Balanced Strategy that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 25, 2014.

 

(a) $55,844,631 net investment income as reported, plus $172,432,275 from MetLife Balanced Strategy pre-merger net investment income, plus $120,205 in lower advisory fees, plus $60,725 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $2,112,844,473 unrealized appreciation as reported, minus $3,161,050,146 pro-forma December 31, 2013 unrealized Appreciation, plus $1,118,188,088 net realized gain as reported, plus $541,814,599 in net realized gain from MetLife Balanced Strategy pre-merger.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio of the Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements” or “Agreements”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser that the Adviser had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser has provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance program, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser regularly review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding material information related to those reviews and assessments.

The Board further considered the provision of investment advisory services by the Adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolios (i.e., MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio and MetLife Asset Allocation 100 Portfolio) and the American Funds of Funds (i.e., American Funds Balanced Allocation Portfolio, American Funds Growth Allocation Portfolio and American Funds Moderate Allocation Portfolio). With respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board noted that the Adviser has hired an independent consultant to provide research and consulting services with respect to the periodic asset allocation targets for each of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and to investments

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

in other Portfolios of the Trusts (the “Underlying Portfolios”), which may assist the Adviser with the selection of Underlying Portfolios for inclusion in each Asset Allocation Portfolio. Additionally, the Board considered that a committee, consisting of investment professionals from across the Adviser, meets periodically to review the asset allocations and discuss the performance of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and the American Funds of Funds.

The Board further considered and found that the advisory fee to be paid to the Adviser with respect to each Asset Allocation Portfolio and American Fund of Funds was based on services to be provided that were in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided pursuant to the advisory agreements for the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance. The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”) and a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report.

The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. In the case of the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board also considered the Adviser’s analysis of its profitability that was attributable to its management of the Underlying Portfolios of the Trust in which the Asset Allocation Portfolios invest. The Board further considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Portfolios, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio (formerly, MetLife Moderate Allocation Portfolio). The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreement with the Adviser regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed both the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Moderate AA Broad Index, for the one-year period ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed the Moderate AA Broad Index for the three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board also noted that the Portfolio outperformed its other benchmark, the Dow Jones Moderate Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median and the Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A and B shares of the MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio returned 5.53% and 5.23%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Dow Jones Moderately Aggressive Index1, returned 5.90%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

After a sharp weather-related contraction in the first quarter, the U.S. economy turned the corner and ended 2014 on a strong note, with the majority of leading economic indicators pointing to continued strength. U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew healthily in the second and third quarters, the strongest two quarters of expansion since 2003. Solid economic growth domestically, combined with the Federal Reserve Bank’s (the “Fed”) accommodative stance in respect to interest rates, provided ample support for the U.S. stock market, which delivered another strong year of performance in 2014. Economic growth around the world became increasingly divergent in 2014. While the U.S. economy was on the rise, renewed concerns over economic growth in Europe and Asia weighed on the equity market outside the U.S. Furthermore, geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe and Iraq added to short-term volatility. As the Fed finally wound down its quantitative easing program as planned, the European Central Bank initiated an easing strategy, and the Bank of Japan increased its asset purchasing program. In November, China cut interest rates unexpectedly, stepping up a campaign to prop up growth in the world’s second-largest economy as it headed toward its slowest growth in nearly a quarter century. As other central banks moved towards further stimulus, the U.S. dollar rallied strongly, which further dented the returns of international stocks in U.S. dollar terms.

The U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, was the bright spot in the global equity market, advancing 13.7% over the twelve month period. Small cap stocks, represented by the S&P Small Cap 600 Index, trailed their large cap counterparts at 5.8%, despite an outperformance in the fourth quarter. Energy stocks were the bottom performing sector and the only sector that produced a negative return for the year, driven by plummeting oil prices as a result of increased production in the U.S. and a slower demand worldwide. On the other side of the spectrum, the Utilities sector delivered the best results, as investors were hungry for yields in an extended low interest rate environment. The Health Care sector followed closely behind, gaining on strong earnings reports and forward guidance. Technology stocks performed strongly as well, with semiconductor manufacturers and software firms benefitting from order expansions and merger activities. The equity markets outside the U.S., however, ended the year in negative territory in both the developed world and emerging markets. The MSCI EAFE Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Index declined 4.9% and 2.2% in U.S. dollar terms, respectively.

Contrary to many investors’ expectations of rising yields in the U.S., Treasury yields declined across the maturity spectrum in 2014. The 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 2.17% at the end of the year. As a result, the bond market rallied over the course of the past year. The yield curve continued to flatten with yields on the long end of the curve coming down significantly more than yields on the short end. While Investment Grade credit outperformed Treasuries, the High Yield sector underperformed. For the twelve month period, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index advanced 6.0%. The Barclays Corporate High Yield Index was up 2.5%. As yields across the world declined due to further monetary easing implemented by a number of central banks, bond markets outside the U.S. on average delivered strong returns in local currency terms. However, the positive local returns were erased by the depreciation of many currencies against the U.S. dollar. The Barclays Global Aggregate ex-U.S. Index lost 3.1% in U.S. dollar terms for the year.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio invested in underlying portfolios of the Met Investors Series Trust and the Metropolitan Series Fund to maintain a broad asset allocation of approximately 80% to equities and 20% to fixed income.

Over the twelve month period, the Portfolio modestly underperformed the Dow Jones Moderately Aggressive Index. While the Portfolio’s domestic orientation on the equity side relative to the index proved to be beneficial as the U.S. markets performed better than most other markets, security selection in a number of underlying portfolios along with expenses weighed on relative results.

The domestic equity portfolios in aggregate produced a positive contribution. The ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio considerably outpaced its benchmark. Strong stock selection in the Health Care, Technology, and Consumer Discretionary sectors generated sizable contributions to relative performance. An overweight to the Health Care sector further enhanced return. The T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio and WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio also contributed positively. For the T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio, solid stock selection in the Industrials sector more than compensated for a negative impact from an underweight position to the Technology sector. More specifically, within the Industrials sector, the portfolio’s holding in Southwest Airlines generated a significant contribution as the price of the stock soared more than 100% in the past year. The WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio benefited from healthy stock selection in the Health Care and Materials sectors. Conversely, the Jennison Growth Portfolio detracted from the allocation portfolio’s relative result. Underperformance was primarily attributable to weak stock selection in the Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors. The Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio was another performance detractor. Stock selection in the Information Technology sector was particularly weak. An overweight position to the Energy sector further dampened the relative performance. The Morgan Stanley Mid Cap Growth Portfolio trailed its benchmark index as well, driven largely by stock selection in the Technology sector. A number of holdings in the internet and

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

software space, which enjoyed strong returns in 2013, struggled during the growth sell-off in the spring of 2014, and therefore hampered the portfolio’s relative performance.

Within the equity portfolios that invest outside the U.S., the Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio produced a large detraction to the allocation portfolio’s relative performance as the Energy sector sold off due to plummeting oil prices. The MFS Research International Portfolio also hindered the allocation portfolio’s relative result to some extent due to its weak stock selection in the Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials sectors. The MFS Emerging Markets Portfolio was another performance detractor. Despite a positive contribution from an underweight position to the Energy and Materials sector, stock selection in a number of sectors hampered the relative performance. Conversely, the Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio aided the relative performance of the allocation portfolio as the real estate investment trust (“REIT”) industry surged in the past year. The Clarion portfolio serves as a good diversifier in the underlying portfolio line-up, especially to balance off the other portfolios whose managers don’t invest in REITs. Since being added to the allocation portfolio in the beginning of May, the Met/Artisan International Portfolio also contributed positively, benefiting from a minimal exposure to the Energy sector in addition to healthy stock selection in the Technology and Health Care sectors.

Among all the fixed income underlying portfolios, the Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio produced the largest positive contribution to the allocation portfolio’s relative performance. The portfolio significantly benefited from a sizable underweight to the euro and the Japanese yen, as both currencies experienced a large depreciation against the U.S. dollar. The BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio also contributed positively. The portfolio outperformed the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index due largely to its yield curve positioning. Yields on the long end of the U.S. yield curve declined significantly as the curve flattened throughout the year; bonds with a long maturity delivered remarkable returns in 2014. The portfolio benefited from an overweight to longer dated bonds. Additionally, the portfolio’s holdings in securitized assets added value as investors’ demand for yield boosted the returns of this sector. Conversely, the PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio detracted from the allocation portfolio’s relative result due to the underperformance of the Treasury Inflation Protected Securities sector, as inflation expectations moderated over the course of the year.

Investment Committee

MetLife Advisers, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the advisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE DOW JONES MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        Since Inception2  
MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio                 

Class A

       5.53           11.02           6.74   

Class B

       5.23           10.75           6.47   
Dow Jones Moderately Aggressive Index        5.90           10.60           7.80   

1 The Dow Jones Moderately Aggressive Index is a total returns index designed to provide asset allocation strategists with a target risk benchmark. Each month, the Index adjusts its weighting of stocks, bonds, and cash indices (both domestic and foreign) from Barclays and Dow Jones such that the risk combination will have 80% of the risk of an all equity portfolio.

2 Inception date of the Class A and Class B shares is 5/2/05. Index since inception return is based on the Portfolio’s inception date.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
MFS Value Portfolio (Class A)      5.1   
Jennison Growth Portfolio (Class A)      5.1   
T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A)      4.6   
WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (Class A)      4.6   
Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A)      4.6   
ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio (Class A)      4.6   
T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A)      4.6   
Harris Oakmark International Portfolio (Class A)      3.9   
BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio (Class A)      3.6   
BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A)      3.6   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.74    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,002.00         $ 3.73   
   Hypothetical*      0.74    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.48         $ 3.77   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.99    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,000.00         $ 4.99   
   Hypothetical*      0.99    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.22         $ 5.04   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio reflects the expenses of both the Portfolio and the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mutual Funds—100.0% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Affiliated Investment Companies—100.0%

  

Baillie Gifford International Stock Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    42,715,394      $ 430,144,017   

BlackRock Bond Income Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    3,341,608        370,818,261   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    10,861,435        447,382,489   

BlackRock High Yield Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    7,394,358        60,707,676   

BlackRock Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    45,207,131        447,098,531   

Clarion Global Real Estate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    30,622,053        380,632,123   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    35,843,178        572,415,551   

Frontier Mid Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    1,707,100        63,640,681   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    11,803,747        192,873,231   

Harris Oakmark International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    30,480,871        485,865,090   

Invesco Comstock Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    36,259,939        572,544,432   

Invesco Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    3,133,964        63,807,504   

Invesco Small Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    19,526,083        383,101,741   

Jennison Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    38,956,276        632,260,358   

JPMorgan Core Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    35,313,087        369,728,017   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    10,783,161        195,067,384   

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    13,157,347        193,412,994   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    14,272,422        186,255,101   

Met/Artisan International Portfolio (Class A) (b) (c)

    30,008,134        301,281,666   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    453,311        123,205,493   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    15,594,645        231,424,529   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    11,850,275        122,176,339   

Met/Templeton International Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    31,941,703        361,580,082   

MetLife Small Cap Value Portfolio (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value Portfolio) (Class A) (b)

    9,309,940        190,946,879   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    29,801,955        286,694,811   

MFS Research International Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    32,667,549        357,056,307   

MFS Value Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    34,787,212        639,388,954   

Morgan Stanley Mid Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    3,802,474        62,778,838   

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    7,048,210        127,361,159   

Oppenheimer Global Equity Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    6,016,507        122,375,763   

Affiliated Investment Companies—(Continued)

  

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    17,687,177      178,286,741   

PIMCO Total Return Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    35,737,417        432,065,369   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    23,082,429        571,520,935   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    15,990,367        574,693,794   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    10,254,499        128,386,323   

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    8,228,480        192,546,429   

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    26,821,984        303,624,861   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    9,055,632        121,617,133   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (Class A) (a)

    13,276,452        572,613,382   

WMC Large Cap Research Portfolio (Class A) (b)

    26,456,001        383,347,451   
   

 

 

 

Total Mutual Funds
(Cost $10,245,361,291)

      12,432,728,419   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—100.0%
(Cost $10,245,361,291) (d)

      12,432,728,419   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—0.0%

      (3,322,079
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 12,429,406,340   
   

 

 

 

 

(a) A Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(b) A Portfolio of Met Investors Series Trust. (See Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers.)
(c) Non-income producing security.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $10,453,478,338. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $2,282,922,432 and $(303,672,351), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $1,979,250,081 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Mutual Funds            

Affiliated Investment Companies

   $ 12,432,728,419       $ —         $ —         $ 12,432,728,419   

Total Investments

   $ 12,432,728,419       $ —         $ —         $ 12,432,728,419   
                                     

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Affiliated investments at value (a)

   $ 12,432,728,419   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     7,882,512   

Fund shares sold

     121,185   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     12,440,732,116   

Liabilities

  

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     8,003,697   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     561,765   

Distribution and service fees

     2,565,648   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     154,011   

Other expenses

     40,655   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     11,325,776   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 12,429,406,340   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 9,867,846,855   

Undistributed net investment income

     39,198,224   

Accumulated net realized gain

     334,994,133   

Unrealized appreciation on affiliated investments

     2,187,367,128   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 12,429,406,340   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 395,447,680   

Class B

     12,033,958,660   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     26,504,310   

Class B

     809,640,626   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 14.92   

Class B

     14.86   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of affiliated investments was $10,245,361,291.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

   $ 46,526,343   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     46,526,343   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     5,234,792   

Administration fees

     22,400   

Custodian and accounting fees

     24,991   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     23,336,897   

Audit and tax services

     46,478   

Legal

     55,522   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     32,010   

Miscellaneous

     9,194   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     28,762,284   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     17,764,059   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain on:   

Affiliated investments

     778,449,617   

Capital gain distributions from Affiliated Underlying Portfolios

     146,003,912   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     924,453,529   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation on affiliated investments

     (300,355,707
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     624,097,822   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 641,861,881   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 17,764,059      $ 45,618,891   

Net realized gain

     924,453,529        149,936,947   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (300,355,707     488,271,654   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     641,861,881        683,827,492   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (6,892,559     (5,386,470

Class B

     (49,304,918     (40,897,027
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (56,197,477     (46,283,497
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     8,435,684,792        (128,652,792
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     9,021,349,196        508,891,203   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     3,408,057,144        2,899,165,941   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 12,429,406,340      $ 3,408,057,144   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 39,198,224      $ 55,929,014   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     2,902,533      $ 42,326,205        3,356,293      $ 43,401,052   

Shares issued through acquisition (a)

     484,673        6,867,812        0        0   

Reinvestments

     489,529        6,892,559        441,152        5,386,470   

Redemptions

     (2,713,104     (39,857,607     (3,119,781     (40,320,464
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     1,163,631      $ 16,228,969        677,664      $ 8,467,058   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     30,698,962      $ 439,264,550        7,237,868      $ 94,690,186   

Shares issued through acquisition (a)

     640,104,987        9,051,084,521        0        0   

Reinvestments

     3,509,247        49,304,918        3,357,720        40,897,027   

Redemptions

     (76,601,959     (1,120,198,166     (21,031,859     (272,707,063
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     597,711,237      $ 8,419,455,823        (10,436,271   $ (137,119,850
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 8,435,684,792        $ (128,652,792
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) See Note 9 of Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 14.41      $ 11.78      $ 10.39      $ 10.94       $ 9.74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.18        0.21        0.18        0.18         0.14   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.60        2.64        1.45        (0.55      1.29   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.78        2.85        1.63        (0.37      1.43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.27     (0.22     (0.24     (0.18      (0.23
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.27     (0.22     (0.24     (0.18      (0.23
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.92      $ 14.41      $ 11.78      $ 10.39       $ 10.94   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.53        24.51        15.82        (3.55      14.89   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.06        0.07        0.07        0.07         0.07   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.06        0.07        0.07        0.07         0.07   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (d)

     1.26        1.65        1.60        1.66         1.45   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     22        13        13        46         17   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 395.4      $ 365.2      $ 290.4      $ 246.1       $ 246.0   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 14.36      $ 11.73      $ 10.36      $ 10.91       $ 9.71   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.02        0.19        0.15        0.16         0.12   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.72        2.63        1.43        (0.56      1.29   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.74        2.82        1.58        (0.40      1.41   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.24     (0.19     (0.21     (0.15      (0.21
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.24     (0.19     (0.21     (0.15      (0.21
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 14.86      $ 14.36      $ 11.73      $ 10.36       $ 10.91   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.23        24.31        15.39        (3.77      14.70   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.31        0.32        0.32        0.32         0.32   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.31        0.32        0.32        0.32         0.32   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.14        1.43        1.38        1.44         1.24   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     22        13        13        46         17   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 12,034.0      $ 3,042.8      $ 2,608.8      $ 2,432.1       $ 2,678.3   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) The ratio of operating expenses to average net assets does not include expenses of the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.
(d) Recognition of net investment income by the Asset Allocation Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio (the “Asset Allocation Portfolio”), which is diversified. The Asset Allocation Portfolio operates under a “fund of funds” structure, investing substantially all of its assets in other Portfolios advised by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., or its affiliates (each, an “Underlying Portfolio,” and, collectively, the “Underlying Portfolios”). Shares in the Asset Allocation Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio has registered and offers two classes of shares: Class A and B shares. Shares of each Class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Asset Allocation Portfolio, and certain Asset Allocation Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Asset Allocation Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Asset Allocation Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are valued at their closing daily net asset value on the valuation date. Investments in the Underlying Portfolios are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. For information about the use of fair value pricing by the Underlying Portfolios, please refer to the prospectuses of the Underlying Portfolios.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Asset Allocation Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Capital gains distributions received from the Underlying Portfolios are recorded as net realized gain in the Statement of Operations.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Asset Allocation Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to distributions from Underlying Portfolios and merger adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Asset Allocation Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Underlying Portfolios invest in securities and enter into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Underlying Portfolios may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Underlying Portfolios; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Underlying Portfolios may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Underlying Portfolios have unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Underlying Portfolios to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Underlying Portfolios manage counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that they believe have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Underlying Portfolios’ investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of their trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of their net exposure to each individual counterparty based on the adviser’s assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Underlying Portfolios restrict their exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom the Underlying Portfolios undertake a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

The Asset Allocation Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Asset Allocation Portfolio and Underlying Portfolios in which it invests.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of shares of the Underlying Portfolios by the Asset Allocation Portfolio, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 2,196,725,030       $ 0       $ 2,711,161,566   

With respect to the Portfolio’s merger with Met Investors Series Trust MetLife Growth Strategy Portfolio (see Note 9) on April 25, 2014, the Portfolio acquired long-term securities with a cost of $7,404,877,790 that are not included in the above non-U.S. Government purchases value.

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Asset Allocation Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$5,234,792      0.100   Of the first $500 million
     0.075   Of the next $500 million
     0.050   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

In addition to the above management fee paid to MetLife Advisers, the Asset Allocation Portfolio indirectly pays MetLife Advisers an investment advisory fee through its investments in the Underlying Portfolios.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class A and B Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s Class B shares. Under the Distribution and Services Plan, the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Asset Allocation Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B shares of the Asset Allocation Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Services Plan for each class of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Asset Allocation Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B shares. Amount incurred by the Asset Allocation Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 is shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an active employee of MetLife or its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Asset Allocation Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Transactions in Securities of Affiliated Issuers

The Portfolio does not invest in the Underlying Portfolios for the purpose of exercising control; however, investments by the Portfolio within its principal investment strategies may represent a significant portion of the Underlying Portfolios’ net assets. Transactions in the Underlying Portfolios for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares
sold
    Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

     12,923,741         36,662,040         (6,870,387     42,715,394   

BlackRock Bond Income

     898,209         2,564,014         (120,615     3,341,608   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation

     3,521,400         9,408,245         (2,068,210     10,861,435   

BlackRock High Yield

             7,478,092         (83,734     7,394,358   

BlackRock Large Cap Value*

     11,547,550         45,482,626         (11,823,045     45,207,131   

Clarion Global Real Estate

     8,438,371         25,038,111         (2,854,429     30,622,053   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth

     12,286,084         31,725,543         (8,168,449     35,843,178   

Frontier Mid Cap Growth

     470,741         4,121,805         (2,885,446     1,707,100   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value*

     3,918,397         10,644,321         (2,758,971     11,803,747   

Harris Oakmark International

     7,167,163         26,175,961         (2,862,253     30,480,871   

Invesco Comstock

     11,968,179         32,858,381         (8,566,621     36,259,939   

Invesco Mid Cap Value

             3,230,319         (96,355     3,133,964   

Invesco Small Cap Growth*

     5,994,116         14,611,269         (1,079,302     19,526,083   

Jennison Growth

     12,629,748         36,711,991         (10,385,463     38,956,276   

JPMorgan Core Bond

     6,301,186         30,286,018         (1,274,117     35,313,087   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value*

     3,490,337         10,486,245         (3,193,421     10,783,161   

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth*

     4,204,826         12,145,504         (3,192,983     13,157,347   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

     3,624,559         11,377,204         (729,341     14,272,422   

Met/Artisan International*

             30,307,747         (299,613     30,008,134   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

     128,930         700,671         (376,290     453,311   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company*

     4,142,796         17,638,836         (6,186,987     15,594,645   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate

     3,074,938         17,871,617         (9,096,280     11,850,275   

Met/Templeton International Bond*

     8,315,794         24,257,742         (631,833     31,941,703   

MetLife Small Cap Value (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value)

     3,315,249         8,732,624         (2,737,933     9,309,940   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

     9,282,284         32,915,545         (12,395,874     29,801,955   

MFS Research International

     8,499,056         24,700,906         (532,413     32,667,549   

MFS Value

     11,812,387         35,190,087         (12,215,262     34,787,212   

Morgan Stanley Mid Cap Growth

     2,157,051         8,496,901         (6,851,478     3,802,474   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

     1,925,410         8,500,730         (3,377,930     7,048,210   

Oppenheimer Global Equity

             6,078,690         (62,183     6,016,507   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

     6,356,628         27,334,864         (16,004,315     17,687,177   

PIMCO Total Return

     13,516,409         23,376,376         (1,155,368     35,737,417   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

     6,756,272         24,220,340         (7,894,183     23,082,429   

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares
sold
    Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
 

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

     5,400,228         17,690,939         (7,100,800     15,990,367   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     2,842,587         16,788,297         (9,376,385     10,254,499   

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth

     736,803         7,914,404         (422,727     8,228,480   

Van Eck Global Natural Resources*

     7,037,435         21,561,866         (1,777,317     26,821,984   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

     1,202,527         8,065,087         (211,982     9,055,632   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

     3,661,122         10,323,042         (707,712     13,276,452   

WMC Large Cap Research

             27,962,062         (1,506,061     26,456,001   

 

* The Portfolio had ownership of at least 25% of the outstanding voting securities of the Underlying Portfolio as of December 31, 2014. The most recent Annual Report of the Underlying Portfolio is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 848-3854 or on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Underlying Portfolio

   Net Realized
Gain/(Loss) on sales
of Underlying
Portfolios
    Capital Gain
Distributions
from Underlying
Portfolios
     Dividend Income
from Underlying
Portfolios
     Ending Value
as of
December 31, 2014
 

Baillie Gifford International Stock

   $ (10,211,963   $       $ 1,884,463       $ 430,144,017   

BlackRock Bond Income

     435,102                3,446,008         370,818,261   

BlackRock Capital Appreciation

     19,826,640                81,255         447,382,489   

BlackRock High Yield

     2,444                        60,707,676   

BlackRock Large Cap Value

     19,606,160        32,492,771         1,783,208         447,098,531   

Clarion Global Real Estate

     (3,392,333             1,856,771         380,632,123   

ClearBridge Aggressive Growth

     67,854,375                514,422         572,415,551   

Frontier Mid Cap Growth

     961,308        1,499,585                 63,640,681   

Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value

     12,474,368        12,335,976         547,008         192,873,231   

Harris Oakmark International

     22,854,419        12,569,783         3,417,787         485,865,090   

Invesco Comstock

     56,303,785                2,025,359         572,544,432   

Invesco Mid Cap Value

     109,666                        63,807,504   

Invesco Small Cap Growth

     7,340,287        13,387,730                 383,101,741   

Jennison Growth

     72,470,430        10,417,709         512,347         632,260,358   

JPMorgan Core Bond

     (166,166     367,878         1,141,689         369,728,017   

JPMorgan Small Cap Value

     16,940,937        8,128,198         742,679         195,067,384   

Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth

     8,418,273        7,728,600                 193,412,994   

Lord Abbett Bond Debenture

     2,263,451        1,347,260         2,890,092         186,255,101   

Met/Artisan International

     16,628                        301,281,666   

Met/Artisan Mid Cap Value

     33,600,255                248,061         123,205,493   

Met/Dimensional International Small Company

     37,451,947        2,336,958         1,496,127         231,424,529   

Met/Eaton Vance Floating Rate

     555,375        138,893         1,175,958         122,176,339   

Met/Templeton International Bond

     873,100                4,718,036         361,580,082   

MetLife Small Cap Value (formerly, Third Avenue Small Cap Value)

     26,091,348        2,773,089         192,712         190,946,879   

MFS Emerging Markets Equity

     17,224,806                1,075,282         286,694,811   

MFS Research International

     2,337,647                2,436,184         357,056,307   

MFS Value

     88,219,951        9,865,084         3,535,665         639,388,954   

Morgan Stanley Mid Cap Growth

     20,409,012                18,250         62,778,838   

Neuberger Berman Genesis

     23,247,805                132,061         127,361,159   

Oppenheimer Global Equity

     14,008                        122,375,763   

PIMCO Inflation Protected Bond

     (9,186,700             1,194,303         178,286,741   

PIMCO Total Return

     47,148                4,151,318         432,065,369   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth

     78,235,308        11,230,810         98,343         571,520,935   

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Value

     116,508,499                2,677,452         574,693,794   

T. Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth

     31,577,934        3,268,035                 128,386,323   

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth

     1,419,416        1,276,598         2,862         192,546,429   

Van Eck Global Natural Resources

     9,561,918        1,640,991         528,217         303,624,861   

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities

     169,534                898,083         121,617,133   

WMC Core Equity Opportunities

     4,281,856        13,197,964         1,104,341         572,613,382   

WMC Large Cap Research

     1,701,639                        383,347,451   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 778,449,617      $ 146,003,912       $ 46,526,343       $ 12,432,728,419   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$56,197,477    $ 46,283,497       $       $       $ 56,197,477       $ 46,283,497   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$39,352,235    $ 543,111,181       $ 1,979,250,081       $       $ 2,561,713,497   

The Asset Allocation Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Asset Allocation Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $241,490,379.

As of December 31, 2014, the Asset Allocation Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

 

9. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 25, 2014, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A and Class B net assets of $367,892,887 and $2,986,986,288, respectively, acquired all of the assets and liabilities of MetLife Growth Strategy Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“MetLife Growth Strategy”).

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 484,673 Class A shares of the Portfolio (valued at $6,867,812) for 503,074 Class A shares of MetLife Growth Strategy and 640,104,987 Class B shares of the Portfolio (valued at $9,051,084,521) for 665,218,066 Class B shares of MetLife Growth Strategy. Each shareholder of MetLife Growth Strategy received shares of the Portfolio with the same class designation and at the respective Class NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 25, 2014. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by MetLife Growth Strategy may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. All costs associated with the merger were borne by the shareholders of the Portfolio.

MetLife Growth Strategy’s net assets on April 25, 2014, were $6,867,812 and $9,051,084,521 for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, including investments valued at $9,060,128,492 with a cost basis of $7,404,877,790. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from MetLife Growth Strategy were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes. The Portfolio acquired $156,113,467 in capital loss carryforwards from MetLife Growth Strategy.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $12,412,831,508, which included $1,655,250,702 of acquired unrealized appreciation.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2014, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

Net investment income

   $ 125,819,156 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

   $ 516,929,090 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 642,748,246   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of MetLife Growth Strategy that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 25, 2014.

 

(a) $17,764,059 net investment income as reported, plus $107,876,109 from MetLife Growth Strategy pre-merger net investment income, plus $120,205 in lower advisory fees, plus $58,783 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $2,187,367,128 unrealized appreciation as reported, minus $3,091,825,173 pro-forma December 31, 2013 unrealized appreciation, plus $924,453,529 net realized gain as reported, plus $496,933,606 in net realized gain from MetLife Growth Strategy pre-merger.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio of the Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements” or “Agreements”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser that the Adviser had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser has provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance program, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser regularly review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding material information related to those reviews and assessments.

The Board further considered the provision of investment advisory services by the Adviser to the Asset Allocation Portfolios (i.e., MetLife Asset Allocation 20 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 40 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 60 Portfolio, MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio and MetLife Asset Allocation 100 Portfolio) and the American Funds of Funds (i.e., American Funds Balanced Allocation Portfolio, American Funds Growth Allocation Portfolio and American Funds Moderate Allocation Portfolio). With respect to the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board noted that the Adviser has hired an independent consultant to provide research and consulting services with respect to the periodic asset allocation targets for each of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and to investments

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

in other Portfolios of the Trusts (the “Underlying Portfolios”), which may assist the Adviser with the selection of Underlying Portfolios for inclusion in each Asset Allocation Portfolio. Additionally, the Board considered that a committee, consisting of investment professionals from across the Adviser, meets periodically to review the asset allocations and discuss the performance of the Asset Allocation Portfolios and the American Funds of Funds.

The Board further considered and found that the advisory fee to be paid to the Adviser with respect to each Asset Allocation Portfolio and American Fund of Funds was based on services to be provided that were in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided pursuant to the advisory agreements for the Underlying Portfolios in which the Portfolio invests.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance. The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”) and a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report.

The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. In the case of the Asset Allocation Portfolios, the Board also considered the Adviser’s analysis of its profitability that was attributable to its management of the Underlying Portfolios of the Trust in which the Asset Allocation Portfolios invest. The Board further considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Portfolios, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

MetLife Asset Allocation 80 Portfolio (formerly, MetLife Moderate to Aggressive Allocation Portfolio). The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreement with the Adviser regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed both the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Moderate to Aggressive AA Broad Index, for the one-year period ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed the Moderate to Aggressive AA Broad Index for the three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio outperformed its other benchmark, the Dow Jones Moderately Aggressive Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were equal to the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median. The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median and the Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Investment Management, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, E, and G shares of the MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio returned 9.49%, 9.23%, 9.39%, and 9.21%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) MidCap 400 Index1, returned 9.77%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Equity indexes reached record highs in 2014, driven by accommodative monetary policies by central banks around the world, strong corporate earnings, and an improving global economy. The year started on a negative note as investors remained concerned about additional Federal Reserve tapering, pressure on emerging market currencies and deteriorating situations in Ukraine, Thailand and Venezuela. Equity indexes recovered in the following months driven by strong earnings and increased corporate activity. During the third quarter, equity markets were volatile as escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, stalling Iran nuclear talks, and further U.S. and European Union sanctions against Russia contrasted with continued easing policies by central banks around the world and stronger macroeconomic data. Equity markets declined again in October as investors continued to worry about faltering global growth, particularly in Europe and China. Growing protests in Hong Kong and continued fears about the spread of the Ebola virus also weighed on the markets. Equity markets rallied in the fourth quarter as the Bank of Japan unexpectedly expanded its economic stimulus, the People’s Bank of China cut interest rates for the first time in two years, and the European Central Bank Chairman, Mr. Draghi, said the bank was ready to increase quantitative easing if necessary. Better than expected U.S. employment, U.S. retail sales and consumer confidence also contributed to positive performance. Equity markets were mixed in December as oil prices dropped significantly, the Russian ruble reached record lows, and political uncertainty continued in Greece.

During the year, the Federal Open Market Committee (the “Committee”) met eight times and maintained the target range for the Federal Funds Rate at zero to 0.25%. The Committee stated that there had been a substantial improvement in the outlook for the labor market since the inception of its asset purchase program. Also, the Committee had continued to see sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy. Accordingly, the Committee had decided to conclude its asset purchase program in October.

Nine of the ten sectors comprising the S&P MidCap 400 Index experienced positive returns for the year. Consumer Staples (4.0% beginning weight in the benchmark), up 35.2%, was the best-performing sector. Telecom Services (0.5% beginning weight), up 24.6%, and Health Care (9.0% beginning weight), up 23.7%, were the next best-performing sectors. Energy (5.7% beginning weight), down 25.3%, was the worst-performing sector.

The stocks with the largest positive impact on the benchmark return for the year were Skyworks Solutions, up 156.3%; Signet Jewelers, up 68.3%; and Keurig Green Mountain, up 48.7%. The stocks with the largest negative impact were 3D Systems, down 64.6%; SM Energy, down 53.5%; and Cree, down 48.5%.

Factors that can impact stock prices include developments in the Fed’s interest rate policy, corporate earnings, geopolitical concerns, energy prices, employment data and the value of the U.S. dollar.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio is managed utilizing a full replication strategy versus the S&P MidCap 400 Index. This strategy seeks to replicate the performance of the Index by owning all of the components of the Index at their respective Index capitalization weights. The Portfolio is periodically rebalanced for compositional changes in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Factors that impact tracking error include transaction costs, cash drag, securities lending, net asset value rounding, and contributions and withdrawals.

Stacey Lituchy

Norman Hu

Mirsad Usejnoski

Portfolio Managers

MetLife Investment Management, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio                      

Class A

       9.49           16.26           9.48             

Class B

       9.23           15.97           9.22             

Class E

       9.39           16.09           9.32             

Class G

       9.21           15.92                     19.90   
S&P MidCap 400 Index        9.77           16.54           9.71             

1 The Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index is an unmanaged index measuring the performance of the mid-size company segment of the U.S. market. The Index consists of 400 domestic stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class E and Class G shares are 7/5/00, 1/2/01, 5/1/01 and 4/28/09, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust      1.1   
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.      0.8   
Equinix, Inc.      0.7   
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.      0.7   
SL Green Realty Corp.      0.7   
Henry Schein, Inc.      0.7   
Hanesbrands, Inc.      0.7   
Endo International plc      0.7   
Realty Income Corp.      0.6   
Signet Jewelers, Ltd.      0.6   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Financials      23.7   
Information Technology      17.2   
Industrials      14.6   
Consumer Discretionary      13.2   
Health Care      9.9   
Materials      7.1   
Utilities      4.7   
Energy      3.9   
Consumer Staples      3.3   
Telecommunication Services      0.1   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.31    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.80         $ 1.58   
   Hypothetical*      0.31    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.64         $ 1.58   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.56    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.00         $ 2.85   
   Hypothetical*      0.56    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.38         $ 2.85   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.46    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.40         $ 2.34   
   Hypothetical*      0.46    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.89         $ 2.35   

Class G(a)

   Actual      0.61    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,018.50         $ 3.10   
   Hypothetical*      0.61    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.13         $ 3.11   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—96.6% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—1.6%

   

Alliant Techsystems, Inc.

    17,960      $ 2,087,850   

BE Aerospace, Inc. (a)

    59,230        3,436,525   

Esterline Technologies Corp. (a)

    17,965        1,970,401   

Exelis, Inc.

    105,037        1,841,299   

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

    27,161        3,054,526   

KLX, Inc. (a)

    29,615        1,221,619   

Triumph Group, Inc.

    28,565        1,920,139   
   

 

 

 
      15,532,359   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.7%

  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

    73,998        4,422,121   

JetBlue Airways Corp. (a) (b)

    137,870        2,186,618   
   

 

 

 
      6,608,739   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—0.3%

  

Gentex Corp.

    82,338        2,974,872   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—0.2%

  

Thor Industries, Inc. (b)

    26,125        1,459,604   
   

 

 

 

Banks—4.6%

  

Associated Banc-Corp. (b)

    85,484        1,592,567   

BancorpSouth, Inc.

    48,102        1,082,776   

Bank of Hawaii Corp. (b)

    24,678        1,463,652   

Cathay General Bancorp

    41,691        1,066,873   

City National Corp.

    26,970        2,179,446   

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (b)

    46,576        2,025,590   

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (b)

    30,857        2,179,739   

East West Bancorp, Inc.

    80,742        3,125,523   

First Horizon National Corp. (b)

    132,316        1,796,851   

First Niagara Financial Group, Inc.

    199,075        1,678,202   

FirstMerit Corp.

    93,028        1,757,299   

Fulton Financial Corp.

    104,203        1,287,949   

Hancock Holding Co.

    45,878        1,408,455   

International Bancshares Corp.

    32,587        864,859   

PacWest Bancorp

    54,455        2,475,524   

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    33,748        1,868,289   

Signature Bank (a)

    28,300        3,564,668   

SVB Financial Group (a)

    28,600        3,319,602   

Synovus Financial Corp.

    76,815        2,080,918   

TCF Financial Corp.

    94,058        1,494,582   

Trustmark Corp.

    37,931        930,827   

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    122,201        2,078,639   

Valley National Bancorp (b)

    123,693        1,201,059   

Webster Financial Corp.

    50,759        1,651,190   
   

 

 

 
      44,175,079   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—0.8%

  

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    42,913        4,319,193   

United Therapeutics Corp. (a)

    26,722        3,460,232   
   

 

 

 
      7,779,425   
   

 

 

 

Building Products—0.9%

  

AO Smith Corp.

    42,307        2,386,538   

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

    88,737        4,017,124   

Building Products—(Continued)

  

Lennox International, Inc. (b)

    24,859      2,363,345   
   

 

 

 
      8,767,007   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—1.6%

  

Eaton Vance Corp.

    66,516        2,722,500   

Federated Investors, Inc. - Class B (b)

    53,537        1,762,973   

Janus Capital Group, Inc. (b)

    82,644        1,333,048   

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    70,859        4,059,512   

SEI Investments Co.

    73,369        2,937,695   

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. - Class A

    47,029        2,342,985   
   

 

 

 
      15,158,713   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—2.9%

  

Albemarle Corp. (b)

    44,011        2,646,381   

Ashland, Inc.

    35,895        4,298,785   

Cabot Corp.

    36,024        1,580,013   

Cytec Industries, Inc.

    40,538        1,871,639   

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    19,408        1,347,886   

NewMarket Corp. (b)

    5,991        2,417,548   

Olin Corp. (b)

    43,980        1,001,425   

PolyOne Corp. (b)

    51,133        1,938,452   

RPM International, Inc.

    75,074        3,807,003   

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The) - Class A

    24,974        1,556,380   

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    27,086        1,634,369   

Valspar Corp. (The)

    42,877        3,708,003   
   

 

 

 
      27,807,884   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—1.6%

  

Clean Harbors, Inc. (a) (b)

    30,683        1,474,318   

Copart, Inc. (a)

    63,952        2,333,608   

Deluxe Corp. (b)

    27,938        1,739,141   

Herman Miller, Inc.

    33,457        984,640   

HNI Corp.

    24,970        1,274,968   

MSA Safety, Inc.

    17,688        939,056   

Rollins, Inc.

    36,014        1,192,063   

RR Donnelley & Sons Co. (b)

    112,378        1,888,512   

Waste Connections, Inc.

    69,812        3,071,030   
   

 

 

 
      14,897,336   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—1.1%

  

ARRIS Group, Inc. (a)

    74,101        2,237,109   

Ciena Corp. (a) (b)

    59,938        1,163,397   

InterDigital, Inc. (b)

    20,903        1,105,769   

JDS Uniphase Corp. (a)

    130,406        1,789,170   

Plantronics, Inc.

    24,144        1,280,115   

Polycom, Inc. (a)

    76,765        1,036,327   

Riverbed Technology, Inc. (a)

    87,242        1,780,609   
   

 

 

 
      10,392,496   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.5%

  

AECOM Technology Corp. (a)

    86,517        2,627,521   

Granite Construction, Inc.

    20,260        770,285   

KBR, Inc.

    81,600        1,383,120   
   

 

 

 
      4,780,926   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Construction Materials—0.2%

  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    28,271      $ 2,149,444   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—0.3%

   

SLM Corp.

    238,011        2,425,332   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—2.0%

  

Aptargroup, Inc. (b)

    36,407        2,433,444   

Bemis Co., Inc.

    56,178        2,539,807   

Greif, Inc. - Class A

    19,064        900,393   

Packaging Corp. of America

    55,336        4,318,975   

Rock-Tenn Co. - Class A

    78,772        4,803,516   

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    24,527        1,314,647   

Sonoco Products Co.

    56,954        2,488,890   
   

 

 

 
      18,799,672   
   

 

 

 

Distributors—0.5%

  

LKQ Corp. (a)

    170,444        4,792,885   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—1.0%

  

Apollo Education Group, Inc. (a)

    54,326        1,853,060   

DeVry Education Group, Inc.

    32,336        1,534,990   

Graham Holdings Co. - Class B

    2,477        2,139,410   

Service Corp. International (b)

    116,790        2,651,133   

Sotheby’s (b)

    34,536        1,491,264   
   

 

 

 
      9,669,857   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.6%

  

CBOE Holdings, Inc.

    47,471        3,010,611   

MSCI, Inc.

    63,012        2,989,289   
   

 

 

 
      5,999,900   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—1.7%

  

Cleco Corp.

    33,960        1,852,178   

Great Plains Energy, Inc.

    86,538        2,458,545   

Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.

    57,686        1,931,327   

IDACORP, Inc. (b)

    28,274        1,871,456   

OGE Energy Corp.

    112,107        3,977,556   

PNM Resources, Inc.

    44,801        1,327,454   

Westar Energy, Inc. (b)

    73,534        3,032,542   
   

 

 

 
      16,451,058   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.9%

  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    24,393        3,416,728   

Hubbell, Inc. - Class B

    30,554        3,264,084   

Regal-Beloit Corp.

    25,136        1,890,227   
   

 

 

 
      8,571,039   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—3.6%

  

Arrow Electronics, Inc. (a)

    54,506        3,155,352   

Avnet, Inc.

    77,084        3,316,154   

Belden, Inc.

    24,082        1,897,902   

Cognex Corp. (a)

    48,959        2,023,475   

FEI Co.

    23,370        2,111,480   

Ingram Micro, Inc. - Class A (a)

    87,706        2,424,194   

IPG Photonics Corp. (a) (b)

    19,958        1,495,253   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—(Continued)

  

Itron, Inc. (a)

    21,969      929,069   

Jabil Circuit, Inc. (b)

    108,775        2,374,558   

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (a)

    94,211        3,181,506   

Knowles Corp. (a) (b)

    47,831        1,126,420   

National Instruments Corp.

    56,691        1,762,523   

Tech Data Corp. (a)

    21,517        1,360,520   

Trimble Navigation, Ltd. (a)

    145,679        3,866,321   

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (b)

    76,301        1,079,659   

Zebra Technologies Corp. - Class A (a)

    28,641        2,217,100   
   

 

 

 
      34,321,486   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—2.0%

  

Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (a)

    33,664        955,048   

CARBO Ceramics, Inc. (b)

    11,040        442,152   

Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. (a)

    43,113        3,526,643   

Dril-Quip, Inc. (a)

    22,202        1,703,559   

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (a)

    55,205        1,197,949   

Oceaneering International, Inc.

    59,064        3,473,554   

Oil States International, Inc. (a)

    29,907        1,462,452   

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    82,350        1,366,187   

Rowan Cos. plc - Class A

    70,047        1,633,496   

Superior Energy Services, Inc.

    85,589        1,724,618   

Tidewater, Inc. (b)

    27,969        906,475   

Unit Corp. (a)

    25,931        884,247   
   

 

 

 
      19,276,380   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—0.4%

  

SUPERVALU, Inc. (a)

    116,024        1,125,433   

United Natural Foods, Inc. (a)

    28,059        2,169,662   
   

 

 

 
      3,295,095   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.9%

  

Dean Foods Co. (b)

    52,771        1,022,702   

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    103,905        1,993,937   

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    56,764        3,308,773   

Ingredion, Inc.

    40,420        3,429,233   

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    10,919        1,022,455   

Post Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    25,231        1,056,927   

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. (b)

    11,221        343,924   

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (a)

    23,807        2,036,213   

WhiteWave Foods Co. (The) (a)

    98,067        3,431,364   
   

 

 

 
      17,645,528   
   

 

 

 

Gas Utilities—1.6%

  

Atmos Energy Corp.

    56,466        3,147,415   

National Fuel Gas Co. (b)

    47,353        3,292,454   

ONE Gas, Inc.

    29,278        1,206,839   

Questar Corp.

    98,574        2,491,951   

UGI Corp.

    96,981        3,683,338   

WGL Holdings, Inc. (b)

    27,959        1,527,121   
   

 

 

 
      15,349,118   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—3.1%

  

Align Technology, Inc. (a)

    40,643        2,272,350   

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

    27,157        4,401,878   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—(Continued)

  

Halyard Health, Inc. (a)

    26,174      $ 1,190,132   

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.

    32,352        1,475,898   

Hologic, Inc. (a)

    136,360        3,646,267   

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,819        3,976,453   

ResMed, Inc. (b)

    78,431        4,396,842   

Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. (a)

    31,144        2,721,051   

STERIS Corp. (b)

    33,422        2,167,417   

Teleflex, Inc. (b)

    23,294        2,674,617   

Thoratec Corp. (a)

    30,935        1,004,150   
   

 

 

 
      29,927,055   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—3.3%

  

Centene Corp. (a)

    32,999        3,426,946   

Community Health Systems, Inc. (a)

    65,403        3,526,530   

Health Net, Inc. (a)

    43,826        2,346,006   

Henry Schein, Inc. (a) (c)

    47,367        6,449,017   

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. (a)

    25,464        1,831,116   

MEDNAX, Inc. (a)

    56,479        3,733,827   

Omnicare, Inc.

    55,055        4,015,161   

Owens & Minor, Inc. (b)

    35,479        1,245,668   

VCA, Inc. (a)

    47,316        2,307,601   

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (a)

    24,695        2,026,472   
   

 

 

 
      30,908,344   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—0.2%

  

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (a)

    95,305        1,217,045   

HMS Holdings Corp. (a) (b)

    49,376        1,043,808   
   

 

 

 
      2,260,853   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—1.5%

  

Brinker International, Inc.

    35,747        2,097,991   

Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (The) (b)

    25,889        1,302,476   

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    30,939        2,913,526   

International Game Technology

    139,151        2,400,355   

International Speedway Corp. - Class A

    15,724        497,665   

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,244        1,146,215   

Panera Bread Co. - Class A (a) (b)

    14,411        2,519,043   

Wendy’s Co. (The)

    154,084        1,391,378   
   

 

 

 
      14,268,649   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—1.7%

  

Jarden Corp. (a)

    100,629        4,818,117   

KB Home (b)

    51,213        847,575   

MDC Holdings, Inc. (b)

    21,965        581,414   

NVR, Inc. (a) (b)

    2,189        2,791,697   

Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (a)

    34,260        1,881,217   

Toll Brothers, Inc. (a)

    91,061        3,120,660   

Tupperware Brands Corp. (b)

    28,331        1,784,853   
   

 

 

 
      15,825,533   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—1.1%

  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    75,242        5,929,822   

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    34,927        4,490,215   
   

 

 

 
      10,420,037   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—0.3%

  

Carlisle Cos., Inc.

    36,091      3,256,852   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—4.7%

  

Alleghany Corp. (a)

    9,059        4,198,846   

American Financial Group, Inc.

    41,516        2,520,852   

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

    90,765        4,273,216   

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

    35,003        1,532,081   

Brown & Brown, Inc.

    66,306        2,182,130   

Everest Re Group, Ltd.

    25,450        4,334,135   

First American Financial Corp. (b)

    60,331        2,045,221   

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)

    24,765        1,766,240   

HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    54,445        2,913,896   

Kemper Corp.

    28,141        1,016,172   

Mercury General Corp.

    20,430        1,157,768   

Old Republic International Corp.

    136,466        1,996,498   

Primerica, Inc. (b)

    29,889        1,621,777   

Protective Life Corp.

    44,356        3,089,395   

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

    38,639        3,385,549   

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    21,671        2,106,855   

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.

    23,646        1,651,910   

W.R. Berkley Corp.

    57,105        2,927,202   
   

 

 

 
      44,719,743   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—0.1%

  

HSN, Inc.

    18,263        1,387,988   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—1.3%

  

AOL, Inc. (a)

    43,807        2,022,569   

Equinix, Inc.

    30,824        6,988,726   

Rackspace Hosting, Inc. (a) (b)

    67,016        3,137,019   
   

 

 

 
      12,148,314   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—2.8%

  

Acxiom Corp. (a)

    43,315        877,995   

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

    67,503        3,117,289   

Convergys Corp.

    56,439        1,149,662   

CoreLogic, Inc. (a)

    50,474        1,594,474   

DST Systems, Inc.

    16,483        1,551,874   

Gartner, Inc. (a)

    49,512        4,169,406   

Global Payments, Inc.

    38,043        3,071,211   

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    45,995        2,858,129   

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

    34,994        1,522,939   

NeuStar, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    30,866        858,075   

Science Applications International Corp.

    22,744        1,126,510   

VeriFone Systems, Inc. (a)

    63,590        2,365,548   

WEX, Inc. (a)

    21,805        2,156,951   
   

 

 

 
      26,420,063   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—0.8%

  

Brunswick Corp.

    52,282        2,679,975   

Polaris Industries, Inc. (b)

    34,358        5,196,304   
   

 

 

 
      7,876,279   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—1.4%

  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. - Class A (a)

    11,565        1,394,276   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Life Sciences Tools & Services—(Continued)

  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    20,854      $ 1,926,910   

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,391        1,679,523   

Covance, Inc. (a) (c)

    31,826        3,304,812   

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (a)

    16,057        4,856,600   
   

 

 

 
      13,162,121   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—4.5%

  

AGCO Corp. (b)

    47,077        2,127,880   

CLARCOR, Inc.

    28,193        1,878,782   

Crane Co.

    27,868        1,635,852   

Donaldson Co., Inc. (b)

    71,824        2,774,561   

Graco, Inc.

    33,449        2,681,941   

Harsco Corp.

    45,451        858,569   

IDEX Corp.

    44,657        3,476,101   

ITT Corp.

    51,521        2,084,540   

Kennametal, Inc.

    44,493        1,592,404   

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    43,691        3,018,611   

Nordson Corp. (b)

    33,005        2,573,070   

Oshkosh Corp.

    44,885        2,183,655   

SPX Corp.

    23,101        1,984,838   

Terex Corp.

    60,970        1,699,844   

Timken Co. (The)

    41,901        1,788,335   

Trinity Industries, Inc. (b)

    87,538        2,451,939   

Valmont Industries, Inc. (b)

    13,840        1,757,680   

Wabtec Corp.

    54,139        4,704,138   

Woodward, Inc. (b)

    32,832        1,616,319   
   

 

 

 
      42,889,059   
   

 

 

 

Marine—0.3%

  

Kirby Corp. (a)

    32,093        2,591,189   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.3%

  

AMC Networks, Inc. - Class A (a)

    33,258        2,120,863   

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

    58,572        2,083,992   

DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    40,742        909,769   

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - Class A

    26,389        1,563,284   

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (a)

    81,260        2,121,699   

Meredith Corp. (b)

    20,501        1,113,614   

New York Times Co. (The) - Class A (b)

    73,550        972,331   

Time, Inc. (b)

    61,322        1,509,134   
   

 

 

 
      12,394,686   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—1.7%

  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    29,944        1,474,742   

Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. (b)

    86,165        615,218   

Commercial Metals Co.

    66,457        1,082,585   

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    18,892        1,640,392   

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    43,914        2,690,611   

Royal Gold, Inc. (b)

    36,669        2,299,146   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    135,223        2,669,302   

TimkenSteel Corp.

    21,562        798,441   

United States Steel Corp. (b)

    81,828        2,188,081   

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    28,501        857,595   
   

 

 

 
      16,316,113   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—1.1%

  

Alliant Energy Corp.

    62,396      4,144,342   

Black Hills Corp.

    25,116        1,332,153   

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

    109,176        2,565,636   

Vectren Corp.

    46,424        2,146,181   
   

 

 

 
      10,188,312   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—0.2%

  

Big Lots, Inc. (b)

    30,064        1,203,161   

J.C. Penney Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    171,465        1,111,093   
   

 

 

 
      2,314,254   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—1.9%

  

California Resources Corp. (a)

    171,738        946,277   

Energen Corp.

    41,174        2,625,254   

Gulfport Energy Corp. (a)

    48,108        2,008,028   

HollyFrontier Corp.

    110,092        4,126,248   

Peabody Energy Corp. (b)

    152,676        1,181,712   

Rosetta Resources, Inc. (a)

    34,585        771,591   

SM Energy Co.

    37,912        1,462,645   

Western Refining, Inc.

    41,044        1,550,642   

World Fuel Services Corp. (b)

    40,533        1,902,214   

WPX Energy, Inc. (a)

    114,386        1,330,309   
   

 

 

 
      17,904,920   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—0.3%

  

Domtar Corp.

    36,261        1,458,417   

Louisiana-Pacific Corp. (a) (b)

    79,987        1,324,585   
   

 

 

 
      2,783,002   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—1.1%

  

Endo International plc (a)

    86,457        6,235,279   

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (a)

    35,842        4,119,679   
   

 

 

 
      10,354,958   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—1.0%

  

Corporate Executive Board Co. (The)

    18,921        1,372,340   

FTI Consulting, Inc. (a)

    23,074        891,349   

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    44,513        3,034,451   

Towers Watson & Co. - Class A

    39,336        4,451,655   
   

 

 

 
      9,749,795   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—9.7%

  

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

    40,501        3,594,059   

American Campus Communities, Inc.

    59,124        2,445,369   

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.

    111,052        2,392,060   

Camden Property Trust

    48,595        3,588,255   

Corporate Office Properties Trust

    52,039        1,476,346   

Corrections Corp. of America (b)

    65,512        2,380,706   

Duke Realty Corp.

    192,198        3,882,400   

Equity One, Inc.

    43,181        1,095,070   

Extra Space Storage, Inc.

    62,159        3,645,004   

Federal Realty Investment Trust (b)

    38,322        5,114,454   

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    51,335        2,273,114   

Home Properties, Inc.

    32,266        2,116,650   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Real Estate Investment Trusts—(Continued)

  

Hospitality Properties Trust

    84,311      $ 2,613,641   

Kilroy Realty Corp.

    47,222        3,261,624   

Lamar Advertising Co. - Class A

    45,087        2,418,467   

LaSalle Hotel Properties

    62,808        2,541,840   

Liberty Property Trust

    83,550        3,143,986   

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    47,071        897,173   

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

    42,327        3,160,980   

National Retail Properties, Inc.

    74,181        2,920,506   

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

    71,672        2,800,225   

Potlatch Corp.

    22,833        956,018   

Rayonier, Inc.

    71,277        1,991,479   

Realty Income Corp. (b)

    125,251        5,975,725   

Regency Centers Corp.

    52,446        3,345,006   

Senior Housing Properties Trust

    114,676        2,535,486   

SL Green Realty Corp.

    54,287        6,461,239   

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    53,938        1,993,548   

Taubman Centers, Inc.

    35,616        2,721,775   

UDR, Inc.

    143,548        4,424,149   

Washington Prime Group, Inc.

    87,272        1,502,824   

Weingarten Realty Investors

    63,272        2,209,458   
   

 

 

 
      91,878,636   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.5%

  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    25,503        1,001,248   

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    25,211        3,779,885   
   

 

 

 
      4,781,133   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.5%

  

Con-way, Inc.

    32,577        1,602,137   

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A (a)

    28,790        2,588,797   

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (b)

    52,056        4,385,718   

Landstar System, Inc.

    25,163        1,825,072   

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (a)

    38,287        2,972,603   

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    25,060        780,619   
   

 

 

 
      14,154,946   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—3.4%

  

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a) (b)

    353,235        943,137   

Atmel Corp. (a) (c)

    234,744        1,970,676   

Cree, Inc. (a) (b)

    67,182        2,164,604   

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (a) (b)

    83,434        1,191,437   

Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. (a)

    66,803        1,127,635   

Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (a)

    83,608        1,638,717   

International Rectifier Corp. (a)

    40,234        1,605,337   

Intersil Corp. - Class A

    72,845        1,054,067   

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (a) (b)

    328,253        5,445,717   

Semtech Corp. (a)

    37,544        1,035,088   

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    22,169        1,055,688   

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

    107,234        7,796,984   

SunEdison, Inc. (a) (b)

    141,737        2,765,289   

Teradyne, Inc.

    121,768        2,409,789   
   

 

 

 
      32,204,165   
   

 

 

 

Software—4.2%

  

ACI Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    64,646        1,303,910   

Software—(Continued)

  

Advent Software, Inc.

    25,007      766,214   

ANSYS, Inc. (a)

    51,694        4,238,908   

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a) (b)

    164,641        3,123,240   

CDK Global, Inc.

    90,347        3,682,544   

CommVault Systems, Inc. (a)

    24,196        1,250,691   

Covisint Corp. (a)

    7        19   

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    21,837        3,073,558   

Fair Isaac Corp.

    18,058        1,305,593   

Fortinet, Inc. (a)

    77,888        2,388,046   

Informatica Corp. (a)

    61,123        2,330,926   

Mentor Graphics Corp.

    55,028        1,206,214   

PTC, Inc. (a)

    65,242        2,391,119   

Rovi Corp. (a)

    53,281        1,203,618   

SolarWinds, Inc. (a)

    37,012        1,844,308   

Solera Holdings, Inc.

    38,374        1,963,981   

Synopsys, Inc. (a)

    87,645        3,809,928   

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (a)

    18,580        2,033,395   

Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    15,958        2,342,874   
   

 

 

 
      40,259,086   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—4.1%

  

Aaron’s, Inc.

    36,279        1,109,049   

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. - Class A (b)

    40,140        1,149,610   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    41,056        6,539,400   

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (b)

    98,453        1,366,528   

ANN, Inc. (a)

    25,713        938,010   

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (a)

    74,079        930,432   

Cabela’s, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,789        1,412,048   

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

    86,019        1,394,368   

CST Brands, Inc.

    43,682        1,904,972   

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

    55,181        2,739,737   

Foot Locker, Inc.

    79,917        4,489,737   

Guess?, Inc.

    35,953        757,889   

Murphy USA, Inc. (a)

    24,177        1,664,828   

Office Depot, Inc. (a)

    272,654        2,338,008   

Rent-A-Center, Inc. (b)

    29,755        1,080,702   

Signet Jewelers, Ltd.

    45,097        5,933,412   

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

    48,170        3,645,505   
   

 

 

 
      39,394,235   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—0.8%

  

3D Systems Corp. (a) (b)

    58,801        1,932,789   

Diebold, Inc. (b)

    36,350        1,259,164   

Lexmark International, Inc. - Class A (b)

    34,757        1,434,422   

NCR Corp. (a)

    94,717        2,760,053   
   

 

 

 
      7,386,428   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—1.4%

  

Carter’s, Inc.

    29,757        2,598,084   

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (a) (b)

    19,481        1,773,550   

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    56,185        6,271,370   

Kate Spade & Co. (a)

    71,494        2,288,523   
   

 

 

 
      12,931,527   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—0.6%

  

Astoria Financial Corp.

    49,393      $ 659,891   

New York Community Bancorp, Inc. (b)

    248,968        3,983,488   

Washington Federal, Inc.

    55,222        1,223,167   
   

 

 

 
      5,866,546   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.7%

  

GATX Corp.

    24,860        1,430,444   

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. - Class A

    28,414        2,308,637   

NOW, Inc. (a) (b)

    60,220        1,549,461   

Watsco, Inc. (b)

    15,352        1,642,664   
   

 

 

 
      6,931,206   
   

 

 

 

Water Utilities—0.3%

  

Aqua America, Inc.

    99,348        2,652,592   
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services—0.2%

  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

    55,228        1,394,507   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $622,676,676)

      918,984,360   
   

 

 

 
Investment Company Security—1.1%   

SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust (b)
(Cost $9,779,372)

    38,200        10,083,654   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—17.4%   

Discount Notes—2.3%

  

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.010%, 01/22/15 (d)

    1,650,000        1,649,990   

0.028%, 01/14/15 (d)

    1,725,000        1,724,981   

0.070%, 03/03/15 (d)

    650,000        649,923   

0.071%, 02/25/15 (d)

    1,800,000        1,799,803   

0.075%, 03/06/15 (d)

    6,350,000        6,349,157   

0.140%, 03/20/15 (d)

    8,375,000        8,372,460   

0.161%, 04/15/15 (d)

    800,000        799,630   

0.181%, 04/06/15 (d)

    400,000        399,810   

Federal National Mortgage Association

   

0.161%, 05/13/15 (d)

    275,000        274,839   
   

 

 

 
      22,020,593   
   

 

 

 

Mutual Fund—15.1%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (e)

    144,076,047      144,076,047   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $166,096,640)

      166,096,640   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—115.1%
(Cost $798,552,688) (f)

      1,095,164,654   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(15.1)%

  

    (143,945,980
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 951,218,674   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $141,539,783 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $144,076,047 and non-cash collateral with a value of $2,117,416. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) All or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral against open futures contracts. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities pledged was $5,697,010.
(d) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(e) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(f) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $802,672,178. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $321,806,124 and $(29,313,648), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $292,492,476 for federal income tax purposes.
(ETF)— Exchange-Traded Fund

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
     Notional
Amount
     Unrealized
Appreciation
 

S&P Midcap 400 E-Mini Index Futures

     03/20/15         150         USD         21,525,959       $ 203,042   
              

 

 

 

 

(USD)— United States Dollar

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 918,984,360       $ —        $ —         $ 918,984,360   

Total Investment Company Security

     10,083,654         —          —           10,083,654   
Short-Term Investments           

Discount Notes

     —           22,020,593        —           22,020,593   

Mutual Fund

     144,076,047         —          —           144,076,047   

Total Short-Term Investments

     144,076,047         22,020,593        —           166,096,640   

Total Investments

   $ 1,073,144,061       $ 22,020,593      $ —         $ 1,095,164,654   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (144,076,047   $ —         $ (144,076,047
Futures Contracts           

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 203,042       $ —        $ —         $ 203,042   

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,095,164,654   

Cash

     931   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     3,451,142   

Fund shares sold

     218,590   

Dividends

     877,030   

Prepaid expenses

     2,376   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,099,714,723   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     144,076,047   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     2,732,262   

Fund shares redeemed

     891,772   

Variation margin on futures contracts

     280,500   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     199,207   

Distribution and service fees

     117,354   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,842   

Other expenses

     135,065   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     148,496,049   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 951,218,674   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 588,328,669   

Undistributed net investment income

     9,920,845   

Accumulated net realized gain

     56,154,152   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and futures contracts

     296,815,008   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 951,218,674   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 399,632,603   

Class B

     404,007,902   

Class E

     42,410,985   

Class G

     105,167,184   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     21,017,142   

Class B

     21,502,746   

Class E

     2,245,606   

Class G

     5,624,548   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 19.01   

Class B

     18.79   

Class E

     18.89   

Class G

     18.70   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Includes securities loaned at value of $141,539,783.
(b) Identified cost of investments was $798,552,688.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends

   $ 14,175,205   

Interest

     16,614   

Securities lending income

     767,937   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     14,959,756   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     2,303,675   

Administration fees

     21,817   

Custodian and accounting fees

     98,001   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     978,847   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     64,818   

Distribution and service fees—Class G

     312,327   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,591   

Shareholder reporting

     188,858   

Insurance

     3,779   

Miscellaneous

     39,029   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     4,119,159   

Less management fee waiver

     (21,073
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     4,098,086   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     10,861,670   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain

  
Net realized gain on:   

Investments

     58,869,727   

Futures contracts

     2,253,556   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     61,123,283   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   

Investments

     11,672,733   

Futures contracts

     (225,972
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation

     11,446,761   
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     72,570,044   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 83,431,714   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 10,861,670      $ 7,524,003   

Net realized gain

     61,123,283        44,528,234   

Net change in unrealized appreciation

     11,446,761        173,725,239   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     83,431,714        225,777,476   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (3,908,986     (3,571,780

Class B

     (3,219,158     (3,295,981

Class E

     (393,348     (433,931

Class G

     (808,575     (892,583

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (17,710,102     (8,753,637

Class B

     (18,562,420     (9,929,931

Class E

     (2,066,821     (1,200,289

Class G

     (4,951,822     (2,689,121
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (51,621,232     (30,767,253
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     12,627,162        30,910,895   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     44,437,644        225,921,118   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     906,781,030        680,859,912   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 951,218,674      $ 906,781,030   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 9,920,845      $ 8,012,162   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,308,259      $ 60,505,261        4,834,598      $ 79,130,076   

Reinvestments

     1,249,658        21,619,088        818,964        12,325,417   

Redemptions

     (3,597,434     (66,081,391     (3,580,846     (58,551,359
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     960,483      $ 16,042,958        2,072,716      $ 32,904,134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     1,291,519      $ 23,239,422        1,892,315      $ 30,939,584   

Reinvestments

     1,272,288        21,781,578        887,050        13,225,912   

Redemptions

     (2,349,274     (42,719,181     (3,253,801     (52,967,918
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     214,533      $ 2,301,819        (474,436   $ (8,802,422
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     48,872      $ 887,728        189,870      $ 3,072,272   

Reinvestments

     143,033        2,460,169        109,166        1,634,220   

Redemptions

     (399,557     (7,266,099     (459,847     (7,545,262
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (207,652   $ (3,918,202     (160,811   $ (2,838,770
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class G

        

Sales

     1,278,911      $ 22,732,011        2,144,831      $ 33,901,061   

Reinvestments

     337,853        5,760,397        241,192        3,581,704   

Redemptions

     (1,681,946     (30,291,821     (1,701,787     (27,834,812
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (65,182   $ (1,799,413     684,236      $ 9,647,953   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 12,627,162        $ 30,910,895   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data      
    Class A  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

  $ 18.45       $ 14.47       $ 12.97       $ 13.88       $ 11.10   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

    0.24         0.18         0.19         0.14         0.13   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    1.41         4.46         2.05         (0.34      2.79   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    1.65         4.64         2.24         (0.20      2.92   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

    (0.20      (0.19      (0.14      (0.13      (0.12

Distributions from net realized capital gains

    (0.89      (0.47      (0.60      (0.58      (0.02
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.09      (0.66      (0.74      (0.71      (0.14
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

  $ 19.01       $ 18.45       $ 14.47       $ 12.97       $ 13.88   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

    9.49         33.15         17.60         (1.89      26.28   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

    0.30         0.30         0.32         0.30         0.31   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

    0.30         0.30         0.31         0.30         0.30   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

    1.33         1.09         1.40         1.03         1.07   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

    17         16         11         24         22   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

  $ 399.6       $ 370.0       $ 260.2       $ 236.6       $ 257.4   
    Class B  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

  $ 18.25       $ 14.32       $ 12.84       $ 13.75       $ 11.01   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

    0.19         0.14         0.16         0.11         0.10   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    1.39         4.42         2.03         (0.34      2.76   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    1.58         4.56         2.19         (0.23      2.86   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

    (0.15      (0.16      (0.11      (0.10      (0.10

Distributions from net realized capital gains

    (0.89      (0.47      (0.60      (0.58      (0.02
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.04      (0.63      (0.71      (0.68      (0.12
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

  $ 18.79       $ 18.25       $ 14.32       $ 12.84       $ 13.75   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

    9.23         32.83         17.33         (2.19      25.99   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

    0.55         0.55         0.57         0.55         0.56   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

    0.55         0.55         0.56         0.55         0.55   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

    1.08         0.83         1.16         0.79         0.83   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

    17         16         11         24         22   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

  $ 404.0       $ 388.4       $ 311.6       $ 275.5       $ 267.9   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data      
    Class E  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

  $ 18.33       $ 14.38       $ 12.89       $ 13.80       $ 11.05   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

    0.21         0.15         0.17         0.12         0.11   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    1.41         4.44         2.04         (0.34      2.76   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    1.62         4.59         2.21         (0.22      2.87   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

    (0.17      (0.17      (0.12      (0.11      (0.10

Distributions from net realized capital gains

    (0.89      (0.47      (0.60      (0.58      (0.02
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.06      (0.64      (0.72      (0.69      (0.12
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

  $ 18.89       $ 18.33       $ 14.38       $ 12.89       $ 13.80   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

    9.39         32.95         17.46         (2.10      26.08   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

    0.45         0.45         0.47         0.45         0.46   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

    0.45         0.45         0.46         0.45         0.45   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

    1.17         0.93         1.24         0.87         0.92   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

    17         16         11         24         22   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

  $ 42.4       $ 45.0       $ 37.6       $ 37.1       $ 46.9   
    Class G  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

  $ 18.16       $ 14.26       $ 12.79       $ 13.70       $ 10.97   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

    0.18         0.13         0.15         0.10         0.10   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    1.39         4.40         2.02         (0.33      2.74   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    1.57         4.53         2.17         (0.23      2.84   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

    (0.14      (0.16      (0.10      (0.10      (0.09

Distributions from net realized capital gains

    (0.89      (0.47      (0.60      (0.58      (0.02
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.03      (0.63      (0.70      (0.68      (0.11
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

  $ 18.70       $ 18.16       $ 14.26       $ 12.79       $ 13.70   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

    9.21         32.75         17.27         (2.24      25.92   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

    0.60         0.60         0.62         0.60         0.61   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

    0.60         0.60         0.61         0.60         0.60   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

    1.02         0.79         1.10         0.76         0.82   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

    17         16         11         24         22   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

  $ 105.2       $ 103.3       $ 71.4       $ 62.7       $ 41.3   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, E, and G shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to return of capital adjustments and real estate investment trust (REIT) adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  

Equity

   Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts*    $ 203,042   
     

 

 

 

 

  * Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ 2,253,556   
  

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ (225,972
  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Futures contracts long

   $ 16,667   

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 154,365,206       $ 0       $ 172,111,105   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 0.250% of average daily net assets. Fees earned by MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $2,303,675.

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with MetLife Investment Management, LLC (“MIM”) with respect to managing the Portfolio. For providing subadvisory services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers has agreed to pay MIM an investment subadvisory fee for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.030%    On the first $500 million
0.020%    On the next $500 million
0.010%    On amounts over $1 billion

Fees earned by MIM with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $234,294.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum reduction

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.005%    Over $500 million and under $1 billion
0.010%    Of the next $1 billion
0.015%    On amounts over $2 billion

 

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, E, and G Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, E, and G Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.15% per year for Class E Shares, and 0.30% per year for Class G Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$13,838,966    $ 11,678,054       $ 37,782,266       $ 19,089,199       $ 51,621,232       $ 30,767,253   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$14,178,456    $ 56,282,916       $ 292,492,475       $       $ 362,953,847   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of the MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio and Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

MetLife Mid Cap Stock Index Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and MetLife Investment Management, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board noted that the Portfolio underperformed its Lipper Index for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014 and outperformed its Lipper Index for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 400 Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further considered that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Investment Management, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, D, and E shares of the MetLife Stock Index Portfolio returned 13.36%, 13.10%, 13.26%, and 13.20%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index1, returned 13.69%. Since its inception on November 12, 2014, the class G shares of the MetLife Stock Index Portfolio returned 1.22%. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, returned 1.25% over the same period.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Equity indexes reached record highs in 2014, driven by accommodative monetary policies by central banks around the world, strong corporate earnings, and an improving global economy. The year started on a negative note as investors remained concerned about additional Federal Reserve tapering, pressure on emerging market currencies and deteriorating situations in Ukraine, Thailand and Venezuela. Equity indexes recovered in the following months driven by strong earnings and increased corporate activity. During the third quarter, equity markets were volatile as escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, stalling Iran nuclear talks, and further U.S. and European Union sanctions against Russia contrasted with continued easing policies by central banks around the world and stronger macroeconomic data. Equity markets declined again in October as investors continued to worry about faltering global growth, particularly in Europe and China. Growing protests in Hong Kong and continued fears about the spread of the Ebola virus also weighed on the markets. Equity markets rallied in the fourth quarter as the Bank of Japan unexpectedly expanded its economic stimulus, the People’s Bank of China cut interest rates for the first time in two years, and the European Central Bank Chairman, Mr. Draghi, said the bank was ready to increase quantitative easing if necessary. Better than expected U.S. employment, U.S. retail sales and consumer confidence also contributed to positive performance. Equity markets were mixed in December as oil prices dropped significantly, the Russian ruble reached record lows, and political uncertainty continued in Greece.

During the year, the Federal Open Market Committee (the “Committee”) met eight times and maintained the target range for the Federal Funds Rate at zero to 0.25%. The Committee stated that there had been a substantial improvement in the outlook for the labor market since the inception of its asset purchase program. Also, the Committee had continued to see sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy. Accordingly, the Committee had decided to conclude its asset purchase program in October.

Nine of the ten sectors comprising the S&P 500 Index experienced positive returns for the year. Utilities (2.9% beginning weight in the benchmark), up 29.0%, was the best-performing sector. Health Care (13.0% beginning weight), up 25.3%, and Information Technology (18.6% beginning weight), up 20.5%, were the next best-performing sectors. The worst performing sector was Energy (10.3% beginning weight), down 7.7%.

The stocks with the largest positive impact on the benchmark return for the year were Apple, up 40.6%; Microsoft, up 27.5%; and Berkshire Hathaway, up 26.6%. The stocks with the largest negative impact were Amazon.com, down 22.2%; IBM, down 12.4%; and Exxon Mobil, down 6.1%.

Factors that can impact stock prices include developments in the Fed’s interest rate policy, corporate earnings, geopolitical concerns, energy prices, employment data and the value of the U.S. dollar.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio is managed utilizing a full replication strategy versus the S&P 500 Index. This strategy seeks to replicate the performance of the Index by owning all of the components of the Index at their respective Index capitalization weights. The Portfolio is periodically rebalanced for compositional changes in the S&P 500 Index. Factors that impact tracking error include transaction costs, cash drag, securities lending, net asset value rounding, and contributions and withdrawals.

Stacey Lituchy

Norman Hu

Mirsad Usejnoski

Portfolio Managers

MetLife Investment Management, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE S&P 500 INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
MetLife Stock Index Porfolio                      

Class A

       13.36           15.16           7.42             

Class B

       13.10           14.88           7.15             

Class D

       13.26           15.05                     18.81   

Class E

       13.20           14.98           7.25             

Class G

                                     1.22   
S&P 500 Index        13.69           15.45           7.67             

1 The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index is an unmanaged index consisting of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding) with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class D, Class E and Class G shares are 5/1/90, 1/2/01, 4/28/09. 5/1/01 and 11/12/14, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Apple, Inc.      3.5   
Exxon Mobil Corp.      2.1   
Microsoft Corp.      2.1   
Johnson & Johnson      1.6   
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.- Class B      1.5   
Wells Fargo & Co.      1.4   
General Electric Co.      1.4   
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)      1.3   
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      1.3   
Chevron Corp.      1.1   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Information Technology      19.4   
Financials      17.0   
Health Care      14.1   
Consumer Discretionary      12.0   
Industrials      10.3   
Consumer Staples      9.7   
Energy      8.3   
Utilities      3.2   
Materials      3.1   
Telecommunication Services      2.3   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.27    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,059.60         $ 1.40   
   Hypothetical*      0.27    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.84         $ 1.38   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.52    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,058.40         $ 2.70   
   Hypothetical*      0.52    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.58         $ 2.65   

Class D(a)

   Actual      0.36    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,059.30         $ 1.87   
   Hypothetical*      0.36    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.39         $ 1.84   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.42    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,058.80         $ 2.18   
   Hypothetical*      0.42    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.09         $ 2.14   

Class G(a)(b)

   Actual      0.57    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,012.20         $ 0.79   
   Hypothetical*      0.57    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,006.07         $ 0.78   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days for Class A, Class B, Class D, and Class E, and 50 days for Class G) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

(b) Commencement of operations was November 12, 2014.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—98.9% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—2.6%

   

Boeing Co. (The)

    238,122      $ 30,951,098   

General Dynamics Corp.

    113,066        15,560,143   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    281,142        28,091,709   

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.

    30,575        3,858,871   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    96,443        18,572,028   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    72,547        10,692,702   

Precision Castparts Corp.

    51,190        12,330,647   

Raytheon Co.

    110,749        11,979,719   

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

    47,747        4,033,667   

Textron, Inc.

    99,141        4,174,827   

United Technologies Corp.

    304,498        35,017,270   
   

 

 

 
      175,262,681   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—0.8%

   

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    52,537        3,934,496   

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.

    69,325        3,092,588   

FedEx Corp.

    94,606        16,429,278   

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    250,332        27,829,409   
   

 

 

 
      51,285,771   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.4%

   

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

    300,582        14,785,629   

Southwest Airlines Co.

    243,766        10,316,177   
   

 

 

 
      25,101,806   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—0.4%

   

BorgWarner, Inc.

    81,660        4,487,217   

Delphi Automotive plc

    106,335        7,732,681   

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)

    98,607        2,817,202   

Johnson Controls, Inc.

    239,257        11,565,684   
   

 

 

 
      26,602,784   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—0.7%

   

Ford Motor Co.

    1,382,233        21,424,612   

General Motors Co.

    484,709        16,921,191   

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    76,953        5,071,972   
   

 

 

 
      43,417,775   
   

 

 

 

Banks—6.0%

   

Bank of America Corp.

    3,776,921        67,569,117   

BB&T Corp.

    258,690        10,060,454   

Citigroup, Inc.

    1,088,023        58,872,925   

Comerica, Inc.

    64,533        3,022,726   

Fifth Third Bancorp

    295,937        6,029,716   

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

    292,506        3,077,163   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    1,342,549        84,016,716   

KeyCorp

    311,135        4,324,777   

M&T Bank Corp. (a)

    47,447        5,960,292   

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    188,985        17,241,102   

Regions Financial Corp.

    494,352        5,220,357   

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

    187,277        7,846,906   

U.S. Bancorp

    642,647        28,886,983   

Wells Fargo & Co.

    1,695,425        92,943,198   

Zions Bancorporation

    72,881        2,077,837   
   

 

 

 
      397,150,269   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—2.1%

   

Brown-Forman Corp. - Class B

    56,190      4,935,730   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    1,415,782        59,774,316   

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.

    79,871        3,531,896   

Constellation Brands, Inc. - Class A (b)

    60,264        5,916,117   

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    69,821        5,004,769   

Molson Coors Brewing Co. - Class B

    57,229        4,264,705   

Monster Beverage Corp. (b)

    51,777        5,610,038   

PepsiCo, Inc.

    537,497        50,825,716   
   

 

 

 
      139,863,287   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—2.9%

   

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

    71,214        13,176,726   

Amgen, Inc.

    273,190        43,516,435   

Biogen Idec, Inc. (b)

    84,814        28,790,112   

Celgene Corp. (b)

    286,850        32,087,041   

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b)

    541,828        51,072,707   

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,654        10,934,804   

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

    86,382        10,262,182   
   

 

 

 
      189,840,007   
   

 

 

 

Building Products—0.1%

   

Allegion plc

    34,380        1,906,715   

Masco Corp.

    127,948        3,224,289   
   

 

 

 
      5,131,004   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—2.3%

   

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (b)

    19,959        4,236,098   

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    66,274        8,764,737   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    404,292        16,402,126   

BlackRock, Inc.

    45,749        16,358,012   

Charles Schwab Corp. (The)

    412,684        12,458,930   

E*Trade Financial Corp. (b)

    103,725        2,515,850   

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    140,818        7,797,093   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    145,474        28,197,225   

Invesco, Ltd.

    154,729        6,114,890   

Legg Mason, Inc.

    36,064        1,924,736   

Morgan Stanley

    548,332        21,275,282   

Northern Trust Corp.

    79,505        5,358,637   

State Street Corp.

    149,941        11,770,368   

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

    93,158        7,998,546   
   

 

 

 
      151,172,530   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—2.3%

   

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

    69,078        9,963,120   

Airgas, Inc.

    24,146        2,781,136   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    17,862        4,868,110   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)

    397,876        18,147,124   

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

    325,365        24,057,488   

Eastman Chemical Co.

    53,343        4,046,600   

Ecolab, Inc.

    97,006        10,139,067   

FMC Corp.

    47,862        2,729,570   

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

    29,081        2,947,650   

LyondellBasell Industries NV - Class A

    149,244        11,848,481   

Monsanto Co.

    173,852        20,770,099   

Mosaic Co. (The)

    113,352        5,174,519   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Chemicals—(Continued)

   

PPG Industries, Inc.

    49,287      $ 11,392,690   

Praxair, Inc.

    104,645        13,557,806   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    29,306        7,708,650   

Sigma-Aldrich Corp.

    42,773        5,871,450   
   

 

 

 
      156,003,560   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—0.4%

  

ADT Corp. (The) (a)

    62,680        2,270,896   

Cintas Corp. (a)

    34,870        2,735,203   

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    72,184        1,759,124   

Republic Services, Inc.

    90,659        3,649,025   

Stericycle, Inc. (b)

    30,500        3,997,940   

Tyco International plc

    150,289        6,591,676   

Waste Management, Inc.

    152,947        7,849,240   
   

 

 

 
      28,853,104   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—1.7%

  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    1,836,515        51,082,665   

F5 Networks, Inc. (b)

    26,499        3,457,192   

Harris Corp.

    37,563        2,697,775   

Juniper Networks, Inc.

    138,265        3,086,075   

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    76,079        5,103,379   

QUALCOMM, Inc.

    597,113        44,383,409   
   

 

 

 
      109,810,495   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.1%

  

Fluor Corp.

    56,106        3,401,707   

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (b)

    46,887        2,095,380   

Quanta Services, Inc. (b)

    78,180        2,219,530   
   

 

 

 
      7,716,617   
   

 

 

 

Construction Materials—0.1%

  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (a)

    22,227        2,452,083   

Vulcan Materials Co.

    47,300        3,109,029   
   

 

 

 
      5,561,112   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—0.9%

  

American Express Co.

    319,574        29,733,165   

Capital One Financial Corp.

    199,674        16,483,089   

Discover Financial Services

    162,865        10,666,029   

Navient Corp.

    147,327        3,183,736   
   

 

 

 
      60,066,019   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—0.2%

  

Avery Dennison Corp.

    32,718        1,697,410   

Ball Corp.

    49,175        3,352,260   

MeadWestvaco Corp.

    59,875        2,657,851   

Owens-Illinois, Inc. (b)

    59,226        1,598,510   

Sealed Air Corp.

    75,836        3,217,721   
   

 

 

 
      12,523,752   
   

 

 

 

Distributors—0.1%

  

Genuine Parts Co.

    54,898        5,850,480   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—0.1%

  

H&R Block, Inc.

    98,824      3,328,392   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—2.1%

  

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (b)

    654,917        98,335,788   

CME Group, Inc.

    113,716        10,080,923   

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    40,478        8,876,421   

Leucadia National Corp.

    113,794        2,551,261   

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

    97,508        8,676,262   

Moody’s Corp.

    65,927        6,316,466   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    42,151        2,021,562   
   

 

 

 
      136,858,683   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—2.3%

  

AT&T, Inc.

    1,862,880        62,574,139   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    204,965        8,112,515   

Frontier Communications Corp. (a)

    359,891        2,400,473   

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (b)

    100,146        4,945,209   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,490,349        69,718,526   

Windstream Holdings, Inc.

    216,478        1,783,779   
   

 

 

 
      149,534,641   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—1.8%

  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    175,707        10,668,929   

Duke Energy Corp.

    254,019        21,220,747   

Edison International

    117,013        7,662,011   

Entergy Corp.

    64,819        5,670,366   

Exelon Corp.

    308,671        11,445,521   

FirstEnergy Corp.

    151,125        5,892,364   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    156,760        16,662,020   

Northeast Utilities

    113,776        6,089,292   

Pepco Holdings, Inc.

    90,470        2,436,357   

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    39,667        2,709,653   

PPL Corp.

    238,856        8,677,638   

Southern Co. (The) (a)

    323,162        15,870,486   

Xcel Energy, Inc.

    181,614        6,523,575   
   

 

 

 
      121,528,959   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.6%

  

AMETEK, Inc.

    88,325        4,648,545   

Eaton Corp. plc

    170,450        11,583,782   

Emerson Electric Co.

    249,115        15,377,869   

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

    48,761        5,422,223   
   

 

 

 
      37,032,419   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—0.4%

  

Amphenol Corp. - Class A

    111,142        5,980,551   

Corning, Inc.

    460,368        10,556,238   

FLIR Systems, Inc.

    50,600        1,634,886   

TE Connectivity, Ltd.

    146,055        9,237,979   
   

 

 

 
      27,409,654   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—1.3%

  

Baker Hughes, Inc.

    155,395        8,712,998   

Cameron International Corp. (b)

    70,911        3,542,004   

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (a)

    24,135        885,996   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Energy Equipment & Services—(Continued)

  

Ensco plc - Class A (a)

    84,150      $ 2,520,293   

FMC Technologies, Inc. (b)

    83,984        3,933,811   

Halliburton Co.

    304,360        11,970,479   

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    38,879        2,621,222   

Nabors Industries, Ltd.

    103,950        1,349,271   

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    154,638        10,133,428   

Noble Corp. plc (a)

    90,493        1,499,469   

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    462,145        39,471,804   

Transocean, Ltd. (a)

    122,291        2,241,594   
   

 

 

 
      88,882,369   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—2.5%

  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    157,220        22,285,935   

CVS Health Corp.

    411,717        39,652,464   

Kroger Co. (The)

    176,372        11,324,846   

Safeway, Inc.

    82,746        2,906,040   

Sysco Corp.

    211,135        8,379,948   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    567,219        48,712,768   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    312,404        23,805,185   

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

    129,201        6,514,314   
   

 

 

 
      163,581,500   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.6%

  

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

    231,212        12,023,024   

Campbell Soup Co. (a)

    64,339        2,830,916   

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

    152,574        5,535,385   

General Mills, Inc.

    216,832        11,563,651   

Hershey Co. (The)

    53,147        5,523,568   

Hormel Foods Corp.

    48,255        2,514,085   

J.M. Smucker Co. (The)

    36,567        3,692,536   

Kellogg Co.

    90,531        5,924,349   

Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.

    43,639        5,777,585   

Kraft Foods Group, Inc.

    211,473        13,250,898   

McCormick & Co., Inc. (a)

    46,381        3,446,108   

Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.

    72,558        7,294,981   

Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A

    603,334        21,916,108   

Tyson Foods, Inc. - Class A

    105,236        4,218,911   
   

 

 

 
      105,512,105   
   

 

 

 

Gas Utilities—0.0%

  

AGL Resources, Inc.

    42,944        2,340,877   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—2.2%

  

Abbott Laboratories

    540,796        24,346,636   

Baxter International, Inc.

    194,648        14,265,752   

Becton Dickinson & Co.

    68,948        9,594,804   

Boston Scientific Corp. (b)

    476,401        6,312,313   

C.R. Bard, Inc.

    26,900        4,482,078   

CareFusion Corp. (b)

    73,236        4,345,824   

Covidien plc

    162,615        16,632,262   

DENTSPLY International, Inc.

    50,829        2,707,661   

Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (b)

    38,419        4,893,812   

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (b)

    13,020        6,886,799   

Medtronic, Inc. (a)

    353,512        25,523,566   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    102,684        6,677,540   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—(Continued)

  

Stryker Corp.

    107,339      10,125,288   

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (a) (b)

    35,907        3,106,315   

Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

    60,823        6,898,545   
   

 

 

 
      146,799,195   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—2.3%

  

Aetna, Inc.

    126,311        11,220,206   

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    74,615        6,727,288   

Anthem, Inc.

    96,948        12,183,455   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    118,863        9,595,810   

Cigna Corp.

    93,945        9,667,880   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc. (b)

    61,744        4,676,491   

Express Scripts Holding Co. (b)

    263,579        22,317,234   

Humana, Inc.

    55,070        7,909,704   

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings (b)

    30,348        3,274,549   

McKesson Corp.

    83,279        17,287,055   

Patterson Cos., Inc. (a)

    30,738        1,478,498   

Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (a)

    51,908        3,480,951   

Tenet Healthcare Corp. (a) (b)

    35,296        1,788,448   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    344,703        34,846,026   

Universal Health Services, Inc. - Class B

    32,701        3,638,313   
   

 

 

 
      150,091,908   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—0.1%

  

Cerner Corp. (b)

    109,147        7,057,445   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—1.6%

   

Carnival Corp.

    161,763        7,332,717   

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (b)

    11,139        7,624,757   

Darden Restaurants, Inc. (a)

    47,639        2,793,075   

Marriott International, Inc. - Class A

    76,326        5,955,718   

McDonald’s Corp.

    349,521        32,750,118   

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

    59,979        4,944,069   

Starbucks Corp.

    268,748        22,050,773   

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

    64,134        5,199,343   

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

    44,269        3,796,509   

Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

    29,093        4,327,875   

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    157,123        11,446,410   
   

 

 

 
      108,221,364   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—0.4%

  

DR Horton, Inc.

    119,154        3,013,405   

Garmin, Ltd. (a)

    43,267        2,285,796   

Harman International Industries, Inc.

    24,607        2,625,813   

Leggett & Platt, Inc. (a)

    49,427        2,106,084   

Lennar Corp. - Class A (a)

    64,129        2,873,620   

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (b)

    22,254        3,457,381   

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

    97,363        3,708,557   

PulteGroup, Inc.

    119,843        2,571,831   

Whirlpool Corp.

    27,967        5,418,327   
   

 

 

 
      28,060,814   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—2.0%

  

Clorox Co. (The)

    46,474        4,843,056   

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    307,684        21,288,656   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Household Products—(Continued)

  

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

    133,765      $ 15,455,208   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    970,450        88,398,290   
   

 

 

 
      129,985,210   
   

 

 

 

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers—0.1%

  

AES Corp.

    235,599        3,244,198   

NRG Energy, Inc.

    121,429        3,272,512   
   

 

 

 
      6,516,710   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—2.3%

  

3M Co.

    230,147        37,817,755   

Danaher Corp.

    219,560        18,818,488   

General Electric Co.

    3,606,594        91,138,630   

Roper Industries, Inc.

    35,971        5,624,066   
   

 

 

 
      153,398,939   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—2.8%

  

ACE, Ltd.

    119,142        13,687,033   

Aflac, Inc.

    161,825        9,885,889   

Allstate Corp. (The)

    150,637        10,582,249   

American International Group, Inc.

    502,770        28,160,148   

Aon plc

    102,405        9,711,066   

Assurant, Inc.

    25,232        1,726,626   

Chubb Corp. (The)

    84,691        8,762,978   

Cincinnati Financial Corp.

    52,844        2,738,905   

Genworth Financial, Inc. - Class A (b)

    178,372        1,516,162   

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    154,963        6,460,407   

Lincoln National Corp.

    93,302        5,380,726   

Loews Corp.

    107,497        4,517,024   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    194,260        11,119,442   

MetLife, Inc. (c)

    408,003        22,068,882   

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    98,086        5,094,587   

Progressive Corp. (The)

    192,105        5,184,914   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    164,488        14,879,585   

Torchmark Corp.

    46,201        2,502,708   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    119,019        12,598,161   

Unum Group

    90,501        3,156,675   

XL Group plc

    92,678        3,185,343   
   

 

 

 
      182,919,510   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—1.2%

  

Amazon.com, Inc. (b)

    136,355        42,317,774   

Expedia, Inc.

    35,449        3,025,927   

Netflix, Inc. (a) (b)

    21,637        7,391,415   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The) (b)

    18,804        21,440,509   

TripAdvisor, Inc. (a) (b)

    40,038        2,989,237   
   

 

 

 
      77,164,862   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—3.2%

  

Akamai Technologies, Inc. (b)

    63,925        4,024,718   

eBay, Inc. (b)

    406,032        22,786,516   

Facebook, Inc. - Class A (b)

    750,929        58,587,480   

Google, Inc. - Class A (b)

    102,373        54,325,256   

Google, Inc. - Class C (b) (d)

    102,278        53,839,139   

VeriSign, Inc. (a) (b)

    39,140        2,230,980   

Internet Software & Services—(Continued)

  

Yahoo!, Inc. (b)

    316,419      15,982,324   
   

 

 

 
      211,776,413   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—3.3%

  

Accenture plc - Class A

    225,365        20,127,348   

Alliance Data Systems Corp. (b)

    22,957        6,566,850   

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    173,128        14,433,681   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Class A (b)

    218,689        11,516,163   

Computer Sciences Corp.

    50,456        3,181,251   

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    101,907        6,338,615   

Fiserv, Inc. (b)

    87,619        6,218,320   

International Business Machines Corp.

    330,551        53,033,603   

MasterCard, Inc. - Class A

    351,935        30,322,720   

Paychex, Inc.

    117,276        5,414,633   

Teradata Corp. (a) (b)

    54,949        2,400,172   

Total System Services, Inc.

    59,420        2,017,903   

Visa, Inc. - Class A (a)

    175,414        45,993,551   

Western Union Co. (The) (a)

    187,698        3,361,671   

Xerox Corp.

    385,384        5,341,422   
   

 

 

 
      216,267,903   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—0.1%

  

Hasbro, Inc. (a)

    40,624        2,233,914   

Mattel, Inc.

    121,687        3,765,604   
   

 

 

 
      5,999,518   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—0.4%

  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    119,779        4,903,752   

PerkinElmer, Inc.

    40,570        1,774,126   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    143,667        18,000,039   

Waters Corp. (b)

    29,908        3,371,230   
   

 

 

 
      28,049,147   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—1.5%

  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    217,426        19,901,002   

Cummins, Inc.

    61,020        8,797,253   

Deere & Co. (a)

    128,724        11,388,212   

Dover Corp.

    59,389        4,259,379   

Flowserve Corp.

    48,954        2,928,918   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    129,170        12,232,399   

Ingersoll-Rand plc

    95,343        6,043,793   

Joy Global, Inc. (a)

    35,259        1,640,248   

PACCAR, Inc.

    127,174        8,649,104   

Pall Corp.

    38,261        3,872,396   

Parker-Hannifin Corp.

    53,385        6,883,996   

Pentair plc

    67,086        4,455,852   

Snap-on, Inc.

    20,869        2,853,627   

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    56,261        5,405,557   

Xylem, Inc.

    65,319        2,486,694   
   

 

 

 
      101,798,430   
   

 

 

 

Media—3.5%

  

Cablevision Systems Corp. - Class A (a)

    78,618        1,622,675   

CBS Corp. - Class B

    171,244        9,476,643   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Media—(Continued)

  

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    925,262      $ 53,674,449   

DIRECTV (b)

    180,375        15,638,512   

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class A (b)

    53,329        1,837,184   

Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class C (b)

    98,145        3,309,449   

Gannett Co., Inc.

    81,105        2,589,683   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    150,204        3,119,737   

News Corp. - Class A (b)

    179,164        2,811,083   

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    89,132        6,905,056   

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. - Class A (a)

    36,440        2,742,839   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

    100,738        15,318,220   

Time Warner, Inc.

    301,137        25,723,123   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    665,948        25,575,733   

Viacom, Inc. - Class B

    132,675        9,983,794   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    560,284        52,773,150   
   

 

 

 
      233,101,330   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—0.4%

  

Alcoa, Inc.

    423,367        6,684,965   

Allegheny Technologies, Inc.

    39,040        1,357,421   

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    373,193        8,717,789   

Newmont Mining Corp.

    179,139        3,385,727   

Nucor Corp.

    114,567        5,619,511   
   

 

 

 
      25,765,413   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—1.2%

  

Ameren Corp.

    87,140        4,019,768   

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

    154,358        3,616,608   

CMS Energy Corp.

    98,785        3,432,779   

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (a)

    105,189        6,943,526   

Dominion Resources, Inc.

    209,708        16,126,545   

DTE Energy Co.

    63,565        5,490,109   

Integrys Energy Group, Inc.

    28,718        2,235,696   

NiSource, Inc.

    113,381        4,809,622   

PG&E Corp.

    170,625        9,084,075   

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    181,742        7,525,936   

SCANA Corp. (a)

    51,196        3,092,239   

Sempra Energy

    83,013        9,244,328   

TECO Energy, Inc.

    84,288        1,727,061   

Wisconsin Energy Corp. (a)

    80,993        4,271,571   
   

 

 

 
      81,619,863   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—0.7%

  

Dollar General Corp. (b)

    108,974        7,704,462   

Dollar Tree, Inc. (b)

    73,859        5,198,196   

Family Dollar Stores, Inc.

    34,497        2,732,507   

Kohl’s Corp. (a)

    72,550        4,428,452   

Macy’s, Inc.

    124,008        8,153,526   

Nordstrom, Inc.

    50,561        4,014,038   

Target Corp.

    228,762        17,365,324   
   

 

 

 
      49,596,505   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—7.0%

  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    181,889        15,005,842   

Apache Corp.

    135,211        8,473,673   

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

    148,333        4,392,140   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—(Continued)

  

Chesapeake Energy Corp. (a)

    186,319      3,646,263   

Chevron Corp.

    678,935        76,162,928   

Cimarex Energy Co.

    31,335        3,321,510   

ConocoPhillips

    442,075        30,529,699   

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    82,667        2,794,971   

Denbury Resources, Inc. (a)

    126,620        1,029,421   

Devon Energy Corp.

    138,110        8,453,713   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    196,814        18,120,665   

EQT Corp.

    54,412        4,118,988   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,520,806        140,598,515   

Hess Corp.

    91,267        6,737,330   

Kinder Morgan, Inc. (a)

    610,230        25,818,831   

Marathon Oil Corp.

    242,385        6,857,072   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    100,630        9,082,864   

Murphy Oil Corp.

    59,921        3,027,209   

Newfield Exploration Co. (b)

    49,284        1,336,582   

Noble Energy, Inc.

    129,424        6,138,580   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    278,490        22,449,079   

ONEOK, Inc.

    74,773        3,722,948   

Phillips 66

    198,791        14,253,315   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    53,476        7,959,903   

QEP Resources, Inc.

    59,523        1,203,555   

Range Resources Corp.

    60,588        3,238,429   

Southwestern Energy Co. (b)

    126,819        3,460,891   

Spectra Energy Corp.

    240,985        8,747,755   

Tesoro Corp. (a)

    45,340        3,371,029   

Valero Energy Corp.

    187,202        9,266,499   

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    241,602        10,857,594   
   

 

 

 
      464,177,793   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—0.1%

   

International Paper Co.

    152,138        8,151,554   
   

 

 

 

Personal Products—0.1%

   

Avon Products, Inc. (a)

    156,104        1,465,816   

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The) - Class A

    80,438        6,129,376   
   

 

 

 
      7,595,192   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—6.2%

  

AbbVie, Inc.

    572,212        37,445,553   

Actavis plc (b)

    95,195        24,504,145   

Allergan, Inc.

    106,989        22,744,792   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    595,740        35,166,532   

Eli Lilly & Co.

    351,896        24,277,305   

Hospira, Inc. (b)

    60,768        3,722,040   

Johnson & Johnson

    1,005,284        105,122,548   

Mallinckrodt plc (a) (b)

    41,761        4,135,592   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    1,023,874        58,145,804   

Mylan, Inc. (b)

    134,418        7,577,143   

Perrigo Co. plc

    50,555        8,450,774   

Pfizer, Inc.

    2,262,844        70,487,591   

Zoetis, Inc.

    180,047        7,747,422   
   

 

 

 
      409,527,241   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Professional Services—0.2%

  

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

    12,897      $ 1,560,021   

Equifax, Inc.

    43,308        3,502,318   

Nielsen NV

    116,331        5,203,486   

Robert Half International, Inc.

    48,816        2,849,878   
   

 

 

 
      13,115,703   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—2.3%

  

American Tower Corp.

    142,387        14,074,955   

Apartment Investment & Management Co. - Class A

    52,508        1,950,672   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    47,410        7,746,320   

Boston Properties, Inc.

    54,985        7,076,020   

Crown Castle International Corp.

    119,903        9,436,366   

Equity Residential

    130,140        9,349,258   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

    22,965        4,744,569   

General Growth Properties, Inc.

    225,368        6,339,602   

HCP, Inc.

    164,941        7,262,352   

Health Care REIT, Inc.

    117,682        8,904,997   

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    271,986        6,465,107   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    66,965        2,588,867   

Kimco Realty Corp.

    147,760        3,714,686   

Macerich Co. (The)

    50,537        4,215,291   

Plum Creek Timber Co., Inc.

    63,170        2,703,044   

Prologis, Inc.

    179,568        7,726,811   

Public Storage

    52,108        9,632,164   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    111,616        20,326,390   

Ventas, Inc. (a)

    105,702        7,578,833   

Vornado Realty Trust

    62,704        7,380,888   

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    188,322        6,758,877   
   

 

 

 
      155,976,069   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.1%

  

CBRE Group, Inc. - Class A (b)

    100,419        3,439,351   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.0%

   

CSX Corp.

    357,491        12,951,899   

Kansas City Southern

    39,635        4,836,659   

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    111,134        12,181,398   

Ryder System, Inc.

    19,049        1,768,699   

Union Pacific Corp.

    319,315        38,039,996   
   

 

 

 
      69,778,651   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—2.4%

  

Altera Corp.

    109,473        4,043,933   

Analog Devices, Inc.

    111,767        6,205,304   

Applied Materials, Inc.

    437,579        10,904,469   

Avago Technologies, Ltd.

    90,827        9,136,288   

Broadcom Corp. - Class A

    193,478        8,383,402   

First Solar, Inc. (b)

    26,992        1,203,708   

Intel Corp.

    1,736,462        63,016,206   

KLA-Tencor Corp.

    59,071        4,153,873   

Lam Research Corp.

    57,090        4,529,521   

Linear Technology Corp.

    85,667        3,906,415   

Microchip Technology, Inc. (a)

    72,175        3,255,814   

Micron Technology, Inc. (b)

    385,525        13,497,230   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—(Continued)

  

NVIDIA Corp. (a)

    185,447      3,718,212   

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    379,364        20,282,696   

Xilinx, Inc.

    94,977        4,111,554   
   

 

 

 
      160,348,625   
   

 

 

 

Software—3.8%

  

Adobe Systems, Inc. (b)

    170,163        12,370,850   

Autodesk, Inc. (b)

    81,713        4,907,683   

CA, Inc.

    115,045        3,503,120   

Citrix Systems, Inc. (b)

    57,812        3,688,406   

Electronic Arts, Inc. (b)

    111,670        5,250,165   

Intuit, Inc.

    102,545        9,453,623   

Microsoft Corp.

    2,960,372        137,509,279   

Oracle Corp.

    1,161,778        52,245,157   

Red Hat, Inc. (b)

    67,455        4,663,839   

Salesforce.com, Inc. (b)

    210,756        12,499,938   

Symantec Corp.

    247,862        6,358,900   
   

 

 

 
      252,450,960   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—2.4%

  

AutoNation, Inc. (b)

    26,819        1,620,136   

AutoZone, Inc. (b)

    11,508        7,124,718   

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (a) (b)

    66,527        5,067,361   

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    104,557        4,075,632   

CarMax, Inc. (a) (b)

    77,358        5,150,496   

GameStop Corp. - Class A (a)

    38,972        1,317,254   

Gap, Inc. (The)

    95,838        4,035,738   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    473,290        49,681,251   

L Brands, Inc.

    88,297        7,642,105   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    349,414        24,039,683   

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (a) (b)

    36,434        7,017,917   

PetSmart, Inc.

    35,703        2,902,475   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    75,360        7,103,434   

Staples, Inc. (a)

    229,781        4,163,632   

Tiffany & Co. (a)

    40,417        4,318,961   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    247,414        16,967,652   

Tractor Supply Co.

    48,822        3,848,150   

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (a) (b)

    35,932        1,262,291   
   

 

 

 
      157,338,886   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—4.7%

  

Apple, Inc.

    2,106,323        232,495,933   

EMC Corp.

    730,825        21,734,735   

Hewlett-Packard Co.

    670,261        26,897,574   

NetApp, Inc.

    111,942        4,639,996   

SanDisk Corp.

    79,245        7,764,425   

Seagate Technology plc

    117,526        7,815,479   

Western Digital Corp.

    78,400        8,678,880   
   

 

 

 
      310,027,022   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—0.8%

  

Coach, Inc.

    98,976        3,717,539   

Fossil Group, Inc. (b)

    16,145        1,787,897   

Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    73,952        5,553,795   

NIKE, Inc. - Class B

    250,619        24,097,017   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—(Continued)

  

PVH Corp.

    29,591      $ 3,792,678   

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    21,734        4,024,267   

Under Armour, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    59,863        4,064,698   

VF Corp.

    124,083        9,293,817   
   

 

 

 
      56,331,708   
   

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—0.1%

  

Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.

    172,811        1,748,847   

People’s United Financial, Inc. (a)

    110,605        1,678,984   
   

 

 

 
      3,427,831   
   

 

 

 

Tobacco—1.4%

  

Altria Group, Inc.

    709,837        34,973,669   

Lorillard, Inc.

    129,299        8,138,079   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    558,008        45,449,752   

Reynolds American, Inc.

    110,668        7,112,632   
   

 

 

 
      95,674,132   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.2%

  

Fastenal Co. (a)

    97,947        4,658,359   

United Rentals, Inc. (b)

    35,846        3,656,650   

Veritiv Corp. (b)

    4        208   

WW Grainger, Inc. (a)

    21,794        5,555,073   
   

 

 

 
      13,870,290   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $3,690,252,049)

      6,552,644,139   
   

 

 

 
Investment Company Security—0.5%   

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
(Cost $34,766,217)

    174,900        35,941,950   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—3.6%   

Discount Notes—0.5%

   

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.028%, 01/14/15 (e)

    6,825,000        6,824,926   

0.070%, 03/03/15 (e)

    225,000        224,973   

0.085%, 03/06/15 (e)

    5,750,000        5,749,127   

0.124%, 05/06/15 (e)

    3,625,000        3,623,456   

0.140%, 03/20/15 (e)

    6,925,000        6,922,899   

Discount Notes—(Continued)

   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
0.044%, 01/13/15 (e)

    2,150,000      2,149,967   

Federal National Mortgage Association
0.136%, 05/01/15 (e)

    4,200,000        4,198,110   
   

 

 

 
      29,693,458   
   

 

 

 

Mutual Fund—3.1%

   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (f)

    205,509,836        205,509,836   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $235,203,294)

      235,203,294   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—103.0%
(Cost $3,960,221,560) (g)

      6,823,789,383   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(3.0)%

      (197,466,457
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 6,626,322,926   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $239,719,555 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $205,509,836 and non-cash collateral with a value of $42,044,905. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Affiliated Issuer. (See Note 7 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in securities of affiliated issuers.)
(d) All or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral against open futures contracts. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities pledged was $10,528,000.
(e) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(f) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(g) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $4,093,867,745. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $2,791,754,136 and $(61,832,498), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $2,729,921,638 for federal income tax purposes.
(ETF)— Exchange-Traded Fund

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
     Notional
Amount
     Unrealized
Appreciation
 

S&P 500 Index Futures

     03/19/15         68         USD         34,858,684       $ 32,116   
              

 

 

 

 

(USD)— United States Dollar

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 6,552,644,139       $ —        $ —         $ 6,552,644,139   

Total Investment Company Security

     35,941,950         —          —           35,941,950   
Short-Term Investments           

Discount Notes

     —           29,693,458        —           29,693,458   

Mutual Fund

     205,509,836         —          —           205,509,836   

Total Short-Term Investments

     205,509,836         29,693,458        —           235,203,294   

Total Investments

   $ 6,794,095,925       $ 29,693,458      $ —         $ 6,823,789,383   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (205,509,836   $ —         $ (205,509,836
Futures Contracts           

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 32,116       $ —        $ —         $ 32,116   

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 6,801,720,501   

Affiliated investments at value (c)

     22,068,882   

Cash

     47,924   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     6,139,404   

Fund shares sold

     455,963   

Dividends

     9,042,286   

Prepaid expenses

     16,564   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     6,839,491,524   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     205,509,836   

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     4,906,727   

Variation margin on futures contracts

     413,100   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,340,009   

Distribution and service fees

     464,008   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     87,196   

Other expenses

     447,722   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     213,168,598   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 6,626,322,926   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 3,514,318,413   

Undistributed net investment income

     108,095,615   

Accumulated net realized gain

     140,308,959   

Unrealized appreciation on investments, affiliated investments and futures contracts

     2,863,599,939   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 6,626,322,926   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 4,295,414,978   

Class B

     2,025,591,405   

Class D

     143,544,406   

Class E

     161,402,300   

Class G

     369,837   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     92,950,197   

Class B

     45,285,867   

Class D

     3,114,026   

Class E

     3,514,489   

Class G

     8,285   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 46.21   

Class B

     44.73   

Class D

     46.10   

Class E

     45.92   

Class G

     44.64   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments, excluding affiliated investments, was $3,943,522,433.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $239,719,555.
(c) Identified cost of affiliated investments was $16,699,127.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 131,990,414   

Dividends from affiliated investments

     547,325   

Interest

     20,599   

Securities lending income

     448,102   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     133,006,440   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     16,061,998   

Administration fees

     147,662   

Custodian and accounting fees

     462,972   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     4,864,854   

Distribution and service fees—Class D

     184,488   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     241,627   

Distribution and service fees—Class G

     29   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     31,613   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     29,744   

Shareholder reporting

     570,235   

Insurance

     39,222   

Miscellaneous

     237,675   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     22,911,523   

Less management fee waiver

     (788,720
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     22,122,803   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     110,883,637   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain

  
Net realized gain on:   

Investments

     265,689,328   

Affiliated investments

     827,463   

Futures contracts

     5,848,929   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     272,365,720   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   

Investments

     424,913,930   

Affiliated investments

     (781,980

Futures contracts

     (1,300,670
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation

     422,831,280   
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     695,197,000   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 806,080,637   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $15,041.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 110,883,637      $ 105,729,920   

Net realized gain

     272,365,720        166,412,282   

Net change in unrealized appreciation

     422,831,280        1,356,659,271   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     806,080,637        1,628,801,473   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (69,375,129     (67,550,031

Class B

     (29,217,098     (29,917,484

Class D

     (3,170,591     (5,247,947

Class E

     (2,526,320     (2,750,945

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (101,806,592     (54,812,025

Class B

     (49,440,809     (27,452,554

Class D

     (5,057,069     (4,516,415

Class E

     (4,053,340     (2,415,049
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (264,646,948     (194,662,450
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (305,494,341     (407,289,730
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     235,939,348        1,026,849,293   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     6,390,383,578        5,363,534,285   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 6,626,322,926      $ 6,390,383,578   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 108,095,615      $ 104,492,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     5,308,051      $ 228,297,870        8,108,154      $ 305,146,699   

Reinvestments

     4,190,495        171,181,721        3,491,072        122,362,056   

Redemptions

     (11,906,916     (515,809,329     (15,091,737     (568,836,283
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (2,408,370   $ (116,329,738     (3,492,511   $ (141,327,528
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     3,448,851      $ 145,918,461        3,428,042      $ 125,164,623   

Reinvestments

     1,985,809        78,657,907        1,685,867        57,370,038   

Redemptions

     (6,867,237     (289,650,272     (8,190,042     (300,578,645
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (1,432,577   $ (65,073,904     (3,076,133   $ (118,043,984
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class D

        

Sales

     226,305      $ 9,802,277        245,811      $ 9,330,189   

Reinvestments

     201,757        8,227,660        279,221        9,764,362   

Redemptions

     (2,907,345     (125,579,634     (3,854,105     (145,744,023
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (2,479,283   $ (107,549,697     (3,329,073   $ (126,649,472
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     52,050      $ 2,246,833        88,994      $ 3,322,649   

Reinvestments

     161,901        6,579,660        148,150        5,165,994   

Redemptions

     (596,794     (25,737,213     (792,562     (29,757,389
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (382,843   $ (16,910,720     (555,418   $ (21,268,746
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class G (a)

        

Sales

     8,286      $ 369,776        0      $ 0   

Redemptions

     (1     (58     0        0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     8,285      $ 369,718        0      $ 0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (305,494,341     $ (407,289,730
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) Commencement of operations was November 12, 2014.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 42.58       $ 33.42       $ 29.60       $ 29.71       $ 26.31   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.79         0.71         0.67         0.55         0.49   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     4.66         9.72         3.95         0.02         3.38   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     5.45         10.43         4.62         0.57         3.87   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.74      (0.70      (0.57      (0.50      (0.47

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.08      (0.57      (0.23      (0.18      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.82      (1.27      (0.80      (0.68      (0.47
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 46.21       $ 42.58       $ 33.42       $ 29.60       $ 29.71   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     13.36         32.02         15.76         1.84         14.82   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.27         0.27         0.28         0.27         0.27   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.26         0.26         0.27         0.26         0.27   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.81         1.87         2.08         1.85         1.82   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         12         12         11         12   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 4,295.4       $ 4,059.9       $ 3,303.3       $ 2,925.8       $ 3,158.4   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 41.27       $ 32.43       $ 28.76       $ 28.89       $ 25.61   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.66         0.60         0.57         0.47         0.41   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     4.52         9.43         3.83         0.02         3.29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     5.18         10.03         4.40         0.49         3.70   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.64      (0.62      (0.50      (0.44      (0.42

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.08      (0.57      (0.23      (0.18      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.72      (1.19      (0.73      (0.62      (0.42
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 44.73       $ 41.27       $ 32.43       $ 28.76       $ 28.89   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     13.10         31.70         15.43         1.64         14.49   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.52         0.52         0.53         0.52         0.52   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.51         0.51         0.52         0.51         0.52   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.56         1.62         1.83         1.61         1.57   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         12         12         11         12   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 2,025.6       $ 1,928.0       $ 1,615.0       $ 1,454.7       $ 1,402.7   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data       
     Class D  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 42.46       $ 33.32       $ 29.52       $ 29.63       $ 26.25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.73         0.66         0.63         0.52         0.46   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     4.67         9.71         3.94         0.02         3.37   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     5.40         10.37         4.57         0.54         3.83   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.68      (0.66      (0.54      (0.47      (0.45

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.08      (0.57      (0.23      (0.18      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.76      (1.23      (0.77      (0.65      (0.45
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 46.10       $ 42.46       $ 33.32       $ 29.52       $ 29.63   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     13.26         31.91         15.62         1.76         14.68   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.37         0.37         0.38         0.37         0.37   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.36         0.36         0.37         0.36         0.37   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.70         1.77         1.97         1.75         1.71   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         12         12         11         12   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 143.5       $ 237.5       $ 297.3       $ 308.6       $ 360.5   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 42.32       $ 33.22       $ 29.44       $ 29.55       $ 26.19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.72         0.65         0.62         0.50         0.44   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     4.64         9.67         3.92         0.03         3.36   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     5.36         10.32         4.54         0.53         3.80   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.68      (0.65      (0.53      (0.46      (0.44

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.08      (0.57      (0.23      (0.18      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.76      (1.22      (0.76      (0.64      (0.44
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 45.92       $ 42.32       $ 33.22       $ 29.44       $ 29.55   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     13.20         31.83         15.54         1.71         14.60   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.42         0.42         0.43         0.42         0.42   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.41         0.41         0.42         0.41         0.42   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.66         1.72         1.92         1.69         1.67   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         12         12         11         12   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 161.4       $ 164.9       $ 147.9       $ 147.0       $ 180.9   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data       
     Class G  
     Period Ended
December 31,
2014(d)
 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 44.10   
  

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

  

Net investment income (a)

     0.09   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.45   
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.54   
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 44.64   
  

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     1.22 (e) 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

  

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.58 (f) 

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.57 (f) 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.54 (f) 

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 0.4   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Commencement of operations was November 12, 2014.
(e) Periods less than one year are not computed on an annualized basis.
(f) Computed on an annualized basis.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MetLife Stock Index Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers five classes of shares: Class A, B, D, E and G shares. Class G commenced operations on November 12, 2014. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to return of capital adjustments and real estate investment trust (REIT) adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  

Equity

   Unrealized appreciation on futures
contracts*
   $ 32,116   
     

 

 

 

 

  * Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ 5,848,929   
  

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ (1,300,670
  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Futures contracts long

   $ 18,500   

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 763,971,046       $ 0       $ 1,217,985,839   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 0.250% of average daily net assets. Fees earned by MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $16,061,998.

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with MetLife Investment Management, LLC (“MIM”) with respect to managing the Portfolio. For providing subadvisory services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers has agreed to pay MIM an investment subadvisory fee for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.020%    On the first $500 million
0.015%    Of the next $500 million
0.010%    Of the next $1 billion
0.005%    On amounts over $2 billion

Fees earned by MIM with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $496,240.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, the Adviser has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.005%    Over $500 million and under $1 billion
0.010%    Of the next $1 billion
0.015%    On amounts over $2 billion

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, D, E, and G Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, D, E, and G Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, D, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, D, E, and G Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.10% per year for Class D Shares, 0.15% per year for Class E Shares, and 0.30% per year for Class G Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Transactions in Securities of Affiliated Issuers

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers during the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

Security Description

   Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares
sold
    Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
     Realized Gain
on shares sold
     Income for the
period ended
December 31, 2014
 

MetLife, Inc.

     429,987         10,424         (32,408     408,003       $ 827,463       $ 547,325   

8. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

9. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$122,649,589    $ 105,466,407       $ 141,997,359       $ 89,196,043       $ 264,646,948       $ 194,662,450   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$113,709,985    $ 268,460,086       $ 2,729,921,639       $       $ 3,112,091,710   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MetLife Stock Index Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MetLife Stock Index Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MetLife Stock Index Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

MetLife Stock Index Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and MetLife Investment Management, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further considered that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, E, and F shares of the MFS Total Return Portfolio returned 8.64%, 8.36%, 8.48%, and 8.42%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmarks, the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index1 and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index2, returned 13.69% and 5.97%, respectively. A blend of the S&P 500 Index (60%) and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (40%) returned 10.62%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Early in the period, U.S. equities suffered what proved to be a temporary setback due to concerns over emerging markets as well as what was perceived at the time to be a pause in U.S. economic growth, partially caused by extreme weather conditions and a weak December 2013 labor market report. Markets soon recovered as the economic pause concluded and investors appeared to have become increasingly comfortable that newly-installed U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) Chair Janet Yellen would not make any substantial changes to the trajectory of the Fed’s monetary policy.

While geopolitical tensions flared in the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine, any market setbacks were short-lived as improving economic growth in the U.S., coupled with prospects for easier monetary policy in regions with slowing growth, such as Japan, Europe and China, supported risk assets. The European Central Bank cut policy interest rates into negative territory and, by the end of the period, expectations were for additional rate cuts and the announcement for non-conventional easing measures. Similarly, the Bank of Japan surprised markets late in the period with fresh stimulus measures given lackluster growth trends. The related decline in developed market government bond yields and credit spreads were also supportive for equity markets. At the end of the period, the U.S. equity market was trading close to all-time highs and U.S. Treasury yields were close to their lows for the period. However, credit markets did not fare as well in the second half of 2014, particularly U.S. high yield and emerging market debt. The higher weightings of oil and gas credits in these asset classes resulted in widening spreads and increased volatility as oil prices began to decline in an accelerated fashion in the fourth quarter.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

Within the equity portion of the Portfolio, stock selection within the Health Care sector was a primary detractor from performance relative to the S&P 500 Index. However, there were no securities within this sector that were among the Portfolio’s top relative detractors for the reporting period.

The combination of an underweight position and, to a lesser extent, security selection in the Information Technology sector also detracted from relative performance. Underweight positions in computer and personal electronics maker Apple, semiconductor company Intel, and software giant Microsoft hurt relative performance as all three stocks outperformed the benchmark during the reporting period.

Stocks in other sectors that detracted from relative performance included holdings of iron ore and pellets producer Vale (Brazil) and alcohol drink producer Diageo (United Kingdom). Overweight positions in tobacco company Philip Morris, automotive company General Motors, diversified energy company Nobel Energy and offshore drilling contractor Ensco also held back relative returns. Not holding strong-performing insurance and investment firm Berkshire Hathaway also hurt relative results.

During the reporting period, the Portfolio’s relative currency exposure, resulting primarily from differences between the Portfolio’s and the benchmark’s exposures to holdings of securities denominated in foreign currencies, was another detractor from relative performance. All of MFS’ investment decisions are driven by the fundamentals of each individual opportunity and as such, it is common for our portfolios to have different currency exposure than the benchmark.

Within the fixed income portion of the Portfolio, there were no material factors that negatively impacted performance relative to the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

Within the equity portion of the Portfolio, overweight positions in defense contractor Lockheed Martin, retailer Kroger, drugstore retailer CVS, tobacco producer Lorillard, communications company Frontier Communications, computer and personal electronics maker Hewlett-Packard and diversified healthcare products company Covidien (United Kingdom) benefited performance relative to the S&P 500 Index. An underweight position in internet search engine Google, and the Portfolio’s avoidance of poor-performing diversified industrial conglomerate General Electric and internet retailer Amazon.com, also helped relative results.

Over the trailing 12 months, the Portfolio increased its weighting to Financials, Health Care and Information Technology while reducing its exposure to Energy, Industrials and Telecom. As December 31, 2014, the Portfolio was overweight Financials, Consumer Staples and Industrials while being underweight Information Technology, Health Care and Energy.

Within the fixed income portion of the Portfolio, positive bond selection and a greater exposure to the Financials sector aided performance relative to the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The fixed income portion of the Portfolio continued to emphasize a conservative, high quality approach. Going into 2015, the three broad themes influencing how we positioned our bond portfolios were (1) the continued expectation of mild upward pressure on U.S. Treasury yields, (2) a more constructive view on valuation in the credit markets, and (3) the potential for elevated fixed income market volatility.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the fixed income portion of the Portfolio had a modest overweight to corporate debt and commercial mortgage backed securities (“CMBS”). We have remained overweight credit markets on the view that the carry—the incremental yield over sovereign debt yields—offered by sectors such as corporate bonds may help to deliver better total returns than sovereign bonds. Though U.S. corporate fundamentals are generally solid, leverage has been creeping higher for some companies, so selectivity is still important. Spreads in CMBS looked attractive to us against a backdrop of improving commercial real estate fundamentals. At the same time, the Portfolio was underweight international securities as sluggish growth and disinflation have pushed sovereign yields, especially in core Europe, to unattractive levels and we generally don’t see particularly good value in agency bonds.

Brooks Taylor

Steven Gorham

Richard Hawkins

Nevin Chitkara

William Douglas

Joshua Marston

Jonathan Sage

Portfolio Managers

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE S&P 500 INDEX & THE BARCLAYS U.S. AGGREGATE BOND INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception3  
MFS Total Return Portfolio                      

Class A

       8.64           10.21           6.13             

Class B

       8.36           9.94           5.87             

Class E

       8.48           10.05           5.97             

Class F

       8.42           9.99                     6.07   
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.97           4.45           4.71             
S&P 500 Index        13.69           15.45           7.67             

1 The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index is an unmanaged index consisting of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding) with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value.

2 Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

3 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class E and Class F shares are 5/1/87, 5/1/02, 4/26/04 and 5/2/06, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Equity Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Financials      14.0   
Health Care      7.9   
Consumer Staples      7.6   
Industrials      7.6   
Consumer Discretionary      7.3   

 

Top Fixed Income Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies      24.0   
Corporate Bonds & Notes      11.1   
Mortgage-Backed Securities      1.9   
Asset-Backed Securities      0.7   
Foreign Government      0.4   

Top Equity Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      2.4   
Wells Fargo & Co.      1.8   
Philip Morris International, Inc.      1.5   
Johnson & Johnson      1.5   
CVS Health Corp.      1.1   

 

Top Fixed Income Issuers

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
U.S. Treasury Notes      8.4   
Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool      5.9   
U.S. Treasury Bonds      3.2   
Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool      2.6   
Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool      1.2   

 

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MFS Total Return Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A

   Actual      0.61    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,030.20         $ 3.12   
   Hypothetical*      0.61    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.13         $ 3.11   

Class B

   Actual      0.86    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,028.90         $ 4.40   
   Hypothetical*      0.86    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.87         $ 4.38   

Class E

   Actual      0.76    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,029.50         $ 3.89   
   Hypothetical*      0.76    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.37         $ 3.87   

Class F

   Actual      0.81    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,029.10         $ 4.14   
   Hypothetical*      0.81    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.12         $ 4.13   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—60.6% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—3.1%

   

General Dynamics Corp.

    16,202      $ 2,229,719   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    81,676        8,161,066   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    42,310        8,147,637   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    21,724        3,201,900   

Precision Castparts Corp.

    3,563        858,256   

United Technologies Corp.

    71,758        8,252,170   
   

 

 

 
      30,850,748   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—0.5%

   

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    44,574        4,955,292   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.1%

   

Copa Holdings S.A. - Class A (a)

    6,505        674,178   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—1.2%

   

Delphi Automotive plc

    56,834        4,132,968   

Johnson Controls, Inc.

    89,767        4,339,337   

Magna International, Inc.

    32,699        3,543,189   
   

 

 

 
      12,015,494   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—0.1%

   

General Motors Co.

    39,305        1,372,138   
   

 

 

 

Banks—6.0%

   

Bank of America Corp.

    156,319        2,796,547   

BB&T Corp.

    43,606        1,695,837   

BOC Hong Kong Holdings, Ltd.

    198,500        659,614   

Citigroup, Inc.

    33,891        1,833,842   

HSBC Holdings plc

    112,201        1,060,353   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    386,577        24,191,989   

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    33,153        3,024,548   

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    53,200        1,922,249   

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

    22,452        940,739   

U.S. Bancorp

    88,925        3,997,179   

Wells Fargo & Co.

    316,935        17,374,377   
   

 

 

 
      59,497,274   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—0.6%

   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    28,917        1,220,876   

Diageo plc

    147,250        4,223,299   

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    5,564        398,827   
   

 

 

 
      5,843,002   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—2.8%

   

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    159,517        6,471,605   

BlackRock, Inc.

    10,322        3,690,734   

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    76,314        4,225,506   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    37,528        7,274,052   

Morgan Stanley

    50,538        1,960,874   

State Street Corp.

    56,995        4,474,108   
   

 

 

 
      28,096,879   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—1.5%

   

Celanese Corp. - Series A (a)

    20,641        1,237,635   

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

    20,400        1,508,376   

Chemicals—(Continued)

   

FMC Corp.

    10,339      $ 589,633   

LyondellBasell Industries NV - Class A

    55,139        4,377,485   

PPG Industries, Inc.

    27,637        6,388,293   

Praxair, Inc.

    7,231        936,848   
   

 

 

 
      15,038,270   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—0.4%

  

Tyco International plc

    80,191        3,517,177   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—0.4%

  

American Express Co.

    15,789        1,469,008   

Discover Financial Services

    41,724        2,732,505   
   

 

 

 
      4,201,513   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—0.1%

  

Crown Holdings, Inc. (b)

    20,197        1,028,027   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.2%

  

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

    10,043        893,626   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    31,815        1,525,848   
   

 

 

 
      2,419,474   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—1.8%

  

AT&T, Inc.

    45,786        1,537,952   

CenturyLink, Inc.

    44,418        1,758,064   

Frontier Communications Corp. (a)

    470,257        3,136,614   

TDC A/S

    161,790        1,232,945   

Telecom Italia S.p.A. - Risparmio Shares

    906,374        757,579   

Telefonica Brasil S.A. (ADR)

    41,972        742,065   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    167,165        7,819,979   

Windstream Holdings, Inc.

    61,385        505,812   
   

 

 

 
      17,491,010   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—0.9%

  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    47,175        2,864,466   

Duke Energy Corp.

    17,533        1,464,707   

Edison International

    11,176        731,805   

PPL Corp.

    111,910        4,065,690   
   

 

 

 
      9,126,668   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.3%

  

Eaton Corp. plc

    46,454        3,157,014   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—0.1%

  

Hoya Corp.

    32,100        1,074,739   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—0.5%

  

Baker Hughes, Inc.

    6,358        356,493   

Ensco plc - Class A (a)

    81,641        2,445,148   

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    25,654        2,191,108   
   

 

 

 
      4,992,749   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—1.6%

  

CVS Health Corp.

    117,442        11,310,839   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Food & Staples Retailing—(Continued)

  

Kroger Co. (The)

    76,155      $ 4,889,913   
   

 

 

 
      16,200,752   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.9%

  

Danone S.A.

    36,918        2,428,706   

General Mills, Inc.

    115,731        6,171,934   

Ingredion, Inc.

    11,261        955,383   

Kellogg Co.

    9,021        590,334   

Marine Harvest ASA (a)

    110,889        1,519,514   

Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A

    31,776        1,154,263   

Nestle S.A.

    80,946        5,933,467   
   

 

 

 
      18,753,601   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—1.6%

  

Abbott Laboratories

    119,933        5,399,384   

Covidien plc

    32,334        3,307,121   

Medtronic, Inc. (a)

    56,078        4,048,832   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    51,282        3,334,868   
   

 

 

 
      16,090,205   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—0.6%

  

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

    12,477        1,124,926   

Express Scripts Holding Co. (b)

    43,701        3,700,164   

Health Net, Inc. (b)

    16,332        874,252   
   

 

 

 
      5,699,342   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—0.7%

  

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (b)

    31,138        812,390   

McDonald’s Corp.

    30,511        2,858,881   

Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

    7,137        1,061,700   

Yum! Brands, Inc.

    22,954        1,672,199   
   

 

 

 
      6,405,170   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—0.7%

  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    64,254        5,852,897   

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc

    13,261        1,069,783   
   

 

 

 
      6,922,680   
   

 

 

 

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers—0.1%

  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    40,624        1,094,817   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—1.7%

  

3M Co.

    45,067        7,405,409   

Danaher Corp.

    93,891        8,047,398   

Siemens AG

    12,252        1,389,502   
   

 

 

 
      16,842,309   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—4.0%

  

ACE, Ltd.

    53,131        6,103,689   

American International Group, Inc.

    15,161        849,168   

Aon plc

    42,766        4,055,500   

Chubb Corp. (The)

    24,897        2,576,093   

Delta Lloyd NV

    86,665        1,904,701   

Everest Re Group, Ltd.

    9,367        1,595,200   

Insurance—(Continued)

  

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    71,388      $ 6,457,758   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    100,597        10,648,192   

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

    63,962        2,658,261   

Zurich Insurance Group AG (b)

    7,811        2,445,958   
   

 

 

 
      39,294,520   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—0.9%

   

Facebook, Inc. - Class A (b)

    73,713        5,751,088   

Google, Inc. - Class A (b)

    2,498        1,325,589   

Google, Inc. - Class C (b)

    2,498        1,314,947   
   

 

 

 
      8,391,624   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—1.8%

   

Accenture plc - Class A

    80,831        7,219,016   

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    16,524        1,027,793   

Fiserv, Inc. (b)

    20,148        1,429,903   

International Business Machines Corp. (a)

    33,856        5,431,857   

Visa, Inc. - Class A (a)

    11,424        2,995,373   
   

 

 

 
      18,103,942   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—0.2%

   

Hasbro, Inc. (a)

    32,408        1,782,116   

Mattel, Inc.

    9,169        283,735   
   

 

 

 
      2,065,851   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—0.6%

   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    45,636        5,717,734   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—1.1%

   

Caterpillar, Inc.

    7,704        705,147   

Cummins, Inc.

    22,050        3,178,949   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    31,714        3,003,316   

Pentair plc

    27,564        1,830,801   

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    21,653        2,080,420   
   

 

 

 
      10,798,633   
   

 

 

 

Media—3.2%

   

Comcast Corp. - Special Class A (a)

    171,620        9,879,305   

Omnicom Group, Inc.

    46,252        3,583,143   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

    30,722        4,671,588   

Time Warner, Inc.

    57,779        4,935,482   

Time, Inc.

    2,233        54,954   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    44,304        1,701,495   

Viacom, Inc. - Class B

    18,805        1,415,076   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    57,520        5,417,809   
   

 

 

 
      31,658,852   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—0.3%

   

Rio Tinto plc

    44,825        2,065,203   

Vale S.A. (ADR) (a)

    121,884        997,011   
   

 

 

 
      3,062,214   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—0.5%

   

GDF Suez

    85,922        2,006,734   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Multi-Utilities—(Continued)

   

PG&E Corp.

    29,268      $ 1,558,229   

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    28,544        1,182,007   
   

 

 

 
      4,746,970   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—1.2%

   

Kohl’s Corp. (a)

    96,681        5,901,408   

Target Corp.

    81,948        6,220,673   
   

 

 

 
      12,122,081   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—4.1%

   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    28,889        2,383,342   

Apache Corp.

    24,171        1,514,797   

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

    25,245        779,566   

Chevron Corp.

    65,870        7,389,297   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    12,783        1,176,931   

EQT Corp.

    15,725        1,190,382   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    120,180        11,110,641   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    15,833        1,429,087   

Noble Energy, Inc.

    43,304        2,053,909   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    44,986        3,626,321   

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (ADR)

    145,582        1,103,512   

Royal Dutch Shell plc - A Shares

    77,465        2,567,693   

Valero Energy Corp.

    51,327        2,540,686   

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    46,960        2,110,382   
   

 

 

 
      40,976,546   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—5.2%

   

Actavis plc (b)

    7,158        1,842,541   

Bayer AG

    9,205        1,258,410   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    97,664        5,765,106   

Eli Lilly & Co. (a)

    71,401        4,925,955   

GlaxoSmithKline plc

    70,966        1,518,321   

Indivior plc (b)

    13,261        30,879   

Johnson & Johnson

    139,079        14,543,491   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    174,923        9,933,877   

Novartis AG

    7,049        648,279   

Pfizer, Inc.

    276,151        8,602,103   

Roche Holding AG

    2,023        548,315   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (b)

    10,827        1,549,452   
   

 

 

 
      51,166,729   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—0.1%

   

Adecco S.A. (b)

    14,549        996,664   

Equifax, Inc.

    4,141        334,883   
   

 

 

 
      1,331,547   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.5%

   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

    30,348        1,173,254   

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (a)

    61,161        842,799   

Starwood Property Trust, Inc. (a)

    42,956        998,297   

Washington Prime Group, Inc.

    111,888        1,926,711   
   

 

 

 
      4,941,061   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—0.3%

   

Canadian National Railway Co.

    18,048      1,243,687   

Union Pacific Corp.

    10,375        1,235,974   
   

 

 

 
      2,479,661   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—1.6%

  

Broadcom Corp. - Class A

    109,030        4,724,270   

Intel Corp.

    37,834        1,372,996   

Microchip Technology, Inc. (a)

    99,856        4,504,504   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (ADR)

    67,490        1,510,426   

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    70,800        3,785,322   
   

 

 

 
      15,897,518   
   

 

 

 

Software—1.4%

   

Aspen Technology, Inc. (b)

    21,479        752,195   

CA, Inc.

    39,661        1,207,677   

Citrix Systems, Inc. (b)

    28,533        1,820,405   

Electronic Arts, Inc. (b)

    13,038        612,982   

Microsoft Corp.

    68,956        3,203,006   

Oracle Corp.

    91,875        4,131,619   

Symantec Corp.

    62,857        1,612,596   
   

 

 

 
      13,340,480   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—0.7%

   

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    8,819        1,404,690   

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (b)

    7,440        566,705   

Best Buy Co., Inc.

    56,123        2,187,675   

L Brands, Inc.

    22,226        1,923,660   

Staples, Inc.

    46,742        846,965   
   

 

 

 
      6,929,695   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—0.5%

  

Apple, Inc.

    21,819        2,408,381   

EMC Corp.

    35,979        1,070,015   

Hewlett-Packard Co.

    41,105        1,649,544   
   

 

 

 
      5,127,940   
   

 

 

 

Tobacco—2.8%

   

Altria Group, Inc.

    81,313        4,006,291   

Imperial Tobacco Group plc

    9,405        411,875   

Japan Tobacco, Inc. (a)

    90,400        2,482,211   

Lorillard, Inc.

    85,288        5,368,027   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    188,200        15,328,890   
   

 

 

 
      27,597,294   
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services—0.1%

  

Vodafone Group plc

    335,098        1,148,200   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $426,052,282)

      600,259,614   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—24.0%

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—12.3%

  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

   

2.500%, 02/01/28

    419,243      $ 427,760   

2.500%, 05/01/28

    249,257        254,310   

3.000%, 03/01/27

    175,989        183,417   

3.000%, 04/01/27

    523,988        546,084   

3.000%, TBA (c)

    4,000,000        4,157,656   

4.500%, 04/01/18

    28,468        29,903   

4.500%, 06/01/18

    73,187        76,888   

4.500%, 07/01/18

    65,244        68,541   

4.500%, 03/01/19

    104,340        109,832   

4.500%, 06/01/19

    67,949        71,535   

4.500%, 04/01/20

    67,626        71,550   

4.500%, 07/01/20

    35,813        37,903   

5.000%, 11/01/17

    59,681        62,873   

5.000%, 02/01/18

    175,312        184,707   

5.000%, 12/01/18

    255,867        274,101   

5.000%, 07/01/19

    145,712        156,080   

5.000%, 07/01/20

    101,904        108,719   

5.000%, 08/01/20

    51,455        55,292   

5.000%, 12/01/20

    170,584        184,032   

5.500%, 11/01/17

    95,979        101,364   

5.500%, 12/01/17

    13,700        14,464   

5.500%, 01/01/18

    76,757        81,071   

5.500%, 02/01/18

    57,150        60,351   

5.500%, 06/01/19

    148,788        159,805   

5.500%, 07/01/19

    118,357        126,630   

5.500%, 08/01/19

    35,830        38,413   

5.500%, 09/01/19

    133,437        142,587   

5.500%, 01/01/21

    62,805        68,544   

5.500%, 03/01/21

    19,461        21,278   

6.000%, 07/01/16

    18,159        18,572   

6.000%, 01/01/17

    16,485        16,929   

6.000%, 02/01/17

    37,721        39,086   

6.000%, 07/01/17

    55,408        57,614   

6.000%, 08/01/17

    6,282        6,546   

6.000%, 09/01/17

    56,581        59,005   

6.000%, 03/01/18

    6,456        6,748   

6.000%, 11/01/18

    35,906        37,493   

6.000%, 01/01/21

    70,039        76,018   

6.000%, 05/01/21

    27,066        28,970   

Fannie Mae 20 Yr. Pool

   

6.000%, 11/01/25

    37,230        42,151   

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.500%, 11/01/41

    116,136        121,487   

3.500%, 01/01/42

    1,060,987        1,110,572   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    1,190,756        1,242,665   

3.500%, 05/01/43

    2,427,018        2,532,821   

3.500%, 06/01/43

    792,048        826,577   

3.500%, 07/01/43

    1,960,276        2,045,732   

3.500%, 09/01/43

    3,096,499        3,231,487   

3.500%, TBA (c)

    1,890,000        1,966,469   

4.000%, 02/01/41

    239,757        256,184   

4.000%, TBA (c)

    17,182,000        18,295,483   

4.500%, 08/01/33

    345,321        376,418   

4.500%, 03/01/34

    1,035,507        1,133,063   

4.500%, 08/01/40

    78,618        85,537   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

4.500%, 02/01/41

    477,437      $ 522,705   

4.500%, 04/01/41

    503,010        550,945   

4.500%, 04/01/44

    4,071,317        4,418,210   

4.500%, TBA (c)

    1,130,000        1,224,461   

5.000%, 11/01/33

    187,244        207,420   

5.000%, 03/01/34

    157,052        173,979   

5.000%, 05/01/34

    66,787        73,940   

5.000%, 08/01/34

    68,415        75,765   

5.000%, 09/01/34

    251,957        279,017   

5.000%, 06/01/35

    171,617        189,770   

5.000%, 07/01/35

    532,065        589,320   

5.000%, 08/01/35

    167,819        185,724   

5.000%, 09/01/35

    121,493        134,453   

5.000%, 10/01/35

    484,984        536,642   

5.000%, 07/01/39

    509,179        562,299   

5.000%, 10/01/39

    360,174        400,840   

5.000%, 11/01/39

    136,074        152,102   

5.000%, 11/01/40

    166,695        185,523   

5.000%, 01/01/41

    71,523        79,569   

5.000%, 03/01/41

    121,432        135,211   

5.500%, 02/01/33

    82,191        92,589   

5.500%, 05/01/33

    15,546        17,549   

5.500%, 06/01/33

    291,628        328,743   

5.500%, 07/01/33

    303,218        341,758   

5.500%, 11/01/33

    187,680        211,386   

5.500%, 12/01/33

    25,679        28,695   

5.500%, 01/01/34

    159,106        179,278   

5.500%, 01/01/34

    71,560        80,660   

5.500%, 02/01/34

    281,757        317,250   

5.500%, 03/01/34

    68,058        77,360   

5.500%, 04/01/34

    97,654        110,239   

5.500%, 05/01/34

    527,650        597,735   

5.500%, 06/01/34

    655,702        739,777   

5.500%, 07/01/34

    215,047        241,943   

5.500%, 09/01/34

    787,181        886,026   

5.500%, 10/01/34

    982,418        1,108,528   

5.500%, 11/01/34

    1,180,861        1,330,792   

5.500%, 12/01/34

    612,182        690,985   

5.500%, 01/01/35

    540,663        610,020   

5.500%, 02/01/35

    46,641        52,140   

5.500%, 04/01/35

    99,774        112,559   

5.500%, 07/01/35

    46,656        52,158   

5.500%, 08/01/35

    29,483        32,956   

5.500%, 09/01/35

    339,893        384,325   

6.000%, 02/01/32

    212,567        243,947   

6.000%, 03/01/34

    34,125        39,228   

6.000%, 04/01/34

    324,761        371,309   

6.000%, 06/01/34

    413,701        473,436   

6.000%, 07/01/34

    395,673        453,005   

6.000%, 08/01/34

    666,437        763,031   

6.000%, 10/01/34

    342,371        393,195   

6.000%, 11/01/34

    43,622        49,705   

6.000%, 12/01/34

    20,071        22,746   

6.000%, 08/01/35

    85,244        97,959   

6.000%, 09/01/35

    115,036        131,998   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

6.000%, 10/01/35

    184,285      $ 211,036   

6.000%, 11/01/35

    35,318        40,535   

6.000%, 12/01/35

    180,295        206,427   

6.000%, 02/01/36

    175,105        200,897   

6.000%, 04/01/36

    218,802        247,952   

6.000%, 06/01/36

    66,083        75,402   

6.000%, 07/01/37

    226,071        259,083   

6.500%, 06/01/31

    60,882        69,623   

6.500%, 07/01/31

    16,995        19,355   

6.500%, 08/01/31

    15,435        17,578   

6.500%, 09/01/31

    59,046        67,243   

6.500%, 02/01/32

    37,915        43,179   

6.500%, 07/01/32

    155,991        179,773   

6.500%, 08/01/32

    148,090        168,648   

6.500%, 01/01/33

    65,997        76,138   

6.500%, 04/01/34

    72,246        83,845   

6.500%, 06/01/34

    36,279        41,315   

6.500%, 08/01/34

    55,106        62,756   

6.500%, 04/01/36

    26,834        30,559   

6.500%, 05/01/36

    113,994        129,948   

6.500%, 02/01/37

    227,611        259,209   

6.500%, 05/01/37

    125,377        147,447   

6.500%, 07/01/37

    116,316        136,648   

Fannie Mae Pool

   

2.410%, 05/01/23

    97,331        96,675   

2.550%, 05/01/23

    156,581        157,047   

3.800%, 02/01/18

    137,065        145,778   

3.849%, 07/01/18

    190,772        203,213   

3.910%, 02/01/18

    198,770        210,921   

4.600%, 09/01/19

    132,160        145,631   

4.880%, 03/01/20

    238,956        259,285   

4.940%, 08/01/15

    50,000        50,618   

5.370%, 05/01/18

    618,688        688,092   

5.443%, 11/01/15

    300,222        307,798   

5.663%, 02/01/16

    204,443        210,766   

5.732%, 07/01/16

    236,332        249,341   

Fannie Mae-ACES

   

2.578%, 09/25/18

    500,000        512,284   

Freddie Mac 15 Yr. Gold Pool

   

4.500%, 05/01/18

    29,175        30,632   

4.500%, 08/01/18

    61,145        64,210   

4.500%, 11/01/18

    76,881        80,895   

4.500%, 01/01/19

    144,370        151,623   

4.500%, 08/01/19

    8,322        8,759   

4.500%, 02/01/20

    55,454        58,606   

4.500%, 08/01/24

    500,886        541,066   

5.000%, 12/01/17

    1,851        1,944   

5.000%, 05/01/18

    26,939        28,306   

5.000%, 09/01/18

    80,017        84,172   

5.500%, 01/01/19

    27,419        29,001   

5.500%, 04/01/19

    13,522        14,302   

5.500%, 06/01/19

    10,205        10,794   

5.500%, 07/01/19

    10,729        11,348   

5.500%, 08/01/19

    10,000        10,650   

5.500%, 02/01/20

    8,513        9,046   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac 15 Yr. Gold Pool

   

6.000%, 04/01/16

    2,256      2,303   

6.000%, 04/01/17

    13,661        14,231   

6.000%, 07/01/17

    8,720        8,988   

6.000%, 10/01/17

    12,424        12,864   

6.000%, 08/01/19

    93,010        99,418   

6.000%, 09/01/19

    13,302        14,185   

6.000%, 11/01/19

    31,745        33,600   

6.000%, 05/01/21

    38,488        41,458   

6.000%, 10/01/21

    64,064        69,617   

Freddie Mac 20 Yr. Gold Pool

   

5.500%, 10/01/24

    84,687        94,533   

5.500%, 06/01/25

    154,874        172,758   

5.500%, 07/01/25

    83,383        93,067   

5.500%, 08/01/25

    120,354        134,340   

6.000%, 02/01/23

    119,994        135,517   

6.000%, 12/01/25

    53,185        60,106   

6.000%, 02/01/26

    45,681        51,598   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.000%, 10/01/42

    1,731,434        1,752,610   

3.000%, 04/01/43

    1,836,808        1,860,610   

3.000%, 05/01/43

    1,608,928        1,630,042   

3.500%, 02/01/42

    909,429        949,229   

3.500%, 04/01/42

    534,353        559,082   

3.500%, 12/01/42

    1,408,456        1,470,972   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    401,589        419,557   

3.500%, 07/01/43

    548,895        571,337   

3.500%, 08/01/43

    922,890        960,621   

4.000%, 11/01/40

    1,343,032        1,433,828   

4.000%, 01/01/41

    1,877,700        2,003,958   

4.000%, 11/01/43

    1,497,021        1,597,682   

4.000%, TBA (c)

    2,733,000        2,913,207   

4.500%, 04/01/35

    95,253        103,854   

4.500%, 07/01/39

    528,274        572,515   

4.500%, 09/01/39

    264,149        286,351   

4.500%, 10/01/39

    159,292        172,687   

5.000%, 09/01/33

    385,800        427,013   

5.000%, 03/01/34

    85,068        94,310   

5.000%, 04/01/34

    66,531        73,694   

5.000%, 08/01/35

    101,473        112,168   

5.000%, 10/01/35

    186,279        206,621   

5.000%, 11/01/35

    186,466        205,850   

5.000%, 12/01/36

    116,427        128,749   

5.000%, 07/01/39

    871,949        962,073   

5.500%, 12/01/33

    402,792        453,860   

5.500%, 01/01/34

    272,007        306,262   

5.500%, 04/01/34

    65,071        73,233   

5.500%, 11/01/34

    61,666        69,455   

5.500%, 12/01/34

    101,654        113,491   

5.500%, 05/01/35

    44,364        49,833   

5.500%, 09/01/35

    101,860        114,282   

5.500%, 10/01/35

    102,763        115,504   

6.000%, 04/01/34

    115,567        132,078   

6.000%, 07/01/34

    54,602        62,018   

6.000%, 08/01/34

    480,336        549,462   

6.000%, 09/01/34

    7,393        8,358   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

6.000%, 07/01/35

    84,858      $ 97,257   

6.000%, 08/01/35

    90,050        103,107   

6.000%, 11/01/35

    195,695        223,584   

6.000%, 03/01/36

    103,158        116,612   

6.000%, 10/01/36

    106,543        121,769   

6.000%, 03/01/37

    8,317        9,405   

6.000%, 05/01/37

    111,750        126,943   

6.000%, 06/01/37

    144,464        164,056   

6.500%, 05/01/34

    30,439        34,584   

6.500%, 06/01/34

    88,113        101,002   

6.500%, 08/01/34

    123,158        139,981   

6.500%, 10/01/34

    133,650        152,579   

6.500%, 11/01/34

    47,228        53,659   

6.500%, 05/01/37

    107,091        122,558   

6.500%, 07/01/37

    155,516        176,759   

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates

  

1.426%, 08/25/17

    250,000        251,312   

1.869%, 11/25/19

    363,000        360,852   

2.303%, 09/25/18

    176,087        179,579   

2.412%, 08/25/18

    458,000        469,107   

2.456%, 08/25/19

    330,000        337,015   

2.682%, 10/25/22

    620,000        626,128   

3.034%, 10/25/20 (d)

    319,000        333,268   

3.154%, 02/25/18

    118,000        123,670   

3.320%, 02/25/23 (d)

    186,000        195,780   

3.458%, 08/25/23 (d)

    835,000        886,966   

3.808%, 08/25/20

    1,030,000        1,114,700   

3.882%, 11/25/17 (d)

    332,556        353,603   

5.085%, 03/25/19

    1,226,000        1,376,362   

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 02/15/43

    656,848        674,592   

3.500%, 12/15/41

    424,132        447,849   

3.500%, 02/15/42

    244,768        258,173   

4.500%, 09/15/33

    143,558        157,827   

4.500%, 11/15/39

    612,115        669,474   

4.500%, 03/15/40

    484,704        539,968   

4.500%, 04/15/40

    729,448        797,499   

4.500%, 06/15/40

    292,361        323,024   

5.000%, 03/15/34

    54,276        60,095   

5.000%, 06/15/34

    128,228        142,008   

5.000%, 12/15/34

    56,082        62,113   

5.000%, 06/15/35

    20,140        22,273   

5.500%, 11/15/32

    196,740        219,701   

5.500%, 08/15/33

    445,737        503,424   

5.500%, 12/15/33

    240,493        274,100   

5.500%, 09/15/34

    179,623        202,959   

5.500%, 10/15/35

    47,704        53,860   

6.000%, 12/15/28

    56,146        64,626   

6.000%, 12/15/31

    57,998        66,471   

6.000%, 03/15/32

    3,863        4,372   

6.000%, 10/15/32

    208,949        241,835   

6.000%, 01/15/33

    82,246        93,567   

6.000%, 02/15/33

    2,417        2,777   

6.000%, 04/15/33

    255,913        295,701   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

   

6.000%, 08/15/33

    1,634      1,857   

6.000%, 07/15/34

    171,921        198,952   

6.000%, 09/15/34

    45,378        51,360   

6.000%, 01/15/38

    246,848        287,011   

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 06/20/43

    1,416,652        1,450,468   

3.000%, 07/20/43

    640,144        655,432   

3.500%, 06/20/43

    1,957,009        2,057,118   

3.500%, 07/20/43

    2,167,784        2,278,491   

4.000%, 01/20/41

    1,813,074        1,950,916   

4.000%, 02/20/41

    449,412        483,526   

4.000%, 04/20/41

    336,789        362,189   

4.000%, 02/20/42

    491,816        527,870   

4.500%, 07/20/33

    29,630        32,678   

4.500%, 09/20/33

    19,487        21,463   

4.500%, 12/20/34

    16,755        18,464   

4.500%, 03/20/35

    81,613        89,856   

4.500%, 01/20/41

    485,943        533,600   

4.500%, 10/20/43

    959,549        1,049,810   

5.000%, 07/20/33

    63,956        70,979   

6.000%, 01/20/35

    67,430        77,556   

6.000%, 02/20/35

    33,519        38,567   

6.000%, 04/20/35

    53,264        60,932   
   

 

 

 
      122,364,240   
   

 

 

 

Federal Agencies—0.1%

   

Financing Corp.

   

9.650%, 11/02/18

    430,000        558,356   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—11.6%

   

U.S. Treasury Bonds

   

2.875%, 05/15/43

    1,700,000        1,738,780   

4.500%, 02/15/36

    293,000        390,812   

4.500%, 08/15/39

    20,492,000        27,308,787   

5.000%, 05/15/37

    232,000        330,926   

5.250%, 02/15/29

    16,000        21,510   

5.375%, 02/15/31

    276,000        384,697   

6.250%, 08/15/23 (a)

    80,000        106,519   

8.500%, 02/15/20 (a)

    1,104,000        1,475,738   

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

0.750%, 06/30/17 (a)

    26,286,000        26,187,427   

0.875%, 12/31/16

    16,276,000        16,337,035   

2.625%, 02/29/16

    800,000        820,813   

2.750%, 02/15/19

    2,524,100        2,655,431   

3.125%, 05/15/19

    6,086,000        6,487,773   

3.125%, 05/15/21

    16,470,000        17,674,369   

3.500%, 05/15/20

    7,140,000        7,789,297   

3.750%, 11/15/18

    2,067,000        2,251,899   

4.750%, 08/15/17 (a)

    2,444,000        2,683,818   
   

 

 

 
      114,645,631   
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies
(Cost $228,713,011)

      237,568,227   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—11.1%

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Aerospace/Defense—0.1%

   

BAE Systems Holdings, Inc.
5.200%, 08/15/15 (144A)

    756,000      $ 775,826   
   

 

 

 

Agriculture—0.2%

   

Altria Group, Inc.
2.850%, 08/09/22

    1,020,000        991,130   

BAT International Finance plc
3.250%, 06/07/22 (144A)

    1,026,000        1,031,735   
   

 

 

 
      2,022,865   
   

 

 

 

Auto Manufacturers—0.2%

   

Toyota Motor Credit Corp.
3.200%, 06/17/15

    630,000        637,855   

3.400%, 09/15/21

    880,000        925,551   

Volkswagen International Finance NV
2.375%, 03/22/17 (144A)

    857,000        872,975   
   

 

 

 
      2,436,381   
   

 

 

 

Banks—2.7%

   

Banco Bradesco S.A.
6.750%, 09/29/19 (144A)

    613,000        680,430   

Banco de Credito del Peru
5.375%, 09/16/20

    835,000        901,800   

Bank of America Corp.
4.100%, 07/24/23

    1,270,000        1,337,500   

4.125%, 01/22/24

    1,973,000        2,071,956   

5.490%, 03/15/19

    196,000        216,877   

7.625%, 06/01/19

    710,000        858,115   

Bank One Corp.
8.000%, 04/29/27

    100,000        134,919   

BBVA Bancomer S.A.
6.750%, 09/30/22 (144A)

    810,000        891,000   

BNP Paribas S.A.
7.195%, 06/25/37 (144A) (a) (d)

    500,000        579,375   

BPCE S.A.
12.500%, 09/30/19 (144A) (d)

    922,000        1,244,700   

Capital One Financial Corp.
6.150%, 09/01/16

    1,330,000        1,429,267   

Citigroup, Inc.
2.500%, 09/26/18

    580,000        586,777   

Credit Suisse AG
6.500%, 08/08/23 (144A)

    830,000        911,108   

Discover Bank
4.200%, 08/08/23

    510,000        535,158   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)
5.625%, 01/15/17

    1,351,000        1,449,079   

HSBC Holdings plc
5.100%, 04/05/21

    679,000        767,540   

ING Bank NV
5.800%, 09/25/23 (144A)

    1,076,000        1,193,584   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
3.200%, 01/25/23

    1,272,000        1,273,435   

3.250%, 09/23/22

    262,000        263,526   

6.300%, 04/23/19

    1,210,000        1,405,506   

Banks—(Continued)

   

KFW
4.875%, 06/17/19

    1,290,000      1,466,459   

Morgan Stanley
3.875%, 04/29/24

    1,081,000        1,109,145   

6.625%, 04/01/18

    1,343,000        1,529,724   

PNC Funding Corp.
5.625%, 02/01/17

    1,080,000        1,165,575   

Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc
2.550%, 09/18/15

    247,000        249,473   

Santander U.S. Debt S.A.
3.781%, 10/07/15 (144A) (a)

    500,000        510,588   

Swedbank AB
2.125%, 09/29/17 (144A)

    231,000        233,663   

U.S. Bancorp
3.700%, 01/30/24

    785,000        825,208   

Wells Fargo & Co.
5.900%, 06/15/24 (d)

    594,000        598,455   
   

 

 

 
      26,419,942   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—0.3%

   

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.
8.000%, 11/15/39

    1,020,000        1,559,993   

Diageo Capital plc
2.625%, 04/29/23

    1,020,000        991,721   
   

 

 

 
      2,551,714   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—0.1%

   

Gilead Sciences, Inc.
3.500%, 02/01/25 (a)

    668,000        685,635   

3.700%, 04/01/24

    312,000        327,235   
   

 

 

 
      1,012,870   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services—0.2%

   

ERAC USA Finance LLC
7.000%, 10/15/37 (144A)

    1,115,000        1,502,588   
   

 

 

 

Computers—0.0%

   

Apple, Inc.
3.850%, 05/04/43

    370,000        370,268   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.2%

   

General Electric Capital Corp.
2.300%, 01/14/19

    940,000        955,001   

3.100%, 01/09/23

    481,000        487,010   

ZFS Finance USA Trust V
6.500%, 05/09/37 (144A) (d)

    491,000        522,915   
   

 

 

 
      1,964,926   
   

 

 

 

Electric—0.8%

   

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co.
3.750%, 11/15/23 (a)

    440,000        458,738   

Midamerican Funding, LLC
6.927%, 03/01/29

    699,000        927,974   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Electric—(Continued)

   

Oncor Electric Delivery Co. LLC
7.000%, 09/01/22

    795,000      $ 1,006,988   

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
4.600%, 06/15/43

    880,000        938,768   

PPL Capital Funding, Inc.
3.400%, 06/01/23 (a)

    880,000        881,653   

5.000%, 03/15/44

    296,000        329,428   

Progress Energy, Inc.
3.150%, 04/01/22

    1,083,000        1,097,071   

PSEG Power LLC
5.320%, 09/15/16

    989,000        1,056,625   

State Grid Overseas Investment 2014, Ltd.
2.750%, 05/07/19 (144A) (e)

    778,000        781,268   

W3A Funding Corp.
8.090%, 01/02/17

    303,615        303,572   
   

 

 

 
      7,782,085   
   

 

 

 

Engineering & Construction—0.0%

   

ABB Finance USA, Inc.
2.875%, 05/08/22

    309,000        310,545   
   

 

 

 

Food—0.2%

   

ConAgra Foods, Inc.
3.200%, 01/25/23

    374,000        366,339   

Kraft Foods Group, Inc.
3.500%, 06/06/22

    412,000        422,181   

5.000%, 06/04/42

    640,000        704,514   

WM Wrigley Jr. Co.
2.400%, 10/21/18 (144A)

    248,000        249,746   
   

 

 

 
      1,742,780   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Products—0.3%

   

Becton Dickinson and Co.
2.675%, 12/15/19

    596,000        603,838   

CareFusion Corp.
6.375%, 08/01/19

    1,110,000        1,284,268   

Medtronic, Inc.
4.375%, 03/15/35 (144A)

    1,010,000        1,071,464   
   

 

 

 
      2,959,570   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Services—0.1%

   

Anthem, Inc.
3.300%, 01/15/23

    600,000        599,415   

Roche Holdings, Inc.
6.000%, 03/01/19 (144A)

    750,000        866,240   
   

 

 

 
      1,465,655   
   

 

 

 

Household Products/Wares—0.1%

   

Reckitt Benckiser Treasury Services plc
3.625%, 09/21/23 (144A)

    1,070,000        1,121,399   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—0.7%

   

ACE INA Holdings, Inc.
2.700%, 03/13/23

    1,000,000        970,979   

Insurance—(Continued)

   

Allstate Corp. (The)
5.750%, 08/15/53 (d)

    318,000      335,093   

American International Group, Inc.
4.125%, 02/15/24

    750,000        798,384   

4.875%, 06/01/22

    1,770,000        1,988,319   

Chubb Corp. (The)
6.375%, 03/29/67 (d)

    1,510,000        1,618,795   

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.
4.250%, 06/15/23 (144A)

    578,000        595,617   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.
4.800%, 07/15/21

    920,000        1,022,506   
   

 

 

 
      7,329,693   
   

 

 

 

Internet—0.1%

   

Baidu, Inc.
3.500%, 11/28/22

    1,110,000        1,097,580   
   

 

 

 

Investment Company Security—0.2%

   

Temasek Financial I, Ltd.
2.375%, 01/23/23 (144A)

    1,790,000        1,740,045   
   

 

 

 

Machinery-Construction & Mining—0.1%

  

Atlas Copco AB
5.600%, 05/22/17 (144A)

    910,000        992,768   
   

 

 

 

Media—0.5%

   

21st Century Fox America, Inc.
8.500%, 02/23/25

    722,000        978,556   

Comcast Corp.
2.850%, 01/15/23

    990,000        983,398   

Discovery Communications LLC
4.875%, 04/01/43 (a)

    620,000        639,233   

Grupo Televisa S.A.B.
5.000%, 05/13/45

    318,000        323,482   

Time Warner Entertainment Co. L.P.
8.375%, 07/15/33

    1,240,000        1,860,912   
   

 

 

 
      4,785,581   
   

 

 

 

Mining—0.2%

   

Corp. Nacional del Cobre de Chile
3.750%, 11/04/20 (144A)

    290,000        296,764   

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
3.875%, 03/15/23

    1,010,000        952,264   

Rio Tinto Finance USA plc
3.500%, 03/22/22

    900,000        899,748   
   

 

 

 
      2,148,776   
   

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing—0.1%

   

General Electric Co.
2.700%, 10/09/22

    800,000        800,325   
   

 

 

 

Multi-National—0.1%

   

Asian Development Bank
1.125%, 03/15/17

    574,000        576,922   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Oil & Gas—1.3%

   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.
6.375%, 09/15/17

    514,000      $ 571,466   

Apache Corp.
3.250%, 04/15/22

    421,000        413,643   

4.750%, 04/15/43

    321,000        301,032   

BP Capital Markets plc
4.500%, 10/01/20

    306,000        331,083   

4.742%, 03/11/21

    847,000        921,967   

Chevron Corp.
0.402%, 11/15/17 (d)

    1,696,000        1,694,022   

CNOOC Finance, Ltd.
3.875%, 05/02/22 (144A)

    1,010,000        1,027,448   

EOG Resources, Inc.
2.625%, 03/15/23 (a)

    302,000        289,591   

Petro-Canada
6.050%, 05/15/18

    1,664,000        1,871,576   

Petroleos Mexicanos
3.125%, 01/23/19

    352,000        352,880   

8.000%, 05/03/19

    759,000        897,517   

Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co., Ltd. III
5.832%, 09/30/16 (144A)

    367,630        382,795   

Statoil ASA
3.700%, 03/01/24 (a)

    922,000        954,579   

7.750%, 06/15/23

    100,000        128,932   

Total Capital International S.A.
1.550%, 06/28/17 (a)

    1,239,000        1,243,226   

3.750%, 04/10/24 (a)

    910,000        942,867   

Transocean, Inc.
3.800%, 10/15/22 (a)

    505,000        409,214   
   

 

 

 
      12,733,838   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—0.4%

   

AbbVie, Inc.
1.200%, 11/06/15

    1,850,000        1,855,437   

Express Scripts Holding Co.
2.650%, 02/15/17

    1,280,000        1,308,793   

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance IV B.V.
3.650%, 11/10/21

    1,270,000        1,301,393   
   

 

 

 
      4,465,623   
   

 

 

 

Pipelines—0.5%

   

Energy Transfer Partners L.P.
3.600%, 02/01/23

    558,000        539,959   

4.900%, 02/01/24

    450,000        471,542   

Enterprise Products Operating LLC
6.500%, 01/31/19

    908,000        1,040,712   

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P.
4.150%, 02/01/24 (a)

    691,000        689,232   

7.750%, 03/15/32

    625,000        770,010   

Spectra Energy Capital LLC
8.000%, 10/01/19

    1,253,000        1,516,269   
   

 

 

 
      5,027,724   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.2%

  

ERP Operating L.P.
4.625%, 12/15/21

    896,000      980,233   

HCP, Inc.
5.375%, 02/01/21

    734,000        819,662   
   

 

 

 
      1,799,895   
   

 

 

 

Retail—0.5%

   

Gap, Inc. (The)
5.950%, 04/12/21

    620,000        705,564   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)
3.750%, 02/15/24

    600,000        640,857   

5.950%, 04/01/41

    278,000        363,089   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
5.250%, 09/01/35

    1,830,000        2,201,232   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
3.300%, 11/18/21

    836,000        841,816   

4.500%, 11/18/34

    426,000        443,637   
   

 

 

 
      5,196,195   
   

 

 

 

Telecommunications—0.7%

   

Crown Castle Towers LLC
4.883%, 08/15/20 (144A)

    370,000        406,714   

6.113%, 01/15/20 (144A)

    711,000        816,684   

Rogers Communications, Inc.
6.800%, 08/15/18

    1,483,000        1,711,593   

Verizon Communications, Inc.
6.400%, 09/15/33

    1,271,000        1,565,596   

6.550%, 09/15/43

    1,700,000        2,177,953   
   

 

 

 
      6,678,540   
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(Cost $100,754,220)

      109,812,919   
   

 

 

 
Mortgage-Backed Securities—1.9%   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—0.1%

  

 

American Tower Trust I
3.070%, 03/15/48 (144A)

    1,000,000        994,130   

BlackRock Capital Finance L.P.
7.750%, 09/25/26 (144A) (e)

    44,677        2,535   
   

 

 

 
      996,665   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—1.8%

  

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust
5.695%, 09/15/40 (d)

    1,735,738        1,872,250   

General Electric Capital Assurance Co.
5.743%, 05/12/35 (144A) (d) (e)

    35,000        39,075   

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp.
5.475%, 03/10/39

    3,025,000        3,169,483   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust
5.796%, 08/10/45 (d)

    3,195,595        3,459,433   

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
5.475%, 04/15/43 (d)

    149,394        153,944   

5.787%, 06/15/49 (d)

    2,207,157        2,369,520   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description       
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

  

Merrill Lynch / Countrywide Commercial Mortgage Trust
5.743%, 06/12/50 (d)

    3,700,015      $ 3,995,554   

Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc.
0.939%, 11/15/30 (144A) (d) (f)

    1,560,787        36,402   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust 5.716%, 06/15/49 (d)

    1,131,867        1,214,938   

5.941%, 02/15/51 (d)

    1,494,226        1,596,534   
   

 

 

 
      17,907,133   
   

 

 

 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $18,775,847)

      18,903,798   
   

 

 

 
Asset-Backed Securities—0.7%   

Asset-Backed - Automobile—0.0%

   

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust
2.310%, 04/15/26 (144A)

    425,000        426,095   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Home Equity—0.2%

   

Bayview Financial Revolving Asset Trust
1.770%, 12/28/40 (144A) (d) (e)

    870,652        519,648   

GMAC Home Equity Loan Trust
5.805%, 10/25/36 (d)

    354,587        337,878   

Home Equity Loan Trust
5.320%, 12/25/35 (d)

    823,627        669,629   
   

 

 

 
      1,527,155   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Other—0.5%

   

Cent CLO 17
1.533%, 01/30/25 (144A) (d) (e)

    831,000        819,973   

Dryden XXVI Senior Loan Fund
1.331%, 07/15/25 (144A) (d) (e)

    1,068,000        1,045,818   

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust/ Ford Credit
2.260%, 11/15/25 (144A)

    550,000        552,936   

ING Investment Management Co.
1.384%, 04/25/25 (144A) (d) (e)

    970,000        952,835   

Race Point IV CLO, Ltd.
0.432%, 08/01/21 (144A) (d)

    509,470        506,616   

Small Business Administration Participation Certificates
4.350%, 07/01/23

    401,282        422,989   

4.770%, 04/01/24

    20,157        21,385   

4.950%, 03/01/25

    150,015        162,724   

4.990%, 09/01/24

    74,578        80,614   

5.110%, 08/01/25

    232,353        251,563   

5.180%, 05/01/24

    35,942        38,845   

5.520%, 06/01/24

    88,867        97,922   
   

 

 

 
      4,954,220   
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $7,355,636)

      6,907,470   
   

 

 

 
Foreign Government—0.4%    
Security Description  

Shares/

Principal
Amount*

    Value  

Sovereign—0.4%

   

Egypt Government AID Bond
4.450%, 09/15/15

    1,903,000      1,957,648   

Iceland Government International Bond
4.875%, 06/16/16 (144A)

    970,000        1,014,964   

Mexico Government International Bond
4.750%, 03/08/44

    909,000        947,633   

Peruvian Government International Bond
7.350%, 07/21/25

    103,000        136,733   
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Government
(Cost $3,991,668)

      4,056,978   
   

 

 

 
Preferred Stocks—0.2%                

Electric Utilities—0.1%

   

Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais

    182,652        892,271   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—0.1%

   

Vale S.A.

    185,600        1,346,770   
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $3,275,459)

      2,239,041   
   

 

 

 
Municipals—0.2%                

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority

   

7.414%, 01/01/40
(Cost $1,092,733)

    1,050,000        1,577,877   
   

 

 

 
Convertible Preferred Stock—0.0%   

Aerospace & Defense—0.0%

   

United Technologies Corp.
7.500%, 08/01/15
(Cost $253,156)

    5,027        308,306   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—8.1%   

Mutual Fund—4.6%

   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (g)

    45,256,067        45,256,067   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Paper—0.9%

   

HSBC Americas, Inc.
0.025%, 01/02/15 (h)

    8,627,000        8,626,988   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Short-Term Investments—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Repurchase Agreement—2.6%

   

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $25,444,996 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $26,325,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750% due 03/31/18, with a value of $25,957,398.

    25,444,996      $ 25,444,996   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $79,328,051)

      79,328,051   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—107.2%
(Cost $869,592,063) (i)

      1,060,962,281   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(7.2)%

      (71,160,332
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 989,801,949   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $62,427,563 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $45,256,067 and non-cash collateral with a value of $19,094,644. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) TBA (To Be Announced) Securities are purchased on a forward commitment basis with an approximate principal amount and no defined maturity date. The actual principal and maturity date will be determined upon settlement date.
(d) Variable or floating rate security. The stated rate represents the rate at December 31, 2014. Maturity date shown for callable securities reflects the earliest possible call date.
(e) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of restricted securities was $4,161,152, which is 0.4% of net assets. See details shown in the Restricted Securities table that follows.
(f) Interest only security.
(g) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(h) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(i) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $878,576,212. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $193,450,203 and $(11,064,134), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $182,386,069 for federal income tax purposes.
(144A)— Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of 144A securities was $28,210,466, which is 2.9% of net assets.
(ACES)— Alternative Credit Enhancement Securities.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.
(CLO)— Collateralized Loan Obligation

 

Restricted Securities

   Acquisition
Date
     Principal
Amount
     Cost      Value  

Bayview Financial Revolving Asset Trust

     03/01/06       $ 870,652       $ 870,652       $ 519,648   

BlackRock Capital Finance L.P.

     05/01/06         44,677         43,054         2,535   

Cent CLO 17

     09/26/14         831,000         825,806         819,973   

Dryden XXVI Senior Loan Fund

     09/26/14         1,068,000         1,052,300         1,045,818   

General Electric Capital Assurance Co.

     09/23/03         35,000         35,175         39,075   

ING Investment Management Co.

     09/26/14         970,000         958,360         952,835   

State Grid Overseas Investment 2014, Ltd.

     05/07/14         778,000         771,698         781,268   
           

 

 

 
            $ 4,161,152   
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks            

Aerospace & Defense

   $ 30,850,748       $ —         $ —         $ 30,850,748   

Air Freight & Logistics

     4,955,292         —           —           4,955,292   

Airlines

     674,178         —           —           674,178   

Auto Components

     12,015,494         —           —           12,015,494   

Automobiles

     1,372,138         —           —           1,372,138   

Banks

     55,855,058         3,642,216         —           59,497,274   

Beverages

     1,619,703         4,223,299         —           5,843,002   

Capital Markets

     28,096,879         —           —           28,096,879   

Chemicals

     15,038,270         —           —           15,038,270   

Commercial Services & Supplies

     3,517,177         —           —           3,517,177   

Consumer Finance

     4,201,513         —           —           4,201,513   

Containers & Packaging

     1,028,027         —           —           1,028,027   

Diversified Financial Services

     2,419,474         —           —           2,419,474   

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     15,500,486         1,990,524         —           17,491,010   

Electric Utilities

     9,126,668         —           —           9,126,668   

Electrical Equipment

     3,157,014         —           —           3,157,014   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components

     —           1,074,739         —           1,074,739   

Energy Equipment & Services

     4,992,749         —           —           4,992,749   

Food & Staples Retailing

     16,200,752         —           —           16,200,752   

Food Products

     8,871,914         9,881,687         —           18,753,601   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     16,090,205         —           —           16,090,205   

Health Care Providers & Services

     5,699,342         —           —           5,699,342   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     6,405,170         —           —           6,405,170   

Household Products

     5,852,897         1,069,783         —           6,922,680   

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers

     1,094,817         —           —           1,094,817   

Industrial Conglomerates

     15,452,807         1,389,502         —           16,842,309   

Insurance

     34,943,861         4,350,659         —           39,294,520   

Internet Software & Services

     8,391,624         —           —           8,391,624   

IT Services

     18,103,942         —           —           18,103,942   

Leisure Products

     2,065,851         —           —           2,065,851   

Life Sciences Tools & Services

     5,717,734         —           —           5,717,734   

Machinery

     10,798,633         —           —           10,798,633   

Media

     31,658,852         —           —           31,658,852   

Metals & Mining

     997,011         2,065,203         —           3,062,214   

Multi-Utilities

     2,740,236         2,006,734         —           4,746,970   

Multiline Retail

     12,122,081         —           —           12,122,081   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     38,408,853         2,567,693         —           40,976,546   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Pharmaceuticals

   $ 47,193,404       $ 3,973,325      $ —         $ 51,166,729   

Professional Services

     334,883         996,664        —           1,331,547   

Real Estate Investment Trusts

     4,941,061         —          —           4,941,061   

Road & Rail

     2,479,661         —          —           2,479,661   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     15,897,518         —          —           15,897,518   

Software

     13,340,480         —          —           13,340,480   

Specialty Retail

     6,929,695         —          —           6,929,695   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     5,127,940         —          —           5,127,940   

Tobacco

     24,703,208         2,894,086        —           27,597,294   

Wireless Telecommunication Services

     —           1,148,200        —           1,148,200   

Total Common Stocks

     556,985,300         43,274,314        —           600,259,614   

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies*

     —           237,568,227        —           237,568,227   

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes*

     —           109,812,919        —           109,812,919   

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities*

     —           18,903,798        —           18,903,798   

Total Asset-Backed Securities*

     —           6,907,470        —           6,907,470   

Total Foreign Government*

     —           4,056,978        —           4,056,978   

Total Preferred Stocks*

     —           2,239,041        —           2,239,041   

Total Municipals

     —           1,577,877        —           1,577,877   

Total Convertible Preferred Stock*

     308,306         —          —           308,306   

Short-Term Investments

          

Mutual Fund

     45,256,067         —          —           45,256,067   

Commercial Paper

     —           8,626,988        —           8,626,988   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           25,444,996        —           25,444,996   

Total Short-Term Investments

     45,256,067         34,071,984        —           79,328,051   

Total Investments

   $ 602,549,673       $ 458,412,608      $ —         $ 1,060,962,281   
                                    

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (45,256,067   $ —         $ (45,256,067

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,060,962,281   

Cash

     3,307   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     251   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     1,071,884   

Fund shares sold

     193,473   

Dividends and interest

     3,505,144   

Prepaid expenses

     2,633   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,065,738,973   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     45,256,067   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     1,113,987   

TBA securities purchased

     28,458,923   

Fund shares redeemed

     281,846   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     464,734   

Distribution and service fees

     146,428   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,422   

Other expenses

     151,617   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     75,937,024   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 989,801,949   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 807,287,440   

Undistributed net investment income

     22,812,803   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (31,657,723

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     191,359,429   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 989,801,949   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 186,725,433   

Class B

     247,472,119   

Class E

     30,889,092   

Class F

     524,715,305   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     1,081,104   

Class B

     1,450,816   

Class E

     179,801   

Class F

     3,063,962   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 172.72   

Class B

     170.57   

Class E

     171.80   

Class F

     171.25   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $869,592,063.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $62,427,563.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $250.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 17,179,345   

Interest

     12,167,736   

Securities lending income

     225,923   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     29,573,004   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     5,563,579   

Administration fees

     23,903   

Custodian and accounting fees

     224,226   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     620,835   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     47,500   

Distribution and service fees—Class F

     1,095,528   

Audit and tax services

     58,172   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     39,558   

Shareholder reporting

     134,637   

Insurance

     6,428   

Miscellaneous

     15,351   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     7,859,731   

Less broker commission recapture

     (6,238
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     7,853,493   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     21,719,511   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     66,521,637   

Foreign currency transactions

     (27,222
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     66,494,415   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (6,263,398

Foreign currency transactions

     (16,784
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (6,280,182
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     60,214,233   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 81,933,744   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $271,023.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 21,719,511      $ 20,837,964   

Net realized gain

     66,494,415        114,894,563   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (6,280,182     41,859,774   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     81,933,744        177,592,301   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (4,409,116     (4,637,775

Class B

     (5,437,850     (5,792,063

Class E

     (723,652     (777,882

Class F

     (12,205,996     (14,079,477
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (22,776,614     (25,287,197
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (124,024,443     (98,784,352
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (64,867,313     53,520,752   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,054,669,262        1,001,148,510   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 989,801,949      $ 1,054,669,262   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 22,812,803      $ 22,640,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     53,158      $ 8,856,348        100,951      $ 15,245,357   

Reinvestments

     27,391        4,409,116        31,748        4,637,775   

Redemptions

     (138,006     (22,951,623     (202,855     (30,695,497
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (57,457   $ (9,686,159     (70,156   $ (10,812,365
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     104,010      $ 17,097,346        145,544      $ 21,825,873   

Reinvestments

     34,147        5,437,850        40,065        5,792,063   

Redemptions

     (257,124     (42,249,749     (269,311     (40,434,856
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (118,967   $ (19,714,553     (83,702   $ (12,816,920
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     9,216      $ 1,523,391        14,692      $ 2,222,502   

Reinvestments

     4,515        723,652        5,347        777,882   

Redemptions

     (34,318     (5,691,063     (36,541     (5,518,612
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (20,587   $ (3,444,020     (16,502   $ (2,518,228
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class F

        

Sales

     129,262      $ 21,349,305        222,734      $ 33,498,495   

Reinvestments

     76,369        12,205,996        97,066        14,079,477   

Redemptions

     (757,238     (124,735,012     (800,363     (120,214,811
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (551,607   $ (91,179,711     (480,563   $ (72,636,839
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (124,024,443     $ (98,784,352
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                 
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 162.91      $ 140.60      $ 129.68       $ 130.06       $ 121.69   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (a)

     3.85        3.33        3.34         3.34         3.14   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     9.94        22.92        11.49         (0.14      8.95   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     13.79        26.25        14.83         3.20         12.09   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

            

Distributions from net investment income

     (3.98     (3.94     (3.91      (3.58      (3.72
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.98     (3.94     (3.91      (3.58      (3.72
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 172.72      $ 162.91      $ 140.60       $ 129.68       $ 130.06   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.64        18.99        11.58         2.42         10.08   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.60        0.59        0.60         0.59         0.58   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.32        2.19        2.46         2.56         2.56   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     34  (c)      53  (c)      20         19         31   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 186.7      $ 185.5      $ 169.9       $ 169.5       $ 186.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 160.94      $ 138.95      $ 128.21       $ 128.66       $ 120.45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (a)

     3.40        2.92        2.97         2.98         2.80   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     9.81        22.66        11.36         (0.15      8.86   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     13.21        25.58        14.33         2.83         11.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

            

Distributions from net investment income

     (3.58     (3.59     (3.59      (3.28      (3.45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.58     (3.59     (3.59      (3.28      (3.45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 170.57      $ 160.94      $ 138.95       $ 128.21       $ 128.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.36        18.70        11.31         2.16         9.80   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.85        0.84        0.85         0.84         0.83   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.07        1.94        2.21         2.32         2.31   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     34  (c)      53  (c)      20         19         31   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 247.5      $ 252.6      $ 229.8       $ 220.0       $ 227.0   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 162.06       $ 139.88       $ 129.04       $ 129.46       $ 121.16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     3.59         3.09         3.12         3.13         2.95   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     9.88         22.81         11.44         (0.15      8.91   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     13.47         25.90         14.56         2.98         11.86   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (3.73      (3.72      (3.72      (3.40      (3.56
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.73      (3.72      (3.72      (3.40      (3.56
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 171.80       $ 162.06       $ 139.88       $ 129.04       $ 129.46   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.48         18.82         11.42         2.25         9.92   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.75         0.74         0.75         0.74         0.73   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.17         2.04         2.31         2.41         2.41   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     34  (c)       53  (c)       20         19         31   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 30.9       $ 32.5       $ 30.3       $ 31.0       $ 36.5   

 

     Class F  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 161.54       $ 139.43       $ 128.64       $ 129.07       $ 120.81   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     3.50         3.00         3.04         3.05         2.88   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     9.84         22.74         11.40         (0.14      8.89   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     13.34         25.74         14.44         2.91         11.77   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (3.63      (3.63      (3.65      (3.34      (3.51
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.63      (3.63      (3.65      (3.34      (3.51
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 171.25       $ 161.54       $ 139.43       $ 128.64       $ 129.07   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.42         18.75         11.36         2.21         9.87   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.80         0.79         0.80         0.79         0.78   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.12         1.99         2.26         2.36         2.36   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     34  (c)       53  (c)       20         19         31   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 524.7       $ 584.1       $ 571.1       $ 623.8       $ 748.8   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions; excluding these transactions the portfolio turnover rates would have been 25% and 45% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MFS Total Return Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, E, and F shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to amortization of debt securities, paydown gain/loss reclasses, foreign currency transactions, real estate investment trusts (REITs), return of capital adjustments and broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $25,444,996, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls - The Portfolio may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which a Portfolio sells to-be-announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon, and maturity) securities on a specified future date. For the duration of the transaction, or roll period, the Portfolio foregoes principal (including prepayments of principal) and interest paid on the securities sold. Dollar rolls are accounted for as purchase and sale transactions; gain or loss is recognized at the commencement of the term of the dollar roll and each time the mortgage-backed security is rolled.

Treasury and mortgage dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities that the Portfolio is required to repurchase or reacquire may be less than the agreed-upon repurchase price of those securities and that the investment performance of securities purchased with proceeds from these transactions does not exceed the income, capital appreciation, and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities transferred or sold, as applicable, as part of the treasury or mortgage dollar roll.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities - The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. These securities may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage backed securities (“SMBS”), and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by or payable from, mortgage loans on real property or other receivables. The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.

In one type of SMBS, one class receives all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). Because principal will not be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the book value of the security until maturity. These adjustments are netted against payments received for the IOs and the net amount is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities. Details of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are included in the Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments.

 

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers that hold mortgage and asset-backed securities and direct investments in securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets. The value and related income of these securities are sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults, and may be negatively impacted by increased volatility of market prices and periods of illiquidity.

TBA Purchase & Forward Sale Commitments - The Portfolio may enter into TBA commitments to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date. TBA commitments are considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased or sold declines or increases prior to settlement date, which is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolio’s other assets. TBA forward sale commitments are valued at the current market value of the underlying securities, according to the procedures described under “Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements”.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities - The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase commitment is made. The Portfolio may purchase securities under such conditions only with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Portfolio may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.

Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Portfolio will hold liquid assets in a segregated account with the Portfolio’s custodian, or set aside liquid assets in the Portfolio’s records, worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary value.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as To-Be-Announced securities and delayed-delivery or secured borrowings transactions by and between the Portfolio and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, including mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions but excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$207,829,720    $ 136,487,711       $ 225,898,797       $ 237,909,644   

The Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other accounts managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Co. that amounted to $91,767 in purchases and $436,254 in sales of investments, which are included above.

Purchases and sales of mortgage dollar rolls and TBA transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

   Sales  
$100,365,659    $ 91,603,089   

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement—MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$5,563,579      0.600   Of the first $250 million
     0.550   Of the next $500 million
     0.500   On amounts in excess of
$750 million

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, E, and F Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, E, and F Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, E, and F Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, E, and F Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.15% per year for Class E Shares, and 0.20% per year for Class F Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$22,776,614    $ 25,287,197       $       $       $ 22,776,614       $ 25,287,197   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards     Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
     Total  
$22,880,519    $       $ 182,375,280       $ (22,677,868   $       $ 182,577,931   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as shortterm losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carry forwards of $62,105,143.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014 the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and the pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards and expiration dates were as follows:

 

     Expiring
12/31/17
      
   $ 22,677,868      

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MFS Total Return Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MFS Total Return Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MFS Total Return Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-32


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

 

MSF-33


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Total Return Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

MFS Total Return Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Massachusetts Financial Services Company regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its blended benchmark, the S&P 500 Index (60%) and Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (40%), for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were equal to the Expense Group median and above the Expense Universe median and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size.

 

MSF-34


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, D, and E shares of the MFS Value Portfolio returned 10.81%, 10.56%, 10.69%, and 10.63%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index1, returned 13.45%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

Early in the period, U.S. equities suffered what proved to be a temporary setback due to concerns over emerging markets as well as what was perceived at the time to be a pause in U.S. economic growth, partially caused by extreme weather conditions and a weak December 2013 labor market report. Markets soon recovered as the economic pause concluded and investors appeared to have become increasingly comfortable that newly-installed U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) Chair Janet Yellen would not make any substantial changes to the trajectory of the Fed’s monetary policy.

While geopolitical tensions flared in the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine, any market setbacks were short-lived as improving economic growth in the U.S., coupled with prospects for easier monetary policy in regions with slowing growth, such as Japan, Europe and China, supported risk assets. The European Central Bank cut policy interest rates into negative territory and, by the end of the period, expectations were for additional rate cuts and the announcement for non-conventional easing measures. Similarly, the Bank of Japan surprised markets late in the period with fresh stimulus measures given lackluster growth trends. The related decline in developed market government bond yields and credit spreads were also supportive for equity markets. At the end of the period, the U.S. equity market was trading close to all-time highs and U.S. Treasury yields were close to their lows for the period. However, credit markets did not fare as well in the second half of 2014, particularly U.S. high yield and emerging market debt. The higher weightings of oil and gas credits in these asset classes resulted in widening spreads and increased volatility as oil prices began to decline in an accelerated fashion in the fourth quarter.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW/PERIOD END POSITIONING

The combination of weak stock selection and an underweight position in the Information Technology sector detracted from Portfolio performance relative to the Russell 1000 Value Index. Within this sector, holdings of poor-performing diversified technology products and services company IBM and an underweight position during the first quarter and not owning shares of semiconductor firm Intel for the balance of the year detracted from relative results.

Stock selection in the Consumer Staples sector also weighed on relative performance. Within this sector, the Portfolio’s overweight position in tobacco company Phillip Morris, and holdings of spirits maker Diageo (United Kingdom), held back relative performance.

Stock selection and, to a lesser extent, an underweight position in the Utilities & Communications sector dampened relative results. The Portfolio’s holdings of telecommunications company Verizon Communications weighed on relative results as the stock underperformed the benchmark.

Other top relative detractors during the period included not holding shares of strong-performing investment firm Berkshire Hathaway and diversified health care company UnitedHealth. Holdings of media company Viacom, and overweight positions in financial services firm Prudential and investment management firm Franklin Resources, also hurt relative returns.

An underweight allocation to the Energy sector was a positive factor for relative performance. Here, an underweight position in integrated oil & gas company Exxon Mobil supported relative returns as the stock underperformed the benchmark.

Stock selection in the Industrial sector also benefited relative returns. Not holding weak-performing diversified industrial conglomerate General Electric, and the Portfolio’s holdings of defense contractor Lockheed Martin, bolstered relative results.

Stocks in other sectors that contributed to relative results included an overweight position in retail pharmacy chain CVS Health, and not holding shares of poor-performing precious metals company Freeport McMoRan. Holdings of tobacco company Lorillard, auto parts retailer Advance Auto Parts and soft drinks manufacturer Dr Pepper Snapple Group were also among the Portfolio’s top relative contributors. Underweight positions in telecommunications company AT&T and financial services firm Citigroup also helped.

Over the trailing 12 months ending December 31, 2014, the Portfolio reflected increased positions in Financials and to a lesser extent increased positions in Consumer Discretionary and Materials. Conversely, at the end of the period the Portfolio reflected decreased exposure to Consumer Staples, Telecommunication Services, and Industrials. Additionally, the Portfolio was overweight to Industrials, Consumer Staples, and Consumer Discretionary while

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

being underweight to Utilities, Energy, and Financials. Relative sector positioning reflects the investment team’s bottom up stock selection process rather than a reflection of any top-down macroeconomic or sector view.

Steven R. Gorham

Nevin P. Chitkara

Portfolio Managers

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 1000 VALUE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
MFS Value Portfolio                      

Class A

       10.81           14.54           8.37             

Class B

       10.56           14.27                     7.81   

Class D

       10.69                               17.77   

Class E

       10.63           14.39                     7.93   
Russell 1000 Value Index        13.45           15.42           7.30             

1 The Russell 1000 Value Index is an unmanaged measure of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies with a less than average growth orientation. Companies in this Index generally have a low price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratio, higher dividend yields and lower forecasted growth values.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class D and Class E shares are 7/20/98, 4/28/08, 4/26/13 and 4/28/08, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.      4.3   
Johnson & Johnson      3.5   
Philip Morris International, Inc.      3.3   
Wells Fargo & Co.      3.3   
Pfizer, Inc.      2.8   
Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)      2.4   
Accenture plc - Class A      2.2   
Honeywell International, Inc.      2.2   
3M Co.      2.1   
United Technologies Corp.      2.1   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Financials      26.3   
Industrials      16.5   
Health Care      14.4   
Consumer Staples      13.1   
Consumer Discretionary      11.0   
Information Technology      7.0   
Energy      5.9   
Telecommunication Services      2.5   
Materials      2.2   
Utilities      0.3   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MFS Value Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.58    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,057.50         $ 3.01   
   Hypothetical*      0.58    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.28         $ 2.96   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.83    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,056.20         $ 4.30   
   Hypothetical*      0.83    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.02         $ 4.23   

Class D(a)

   Actual      0.68    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,057.10         $ 3.53   
   Hypothetical*      0.68    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.78         $ 3.47   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.73    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,056.60         $ 3.78   
   Hypothetical*      0.73    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.53         $ 3.72   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—99.1% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—7.1%

  

Honeywell International, Inc.

    732,499      $ 73,191,300   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    361,010        69,519,696   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    184,649        27,215,416   

United Technologies Corp.

    607,595        69,873,425   
   

 

 

 
      239,799,837   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—1.6%

  

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    501,830        55,788,441   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—1.7%

  

Delphi Automotive plc

    334,428        24,319,604   

Johnson Controls, Inc.

    677,176        32,734,688   
   

 

 

 
      57,054,292   
   

 

 

 

Banks—10.9%

  

Citigroup, Inc.

    224,906        12,169,664   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    2,311,320        144,642,405   

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    350,707        31,995,000   

U.S. Bancorp

    1,472,909        66,207,259   

Wells Fargo & Co.

    2,059,745        112,915,221   
   

 

 

 
      367,929,549   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—1.5%

  

Diageo plc

    1,584,686        45,450,615   

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.

    92,307        6,616,566   
   

 

 

 
      52,067,181   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—6.4%

  

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The)

    1,041,155        42,239,658   

BlackRock, Inc.

    93,649        33,485,137   

Franklin Resources, Inc.

    772,152        42,754,056   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

    341,002        66,096,418   

State Street Corp.

    417,466        32,771,081   
   

 

 

 
      217,346,350   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—1.7%

  

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

    112,013        8,282,241   

PPG Industries, Inc.

    217,382        50,247,850   
   

 

 

 
      58,530,091   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—1.2%

  

Tyco International plc

    901,504        39,539,965   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—0.5%

  

Crown Holdings, Inc. (a)

    332,390        16,918,651   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—1.2%

  

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

    166,272        14,794,882   

NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. (The)

    530,160        25,426,474   
   

 

 

 
      40,221,356   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—1.9%

  

AT&T, Inc.

    274,937        9,235,134   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

    1,208,091        56,514,497   
   

 

 

 
      65,749,631   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—0.2%

  

Duke Energy Corp.

    99,432      8,306,549   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.9%

  

Eaton Corp. plc

    427,804        29,073,560   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—0.8%

  

Baker Hughes, Inc.

    104,930        5,883,425   

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    254,805        21,762,895   
   

 

 

 
      27,646,320   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—1.8%

  

CVS Health Corp.

    647,443        62,355,235   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—4.1%

  

Danone S.A.

    362,583        23,853,063   

General Mills, Inc.

    935,532        49,891,922   

Kellogg Co.

    151,237        9,896,949   

Nestle S.A.

    749,171        54,915,389   
   

 

 

 
      138,557,323   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—4.0%

  

Abbott Laboratories

    920,442        41,438,299   

Covidien plc

    271,835        27,803,284   

Medtronic, Inc. (b)

    618,188        44,633,173   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    355,988        23,149,900   
   

 

 

 
      137,024,656   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—1.1%

  

Express Scripts Holding Co. (a)

    422,947        35,810,922   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—1.0%

  

McDonald’s Corp.

    344,872        32,314,506   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—0.5%

  

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    199,009        18,127,730   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—3.4%

  

3M Co.

    428,896        70,476,191   

Danaher Corp.

    516,816        44,296,299   
   

 

 

 
      114,772,490   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—7.6%

  

ACE, Ltd.

    336,140        38,615,763   

Aon plc

    416,084        39,457,246   

Chubb Corp. (The)

    417,219        43,169,650   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    593,863        53,720,847   

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

    774,975        82,031,104   
   

 

 

 
      256,994,610   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—4.8%

  

Accenture plc - Class A

    847,851        75,721,573   

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

    272,001        16,918,462   

Fiserv, Inc. (a)

    331,639        23,536,420   

International Business Machines Corp.

    289,697        46,478,987   
   

 

 

 
      162,655,442   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description       
    
Shares
    Value  

Leisure Products—0.6%

  

Hasbro, Inc. (b)

    280,929      $ 15,448,286   

Mattel, Inc.

    151,774        4,696,646   
   

 

 

 
      20,144,932   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—1.1%

  

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    290,255        36,366,049   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—1.5%

  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    165,900        15,710,730   

Pentair plc

    202,548        13,453,238   

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

    209,730        20,150,859   
   

 

 

 
      49,314,827   
   

 

 

 

Media—4.9%

  

Comcast Corp. - Special Class A (b)

    691,179        39,787,719   

Omnicom Group, Inc. (b)

    517,246        40,071,048   

Time Warner, Inc.

    342,835        29,284,966   

Time, Inc. (b)

    36,919        908,576   

Viacom, Inc. - Class B

    309,415        23,283,479   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    362,754        34,167,799   
   

 

 

 
      167,503,587   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—1.9%

  

Kohl’s Corp. (b)

    147,025        8,974,406   

Target Corp.

    733,144        55,652,961   
   

 

 

 
      64,627,367   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—5.1%

  

Chevron Corp.

    443,314        49,730,964   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    211,941        19,513,408   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    703,248        65,015,278   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

    457,599        36,887,055   
   

 

 

 
      171,146,705   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—8.2%

  

Johnson & Johnson

    1,147,939        120,039,981   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    794,436        45,116,021   

Novartis AG

    116,090        10,676,505   

Pfizer, Inc.

    3,019,308        94,051,444   

Roche Holding AG

    33,302        9,026,190   
   

 

 

 
      278,910,141   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—0.2%

  

Equifax, Inc.

    70,414        5,694,380   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.2%

  

Canary Wharf Group plc (a) (c) (d)

    767,618        6,471,443   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—0.6%

  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    298,394        20,562,331   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—1.2%

  

Texas Instruments, Inc.

    743,169        39,733,531   
   

 

 

 

Software—1.0%

  

Oracle Corp.

    777,758      34,975,777   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—1.0%

  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    145,538        23,181,293   

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. (a)

    120,354        9,167,364   
   

 

 

 
      32,348,657   
   

 

 

 

Tobacco—5.1%

  

Altria Group, Inc.

    383,120        18,876,322   

Imperial Tobacco Group plc

    155,694        6,818,330   

Lorillard, Inc.

    556,270        35,011,634   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

    1,390,446        113,251,827   
   

 

 

 
      173,958,113   
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services—0.6%

  

Vodafone Group plc

    5,518,020        18,907,282   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $2,364,877,512)

      3,355,249,809   
   

 

 

 
Convertible Preferred Stock—0.1%   

Aerospace & Defense—0.1%

  

United Technologies Corp.

   

7.500%, 08/01/15 (b)
(Cost $2,885,058)

    55,377        3,396,271   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—1.8%   

Mutual Fund—1.0%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (e)

    35,909,845        35,909,845   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Paper—0.2%

  

HSBC Americas, Inc.

   

0.025%, 01/02/15 (f)

    6,518,000        6,517,991   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—0.6%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp.
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $19,219,098
on 01/02/15, collateralized by $19,885,000 U.S. Treasury Note at
0.750% due 03/31/18 with a value of $19,607,326.

    19,219,098        19,219,098   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $61,646,934)

      61,646,934   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—101.0% (Cost $2,429,409,504) (g)

      3,420,293,014   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(1.0)%

      (33,648,293
   

 

 

 

Net Assets—100.0%

    $ 3,386,644,721   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $80,401,432 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $35,909,845 and non-cash collateral with a value of $46,966,464. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.2% of net assets.
(d) Illiquid security. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.2% of net assets.
(e) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(f) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(g) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $2,434,013,473. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $1,017,131,087 and $(30,851,546), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $986,279,541 for federal income tax purposes.

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks            

Aerospace & Defense

   $ 239,799,837       $ —         $ —         $ 239,799,837   

Air Freight & Logistics

     55,788,441         —           —           55,788,441   

Auto Components

     57,054,292         —           —           57,054,292   

Banks

     367,929,549         —           —           367,929,549   

Beverages

     6,616,566         45,450,615         —           52,067,181   

Capital Markets

     217,346,350         —           —           217,346,350   

Chemicals

     58,530,091         —           —           58,530,091   

Commercial Services & Supplies

     39,539,965         —           —           39,539,965   

Containers & Packaging

     16,918,651         —           —           16,918,651   

Diversified Financial Services

     40,221,356         —           —           40,221,356   

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     65,749,631         —           —           65,749,631   

Electric Utilities

     8,306,549         —           —           8,306,549   

Electrical Equipment

     29,073,560         —           —           29,073,560   

Energy Equipment & Services

     27,646,320         —           —           27,646,320   

Food & Staples Retailing

     62,355,235         —           —           62,355,235   

Food Products

     59,788,871         78,768,452         —           138,557,323   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     137,024,656         —           —           137,024,656   

Health Care Providers & Services

     35,810,922         —           —           35,810,922   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     32,314,506         —           —           32,314,506   

Household Products

     18,127,730         —           —           18,127,730   

Industrial Conglomerates

     114,772,490         —           —           114,772,490   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Insurance

   $ 256,994,610       $ —        $ —         $ 256,994,610   

IT Services

     162,655,442         —          —           162,655,442   

Leisure Products

     20,144,932         —          —           20,144,932   

Life Sciences Tools & Services

     36,366,049         —          —           36,366,049   

Machinery

     49,314,827         —          —           49,314,827   

Media

     167,503,587         —          —           167,503,587   

Multiline Retail

     64,627,367         —          —           64,627,367   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     171,146,705         —          —           171,146,705   

Pharmaceuticals

     259,207,446         19,702,695        —           278,910,141   

Professional Services

     5,694,380         —          —           5,694,380   

Real Estate Management & Development

     —           —          6,471,443         6,471,443   

Road & Rail

     20,562,331         —          —           20,562,331   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     39,733,531         —          —           39,733,531   

Software

     34,975,777         —          —           34,975,777   

Specialty Retail

     32,348,657         —          —           32,348,657   

Tobacco

     167,139,783         6,818,330        —           173,958,113   

Wireless Telecommunication Services

     —           18,907,282        —           18,907,282   

Total Common Stocks

     3,179,130,992         169,647,374        6,471,443         3,355,249,809   

Total Convertible Preferred Stock*

     3,396,271         —          —           3,396,271   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     35,909,845         —          —           35,909,845   

Commercial Paper

     —           6,517,991        —           6,517,991   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           19,219,098        —           19,219,098   

Total Short-Term Investments

     35,909,845         25,737,089        —           61,646,934   

Total Investments

   $ 3,218,437,108       $ 195,384,463      $ 6,471,443       $ 3,420,293,014   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (35,909,845   $ —         $ (35,909,845

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Balance as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in Unrealized
Appreciation from
investments still held at
December 31, 2014
 
Common Stocks            

Real Estate Management & Development

   $ 3,967,141       $ 2,504,302       $ 6,471,443       $ 2,504,302   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 3,420,293,014   

Cash

     55,661   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     836   

Receivable for:

  

Fund shares sold

     302,986   

Dividends

     6,568,663   

Prepaid expenses

     9,074   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     3,427,230,234   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     35,909,845   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     349,147   

Fund shares redeemed

     2,180,861   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,616,784   

Distribution and service fees

     181,937   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     130,420   

Other expenses

     216,519   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     40,585,513   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 3,386,644,721   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,812,832,080   

Undistributed net investment income

     85,278,640   

Accumulated net realized gain

     497,742,057   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     990,791,944   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 3,386,644,721   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 2,493,898,270   

Class B

     798,001,699   

Class D

     16,776,562   

Class E

     77,968,190   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     135,673,908   

Class B

     43,806,365   

Class D

     915,179   

Class E

     4,262,922   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 18.38   

Class B

     18.22   

Class D

     18.33   

Class E

     18.29   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $2,429,409,504.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $80,401,432.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $840.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 109,031,801   

Interest

     5,071   

Securities lending income

     211,919   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     109,248,791   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     24,987,759   

Administration fees

     82,833   

Custodian and accounting fees

     342,178   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,974,150   

Distribution and service fees—Class D

     17,459   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     119,517   

Audit and tax services

     43,940   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     43,020   

Shareholder reporting

     221,106   

Insurance

     19,333   

Miscellaneous

     33,037   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     27,914,346   

Less management fee waiver

     (5,108,863

Less broker commission recapture

     (85,334
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     22,720,149   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     86,528,642   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain on:   

Investments

     507,879,747   

Futures contracts

     725,134   

Foreign currency transactions

     84,150   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     508,689,031   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (239,026,209

Foreign currency transactions

     (131,843
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (239,158,052
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     269,530,979   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 356,059,621   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $620,190.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 86,528,642      $ 65,212,083   

Net realized gain

     508,689,031        304,976,883   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (239,158,052     659,786,176   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     356,059,621        1,029,975,142   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (51,243,103     (50,660,050

Class B

     (11,976,675     (4,757,769

Class D

     (290,817     0   

Class E

     (1,262,087     (1,080,244

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (142,976,657     (86,020,084

Class B

     (37,471,141     (9,119,057

Class D

     (847,551     0   

Class E

     (3,849,593     (1,987,649
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (249,917,624     (153,624,853
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (692,374,108     426,412,881   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (586,232,111     1,302,763,170   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     3,972,876,832        2,670,113,662   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 3,386,644,721      $ 3,972,876,832   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 85,278,640      $ 64,684,656   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     4,284,122      $ 73,879,782        19,058,481      $ 292,535,588   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        5,422,146        80,789,979   

Reinvestments

     11,778,033        194,219,760        9,393,823        136,680,134   

Redemptions

     (53,586,449     (921,672,735     (31,870,650     (502,615,244
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (37,524,294   $ (653,573,193     2,003,800      $ 7,390,457   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     3,256,308      $ 55,681,719        22,275,056      $ 336,307,116   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        29,307,292        434,040,998   

Reinvestments

     3,020,636        49,447,816        959,670        13,876,826   

Redemptions

     (7,661,555     (133,137,000     (25,604,636     (386,159,224
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (1,384,611   $ (28,007,465     26,937,382      $ 398,065,716   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class D (a)

        

Sales

     42,648      $ 736,968        21,906      $ 355,383   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        6,526,741        97,117,903   

Reinvestments

     69,160        1,138,368        0        0   

Redemptions

     (244,658     (4,261,229     (5,500,618     (82,134,513
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (132,850   $ (2,385,893     1,048,029      $ 15,338,773   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     166,105      $ 2,896,835        18,020,419      $ 267,724,346   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        1,498,859        22,243,068   

Reinvestments

     311,119        5,111,680        211,725        3,067,893   

Redemptions

     (942,744     (16,416,072     (19,151,436     (287,417,372
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (465,520   $ (8,407,557     579,567      $ 5,617,935   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (692,374,108     $ 426,412,881   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) Commencement of operations was April 26, 2013.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.75       $ 13.80       $ 12.23       $ 12.31       $ 11.20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.43         0.30         0.29         0.25         0.21   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.36         4.46         1.72         (0.13      1.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.79         4.76         2.01         0.12         1.27   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.31      (0.30      (0.26      (0.20      (0.16

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.85      (0.51      (0.18      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.16      (0.81      (0.44      (0.20      (0.16
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.38       $ 17.75       $ 13.80       $ 12.23       $ 12.31   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.81         35.73         16.65         0.85         11.42   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.72         0.72         0.73         0.73         0.73   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.58         0.58         0.60         0.61         0.63   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.49         1.92         2.21         2.03         1.82   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         17         16         16         28   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 2,493.9       $ 3,074.8       $ 2,363.0       $ 2,141.2       $ 2,097.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.61       $ 13.70       $ 12.15       $ 12.23       $ 11.13   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.37         0.27         0.26         0.22         0.18   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.36         4.41         1.70         (0.13      1.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.73         4.68         1.96         0.09         1.24   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.27      (0.26      (0.23      (0.17      (0.14

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.85      (0.51      (0.18      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.12      (0.77      (0.41      (0.17      (0.14
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.22       $ 17.61       $ 13.70       $ 12.15       $ 12.23   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.56         35.38         16.32         0.64         11.18   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.97         0.97         0.98         0.98         0.98   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.83         0.83         0.85         0.86         0.88   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.16         1.68         1.96         1.79         1.58   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         17         16         16         28   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 798.0       $ 795.9       $ 250.2       $ 217.7       $ 197.8   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data              
     Class D  
     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2014      2013(d)  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.71       $ 14.88   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

     

Net investment income (a)

     0.41         0.20   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.35         2.63   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.76         2.83   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

     

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.29      0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.85      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.14      0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.33       $ 17.71   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.69         19.02  (e) 

Ratios/Supplemental Data

     

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.82         0.82  (f) 

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.68         0.68  (f) 

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.34         1.80  (f) 

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         17   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 16.8       $ 18.6   

 

     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.67       $ 13.73       $ 12.18       $ 12.25       $ 11.15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.40         0.28         0.27         0.23         0.19   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.35         4.45         1.70         (0.12      1.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.75         4.73         1.97         0.11         1.25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.28      (0.28      (0.24      (0.18      (0.15

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.85      (0.51      (0.18      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.13      (0.79      (0.42      (0.18      (0.15
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.29       $ 17.67       $ 13.73       $ 12.18       $ 12.25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.63         35.63         16.39         0.81         11.25   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.87         0.87         0.88         0.88         0.88   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.73         0.73         0.75         0.76         0.78   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     2.28         1.81         2.05         1.85         1.67   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     12         17         16         16         28   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 78.0       $ 83.5       $ 57.0       $ 58.1       $ 69.9   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Commencement of operations was April 26, 2013.
(e) Periods less than one year are not computed on an annualized basis.
(f) Computed on an annualized basis.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MFS Value Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, D, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, return of capital adjustments, convertible preferred stock and broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $19,219,098, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 25, 2014 through April 29, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $237,954,653 in notional cost on equity index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized gains in the amount of $725,134 which are shown under Net realized gain on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 415,621,681       $ 0       $ 1,288,690,324   

The Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other accounts managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Co. that amounted to $1,296,372 in purchases and $13,104,430 in sales of investments, which are included above.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $156,572,943 in sales transactions, which are included above.

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$24,987,759      0.750   Of the first $250 million
     0.700   Of the next $2.25 billion
     0.675   Of the next $2.5 billion
     0.650   On amounts in excess of $5 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Massachusetts Financial Services Company is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.100%    On the first $200 million
0.125%    On the next $50 million
0.075%    On the next $1.25 billion
0.200%    On the next $1 billion
0.175%    On the next $2.5 billion
0.150%    On amounts in excess of $5 billion

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, D, and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, D, and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, D, and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, D, and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.10% per year for Class D Shares, and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$64,772,682    $ 64,176,070       $ 185,144,942       $ 89,448,783       $ 249,917,624       $ 153,624,853   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$93,106,209    $ 494,648,876       $ 986,187,975       $       $ 1,573,943,060   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as shortterm losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014 the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 26, 2013, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A, Class B, Class D, and Class E net assets of $2,665,493,738, $280,252,781, $100 and $ 61,036,104, respectively, acquired all the assets and liabilities of both FI Value Leaders Portfolio of the Metropolitan Series Fund (“FI Value Leaders”) and Met/Franklin Mutual Shares Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“Met/Franklin”).

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The acquisitions were accomplished by a tax-free exchange of shares of the Portfolio in the following amounts:

 

Portfolio

   Share Class      Shares Prior to
Acquisition
     Net Assets Prior to
Acquisition
     Shares Issued By
Portfolio
 

FI Value Leaders

     Class A         480,168       $ 77,606,786         5,208,509   

FI Value Leaders

     Class B         359,540         57,986,718         3,915,376   

FI Value Leaders

     Class D         601,549         97,117,903         6,526,741   

FI Value Leaders

     Class E         137,895         22,243,068         1,498,859   

Met/Franklin

     Class A         672,085         3,183,193         213,637   

Met/Franklin

     Class B         80,321,180         376,054,280         25,391,916   

Each shareholder of FI Value Leaders and Met/Franklin received shares of the Portfolio with the same class designation and at the respective Class NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 26, 2013. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by the FI Value Leaders and Met/Franklin Portfolios may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. If such purchases or sales occurred, the transaction costs were borne by the FI Value Leaders and Met/Franklin Portfolios. All other costs associated with the merger were not borne by the shareholders of any of the Portfolios.

FI Value Leaders’ net assets on April 26, 2013 were $77,606,786, $57,986,718, $97,117,903 and $22,243,068 for Classes A, B, D and E shares, respectively, including investments valued at $254,942,635 with a cost basis of $240,096,052. Met/Franklin’s net assets on April 26, 2013 were $3,183,193 and $376,054,280 for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, including investments valued at $377,937,821 with a cost basis of $360,776,791. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed, and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from FI Value Leaders and Met/Franklin were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes. The Portfolio acquired $118,206,385 in capital loss carry forwards from FI Value Leaders.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $3,640,974,671, which included $14,846,583 and $17,158,366 of acquired unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions from FI Value Leaders and Met/Franklin, respectively.

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2013, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

Net investment income

   $ 70,330,838 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions

     1,070,173,929 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 1,140,504,767   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of FI Value Leaders and Met/Franklin that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 26, 2013.

 

(a) $65,212,083 net investment income as reported December 31, 2013, plus $1,232,581 from FI Value Leaders pre-merger net investment income plus $2,846,657 Met/Franklin premerger, plus $889,131 in lower net advisory fees, plus $150,386 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $1,229,949,996 unrealized appreciation as reported December 31, 2013, minus $638,723,826 pro-forma December 31, 2012 unrealized appreciation, plus $304,976,883 net realized gain as reported December 31, 2013, plus $67,063,501 and $106,907,375 in net realized gain from FI Value Leaders and Met/Franklin pre-merger, respectively.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MFS Value Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MFS Value Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the MFS Value Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

MFS Value Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

MFS Value Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Massachusetts Financial Services Company regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the three-year period ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board took into account that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Managed by MetLife Investment Management, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, E, and G shares of the MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio returned -6.00%, -6.27%, -6.11%, and -6.33%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI EAFE Index1, returned -4.90%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Equity indexes reached record highs in 2014, driven by accommodative monetary policies by central banks around the world, strong corporate earnings, and an improving global economy. The year started on a negative note as investors remained concerned about additional Federal Reserve tapering, pressure on emerging market currencies and deteriorating situations in Ukraine, Thailand and Venezuela. Equity indexes recovered in the following months driven by strong earnings and increased corporate activity. During the third quarter, equity markets were volatile as escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, stalling Iran nuclear talks, and further U.S. and European Union sanctions against Russia contrasted with continued easing policies by central banks around the world and stronger macroeconomic data. Equity markets declined again in October as investors continued to worry about faltering global growth, particularly in Europe and China. Growing protests in Hong Kong and continued fears about the spread of the Ebola virus also weighed on the markets. Equity markets rallied in the fourth quarter as the Bank of Japan unexpectedly expanded its economic stimulus, the People’s Bank of China cut interest rates for the first time in two years, and the European Central Bank Chairman, Mr. Draghi, said the bank was ready to increase quantitative easing if necessary. Equity markets were mixed in December as oil prices dropped significantly, the Russian ruble reached record lows, and political uncertainty continued in Greece.

The U.S. dollar strengthened during the one year period, which negatively impacted the U.S. investors’ MSCI EAFE Index return versus the local currency return by approximately 10.8%.

Nine of the twenty-one countries comprising the MSCI EAFE Index experienced positive returns for the year. Israel (0.4% beginning weight in the benchmark), up 23.7%, was the best-performing country. New Zealand (0.1% beginning weight), up 9.3%, and Denmark (1.2% beginning weight), up 6.7%, were the next best-performing countries. The worst-performing countries were Portugal (0.2% beginning weight), down 35.1% and Austria (0.3% beginning weight), down 29.4%.

The stocks with the largest positive impact on the benchmark return for the year were Teva Pharmaceutical (Israel), up 46.4%; AstraZeneca (U.K.), up 25.7%; and Novartis (Switzerland), up 20.0%. The stocks with the largest negative impact were BG Group (U.K.), down 36.1%; SoftBank (Japan), down 30.9%; and BHP Billiton (Australia), down 25.6%.

Some of the factors driving the foreign equity markets include geopolitical concerns, energy prices, foreign exchange rates, corporate earnings, and global unemployment rates.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio is managed utilizing a stratified sampling strategy versus the MSCI EAFE Index. This strategy seeks to replicate the performance of the Index by owning a subset of Index constituents and neutralizing exposures across countries. The Portfolio is periodically rebalanced for compositional changes in the MSCI EAFE Index. Factors that impact tracking error include sampling, fair value pricing, transaction costs, cash drag, securities lending, net asset value rounding, and contributions and withdrawals.

Stacey Lituchy

Norman Hu

Mirsad Usejnoski

Portfolio Managers

MetLife Investment Management, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE MSCI EAFE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio                      

Class A

       -6.00           5.11           4.20             

Class B

       -6.27           4.85           3.94             

Class E

       -6.11           4.95           4.04             

Class G

       -6.33           4.78                     10.58   
MSCI EAFE Index        -4.90           5.33           4.43             

1 The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class E and Class G shares are 11/9/98, 1/2/01, 5/1/01 and 4/28/09, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
iShares MSCI EAFE ETF      4.9   
Nestle S.A.      1.8   
Novartis AG      1.6   
Roche Holding AG      1.4   
HSBC Holdings plc      1.4   
Toyota Motor Corp.      1.3   
Royal Dutch Shell plc- A Shares      1.0   
BP plc      0.9   
Bayer AG      0.9   
Commonwealth Bank of Australia      0.9   

Top Countries

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Japan      19.7   
United Kingdom      19.6   
Switzerland      8.8   
France      8.7   
Germany      8.7   
Australia      7.0   
Spain      3.3   
Hong Kong      2.9   
Sweden      2.9   
Netherlands      2.5   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.42    $ 1,000.00         $ 899.20         $ 2.01   
   Hypothetical*      0.42    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.09         $ 2.14   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.67    $ 1,000.00         $ 898.10         $ 3.21   
   Hypothetical*      0.67    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.83         $ 3.41   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.57    $ 1,000.00         $ 898.70         $ 2.73   
   Hypothetical*      0.57    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.33         $ 2.91   

Class G(a)

   Actual      0.72    $ 1,000.00         $ 897.60         $ 3.44   
   Hypothetical*      0.72    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.58         $ 3.67   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—92.9% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Australia—7.0%

  

AGL Energy, Ltd.

    49,491      $ 539,303   

Alumina, Ltd. (a)

    191,453        278,105   

Amcor, Ltd.

    95,202        1,050,153   

AMP, Ltd.

    206,717        922,088   

APA Group

    78,818        481,049   

Asciano, Ltd.

    86,457        424,307   

ASX, Ltd.

    16,055        480,381   

Aurizon Holdings, Ltd.

    157,842        592,795   

AusNet Services

    106,030        114,819   

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Ltd.

    199,653        5,205,937   

Bank of Queensland, Ltd.

    24,917        246,819   

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Ltd.

    35,779        372,738   

BHP Billiton, Ltd.

    233,631        5,556,970   

Boral, Ltd.

    61,162        262,977   

Brambles, Ltd.

    111,315        960,920   

Caltex Australia, Ltd.

    9,532        264,404   

Coca-Cola Amatil, Ltd.

    42,510        322,461   

Cochlear, Ltd. (b)

    3,466        219,272   

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    117,922        8,209,279   

Computershare, Ltd.

    41,806        400,776   

Crown Resorts, Ltd.

    29,464        303,415   

CSL, Ltd.

    35,655        2,516,504   

Dexus Property Group (REIT) (b)

    65,315        370,221   

Federation Centres, Ltd.

    91,872        214,330   

Flight Centre Travel Group, Ltd. (b)

    4,009        106,288   

Fortescue Metals Group, Ltd. (b)

    100,245        221,436   

Goodman Group (REIT) (b)

    139,425        644,280   

GPT Group (REIT) (b)

    121,517        430,341   

Healthscope, Ltd. (a)

    84,711        188,008   

Iluka Resources, Ltd.

    29,031        139,890   

Incitec Pivot, Ltd.

    103,981        269,525   

Insurance Australia Group, Ltd.

    184,566        937,968   

Lend Lease Group

    37,629        502,218   

Macquarie Group, Ltd.

    22,297        1,054,902   

Medibank Pvt, Ltd. (a)

    199,900        394,248   

Metcash, Ltd. (b)

    63,044        95,031   

Mirvac Group (REIT)

    298,553        432,201   

National Australia Bank, Ltd.

    171,345        4,679,837   

Newcrest Mining, Ltd. (a)

    54,807        489,203   

Novion Property Group (b)

    151,292        261,086   

Orica, Ltd.

    26,176        402,125   

Origin Energy, Ltd.

    78,717        744,631   

QBE Insurance Group, Ltd.

    94,414        858,418   

Ramsay Health Care, Ltd.

    8,883        412,898   

REA Group, Ltd.

    3,716        136,852   

Rio Tinto, Ltd.

    31,918        1,500,761   

Santos, Ltd.

    67,710        458,561   

Scentre Group (a)

    398,014        1,134,473   

Seek, Ltd.

    22,233        311,023   

Sonic Healthcare, Ltd.

    32,696        492,187   

Stockland (REIT) (b)

    161,293        540,097   

Suncorp Group, Ltd.

    92,598        1,057,689   

Sydney Airport

    80,467        308,287   

TABCORP Holdings, Ltd.

    43,902        148,459   

Tatts Group, Ltd.

    123,533        348,363   

Telstra Corp., Ltd.

    317,665        1,546,331   

Toll Holdings, Ltd.

    41,980        200,286   

Australia—(Continued)

  

TPG Telecom, Ltd.

    21,039      115,110   

Transurban Group (b)

    141,082        988,596   

Treasury Wine Estates, Ltd.

    46,412        180,981   

Wesfarmers, Ltd. (a)

    80,547        2,733,275   

Westfield Corp. (REIT)

    143,754        1,053,528   

Westpac Banking Corp.

    226,172        6,094,870   

Woodside Petroleum, Ltd.

    54,061        1,684,668   

Woolworths, Ltd.

    90,176        2,252,131   

WorleyParsons, Ltd.

    14,841        122,706   
   

 

 

 
      66,983,791   
   

 

 

 

Austria—0.2%

  

Andritz AG

    5,184        284,894   

Erste Group Bank AG

    19,605        449,472   

IMMOFINANZ AG (a)

    66,338        167,916   

OMV AG (b)

    13,980        369,934   

Raiffeisen Bank International AG (b)

    8,207        122,622   

Vienna Insurance Group AG Wiener Versicherung Gruppe

    2,791        124,227   

Voestalpine AG

    7,496        295,498   
   

 

 

 
      1,814,563   
   

 

 

 

Belgium—1.2%

  

Ageas

    15,573        552,277   

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV

    58,446        6,577,145   

Belgacom S.A. (b)

    10,680        386,721   

Colruyt S.A.

    5,430        251,786   

Delhaize Group S.A. (b)

    6,756        490,769   

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert S.A.

    5,864        499,128   

KBC Groep NV (a)

    17,912        994,125   

Solvay S.A.

    4,588        619,800   

Telenet Group Holding NV (a)

    4,184        234,990   

UCB S.A.

    8,852        671,780   

Umicore S.A.

    8,519        343,121   
   

 

 

 
      11,621,642   
   

 

 

 

Denmark—1.4%

  

AP Moeller - Maersk A/S - Class A

    274        524,317   

AP Moeller - Maersk A/S - Class B

    566        1,125,172   

Carlsberg A/S - Class B

    7,997        621,083   

Coloplast A/S - Class B

    8,608        724,593   

Danske Bank A/S

    47,275        1,272,533   

DSV A/S

    13,261        402,894   

ISS A/S (a)

    7,063        203,358   

Novo Nordisk A/S - Class B

    146,090        6,182,005   

Novozymes A/S - B Shares

    17,609        738,885   

Pandora A/S

    8,100        657,087   

TDC A/S

    59,338        452,246   

Tryg A/S

    1,747        195,345   

Vestas Wind Systems A/S (a)

    15,700        567,218   
   

 

 

 
      13,666,736   
   

 

 

 

Finland—0.8%

  

Elisa Oyj

    9,437        256,844   

Fortum Oyj

    31,487        680,416   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Finland—(Continued)

  

Kone Oyj - Class B (b)

    24,546      $ 1,114,841   

Metso Oyj

    7,511        224,022   

Neste Oil Oyj

    9,073        219,847   

Nokia Oyj

    280,943        2,211,172   

Nokian Renkaat Oyj (b)

    7,322        179,343   

Orion Oyj - Class B

    6,402        198,746   

Sampo Oyj - A Shares

    33,940        1,591,433   

Stora Enso Oyj - R Shares

    40,497        360,468   

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    38,111        625,808   

Wartsila Oyj Abp

    9,889        443,760   
   

 

 

 
      8,106,700   
   

 

 

 

France—8.7%

  

Accor S.A.

    12,668        567,605   

Aeroports de Paris

    2,209        267,747   

Air Liquide S.A.

    25,210        3,110,626   

Alcatel-Lucent (a) (b)

    192,359        682,908   

Alstom S.A. (a)

    17,917        577,975   

Arkema S.A.

    5,073        336,414   

AtoS

    6,339        501,624   

AXA S.A.

    129,962        3,001,672   

BNP Paribas S.A.

    76,956        4,522,264   

Bollore S.A. (b)

    38,100        172,915   

Bouygues S.A.

    12,810        462,253   

Bureau Veritas S.A.

    15,060        332,551   

Cap Gemini S.A.

    11,630        828,382   

Carrefour S.A.

    47,015        1,428,411   

Casino Guichard Perrachon S.A.

    4,364        401,593   

Christian Dior S.A.

    3,972        678,644   

Cie de St-Gobain

    33,024        1,390,287   

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin

    14,364        1,302,275   

CNP Assurances

    10,520        186,287   

Credit Agricole S.A.

    71,301        916,624   

Danone S.A.

    41,416        2,724,613   

Dassault Systemes S.A.

    10,162        618,443   

Edenred

    13,868        385,074   

Electricite de France S.A.

    17,389        477,482   

Essilor International S.A.

    14,606        1,625,891   

Eurazeo S.A.

    2,249        157,096   

Eutelsat Communications S.A.

    10,813        349,556   

Fonciere Des Regions (REIT)

    1,625        150,369   

GDF Suez

    105,297        2,459,243   

Gecina S.A.

    1,986        248,565   

Groupe Eurotunnel S.A.

    32,808        423,505   

Hermes International

    1,907        679,987   

ICADE (REIT)

    3,450        276,256   

Iliad S.A.

    1,838        441,522   

Imerys S.A.

    2,253        166,145   

JCDecaux S.A.

    4,706        161,601   

Kering

    5,893        1,132,974   

Klepierre (REIT)

    6,803        293,027   

L’Oreal S.A.

    18,411        3,090,969   

Lafarge S.A.

    13,327        935,347   

Lagardere SCA

    8,303        215,490   

Legrand S.A.

    18,368        961,544   

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. (b)

    20,755        3,282,073   

France—(Continued)

  

Natixis S.A.

    61,277      402,947   

Numericable-SFR (a)

    6,900        340,241   

Orange S.A.

    137,169        2,332,734   

Pernod-Ricard S.A.

    15,449        1,712,938   

Peugeot S.A. (a) (b)

    27,000        329,369   

Publicis Groupe S.A.

    13,551        970,566   

Renault S.A.

    14,233        1,040,085   

Rexel S.A.

    20,012        357,351   

Safran S.A.

    19,416        1,195,035   

Sanofi

    86,235        7,859,107   

Schneider Electric SE

    37,978        2,759,552   

SCOR SE

    11,686        353,651   

SES S.A.

    24,380        874,537   

Societe BIC S.A.

    1,753        232,648   

Societe Generale S.A.

    52,822        2,219,649   

Sodexo S.A.

    6,625        649,578   

Suez Environnement Co.

    22,682        393,199   

Technip S.A.

    6,959        415,547   

Thales S.A.

    6,811        367,495   

Total S.A.

    155,565        8,020,811   

Unibail-Rodamco SE

    6,973        1,782,212   

Valeo S.A.

    5,216        649,691   

Vallourec S.A. (b)

    8,091        220,938   

Veolia Environnement S.A.

    28,889        513,026   

Vinci S.A.

    35,881        1,963,433   

Vivendi S.A. (a)

    89,665        2,236,708   

Wendel S.A.

    2,267        253,358   

Zodiac Aerospace

    12,210        412,058   
   

 

 

 
      83,784,293   
   

 

 

 

Germany—8.1%

  

Adidas AG

    15,290        1,065,686   

Allianz SE

    33,153        5,508,493   

Axel Springer SE (b)

    3,006        181,288   

BASF SE

    66,810        5,647,697   

Bayer AG

    60,138        8,221,431   

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG

    23,723        2,576,409   

Beiersdorf AG

    6,838        557,724   

Brenntag AG

    12,657        712,201   

Commerzbank AG (a)

    75,217        999,237   

Continental AG

    7,824        1,661,446   

Daimler AG

    69,831        5,826,044   

Deutsche Annington Immobilien SE

    17,819        606,121   

Deutsche Bank AG

    98,784        2,985,821   

Deutsche Boerse AG

    13,869        993,909   

Deutsche Lufthansa AG

    17,782        297,791   

Deutsche Post AG

    70,487        2,306,239   

Deutsche Telekom AG

    231,391        3,708,798   

Deutsche Wohnen AG

    20,600        489,461   

E.ON SE

    145,720        2,502,300   

Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide (b)

    2,305        133,535   

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

    15,540        1,163,027   

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

    26,601        1,389,109   

GEA Group AG

    12,718        563,113   

Hannover Rueck SE

    5,287        479,568   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Germany—(Continued)

  

HeidelbergCement AG

    10,797      $ 768,080   

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    8,633        840,642   

Hugo Boss AG

    3,084        378,635   

Infineon Technologies AG

    79,317        850,361   

K&S AG (b)

    11,843        328,868   

Kabel Deutschland Holding AG (a)

    1,650        224,390   

Lanxess AG

    7,402        344,365   

Linde AG

    13,518        2,521,374   

MAN SE

    3,022        337,036   

Merck KGaA

    9,291        881,396   

Metro AG

    11,432        350,007   

Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG

    12,534        2,511,084   

OSRAM Licht AG (a)

    5,409        213,129   

ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG

    15,354        646,846   

RTL Group S.A. (Frankfurt Exchange) (a)

    2,700        256,579   

RWE AG

    34,949        1,094,180   

SAP SE

    67,036        4,739,813   

Siemens AG

    57,671        6,540,480   

Symrise AG

    8,990        545,189   

Telefonica Deutschland Holding AG (a)

    38,600        206,141   

ThyssenKrupp AG (a)

    31,754        816,729   

TUI AG

    20,000        331,496   

TUI AG (a)

    12,856        206,671   

United Internet AG

    8,781        398,201   

Volkswagen AG

    2,495        543,647   
   

 

 

 
      77,451,787   
   

 

 

 

Hong Kong—2.9%

  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    875,400        4,803,476   

ASM Pacific Technology, Ltd. (b)

    14,200        134,997   

Bank of East Asia, Ltd. (b)

    103,920        417,471   

BOC Hong Kong Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    290,465        965,188   

Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd.

    87,000        189,080   

Cheung Kong Holdings, Ltd.

    105,000        1,754,696   

Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings, Ltd.

    43,000        317,712   

CLP Holdings, Ltd.

    132,877        1,153,019   

First Pacific Co., Ltd.

    173,250        170,790   

Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.

    181,000        1,007,540   

Hang Lung Properties, Ltd.

    161,000        448,677   

Hang Seng Bank, Ltd.

    53,200        884,556   

Henderson Land Development Co., Ltd.

    81,070        561,690   

HKT Trust / HKT, Ltd.

    189,980        246,693   

Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd.

    442,163        1,004,538   

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, Ltd.

    79,300        1,744,450   

Hutchison Whampoa, Ltd.

    160,000        1,833,782   

Hysan Development Co., Ltd.

    45,000        199,947   

Kerry Properties, Ltd.

    46,500        167,694   

Li & Fung, Ltd.

    429,600        401,752   

Link REIT (The)

    161,141        1,004,830   

MGM China Holdings, Ltd.

    71,200        179,485   

MTR Corp., Ltd.

    95,000        387,991   

New World Development Co., Ltd.

    348,707        398,850   

Noble Group, Ltd.

    305,909        262,530   

NWS Holdings, Ltd.

    93,000        170,073   

PCCW, Ltd.

    281,000        192,145   

Power Assets Holdings, Ltd.

    99,549        961,039   

Hong Kong—(Continued)

  

Sands China, Ltd.

    190,000      925,309   

Sino Land Co., Ltd.

    193,600        308,762   

SJM Holdings, Ltd.

    141,000        221,894   

Sun Hung Kai Properties, Ltd.

    126,250        1,909,028   

Swire Pacific, Ltd. - Class A

    43,317        561,123   

Swire Properties, Ltd.

    83,600        247,253   

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    96,000        307,642   

WH Group, Ltd. (a) (b)

    270,000        153,773   

Wharf Holdings, Ltd. (The)

    104,976        753,839   

Wheelock & Co., Ltd.

    68,000        315,723   

Wynn Macau, Ltd.

    104,000        290,594   

Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings, Ltd.

    50,500        181,486   
   

 

 

 
      28,141,117   
   

 

 

 

Ireland—0.8%

  

Bank of Ireland (a)

    2,013,826        750,858   

CRH plc

    54,640        1,314,600   

Experian plc

    72,050        1,215,825   

James Hardie Industries plc

    30,172        322,033   

Kerry Group plc - Class A

    11,180        771,376   

Shire plc

    44,035        3,116,917   
   

 

 

 
      7,491,609   
   

 

 

 

Israel—0.6%

  

Bank Hapoalim B.M.

    85,977        406,430   

Bank Leumi Le-Israel B.M. (a)

    101,093        347,623   

Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp., Ltd.

    178,026        317,244   

Israel Chemicals, Ltd.

    45,583        329,553   

NICE Systems, Ltd.

    5,213        264,503   

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.

    62,247        3,584,669   
   

 

 

 
      5,250,022   
   

 

 

 

Italy—1.9%

  

Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A.

    82,143        1,678,630   

Atlantia S.p.A.

    28,975        672,990   

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. (a)

    305,070        173,466   

Banco Popolare SC (a)

    24,000        287,303   

Enel Green Power S.p.A.

    152,537        316,922   

Enel S.p.A.

    474,939        2,123,568   

ENI S.p.A.

    188,316        3,288,978   

Exor S.p.A.

    6,830        278,646   

Finmeccanica S.p.A. (a)

    28,782        267,242   

Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.

    845,395        2,445,593   

Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. - Risparmio Shares

    65,400        160,983   

Luxottica Group S.p.A.

    11,742        642,847   

Mediobanca S.p.A.

    44,816        362,862   

Pirelli & C S.p.A.

    17,048        228,953   

Prysmian S.p.A.

    13,126        238,909   

Saipem S.p.A. (a) (b)

    18,391        193,148   

Snam S.p.A.

    138,413        682,809   

Telecom Italia S.p.A. (a) (b)

    780,821        828,076   

Telecom Italia S.p.A. - Risparmio Shares

    501,246        418,959   

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale S.p.A.

    118,746        537,931   

UniCredit S.p.A.

    315,741        2,012,378   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Italy—(Continued)

  

Unione di Banche Italiane SCPA

    56,320      $ 400,906   

UnipolSai S.p.A.

    64,500        172,832   
   

 

 

 
      18,414,931   
   

 

 

 

Japan—19.7%

  

Advantest Corp. (b)

    12,200        151,859   

Aeon Co., Ltd. (b)

    51,500        517,873   

AEON Financial Service Co., Ltd. (b)

    8,400        164,055   

Aeon Mall Co., Ltd.

    6,800        120,134   

Air Water, Inc.

    10,000        158,374   

Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.

    13,000        466,807   

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

    44,000        814,526   

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    12,000        144,886   

Amada Co., Ltd. (b)

    27,000        231,271   

ANA Holdings, Inc.

    84,000        206,557   

Aozora Bank, Ltd.

    77,000        238,744   

Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. (b)

    72,000        351,247   

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

    30,700        946,684   

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    97,000        888,091   

Asics Corp.

    11,000        262,624   

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

    158,700        2,206,606   

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    12,500        265,063   

Bank of Kyoto, Ltd. (The)

    22,000        183,837   

Bank of Yokohama, Ltd. (The)

    83,000        450,049   

Benesse Holdings, Inc.

    5,000        148,386   

Bridgestone Corp.

    47,200        1,638,668   

Brother Industries, Ltd.

    16,400        297,256   

Calbee, Inc.

    5,500        189,682   

Canon, Inc.

    81,400        2,582,937   

Casio Computer Co., Ltd.

    16,900        259,288   

Central Japan Railway Co.

    10,400        1,558,730   

Chiba Bank, Ltd. (The)

    49,000        321,293   

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (a)

    47,800        561,800   

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    15,100        370,830   

Chugoku Bank, Ltd. (The)

    12,000        163,695   

Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. (The)

    23,700        310,072   

Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.

    20,500        157,562   

Credit Saison Co., Ltd.

    10,500        195,173   

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.

    40,000        360,662   

Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (The)

    77,000        1,167,332   

Daicel Corp.

    22,000        257,335   

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (b)

    14,000        183,465   

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    45,200        631,312   

Daikin Industries, Ltd.

    16,800        1,082,516   

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    5,000        565,584   

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. (b)

    47,500        898,584   

Daiwa Securities Group, Inc.

    126,000        980,298   

Denso Corp.

    36,700        1,708,785   

Dentsu, Inc.

    15,200        639,055   

Don Quijote Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,100        279,778   

East Japan Railway Co.

    24,700        1,848,765   

Eisai Co., Ltd.

    18,200        704,534   

Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.

    8,800        297,576   

FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (b)

    4,300        160,372   

FANUC Corp.

    13,900        2,291,837   

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    3,900        1,419,532   

Japan—(Continued)

  

Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.

    43,000      171,371   

Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    42,000        1,477,614   

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    32,600        982,885   

Fujitsu, Ltd.

    135,000        718,437   

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.

    53,000        273,375   

Gunma Bank, Ltd. (The)

    26,000        168,491   

Hachijuni Bank, Ltd. (The)

    30,000        192,922   

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, Inc. (b)

    17,600        168,533   

Hamamatsu Photonics KK

    4,800        229,146   

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc.

    83,000        446,112   

Hino Motors, Ltd.

    19,000        248,321   

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

    2,200        255,870   

Hiroshima Bank, Ltd. (The)

    38,000        180,451   

Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.

    8,000        141,578   

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

    6,400        135,562   

Hitachi High-Technologies Corp.

    4,800        138,363   

Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

    20,000        340,268   

Hitachi, Ltd.

    347,000        2,536,653   

Hokuhoku Financial Group, Inc.

    85,000        171,630   

Hokuriku Electric Power Co.

    12,000        153,098   

Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

    120,900        3,512,363   

Hoya Corp.

    31,900        1,067,019   

Hulic Co., Ltd.

    18,600        184,731   

IHI Corp.

    99,000        502,174   

Inpex Corp.

    63,200        700,553   

Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, Ltd.

    22,600        276,794   

Isuzu Motors, Ltd.

    42,000        511,935   

ITOCHU Corp.

    116,900        1,248,656   

Iyo Bank, Ltd. (The)

    17,000        184,091   

J Front Retailing Co., Ltd.

    15,000        174,512   

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

    8,400        245,134   

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

    18,500        430,606   

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    49        169,943   

Japan Real Estate Investment Corp. (REIT)

    105        504,840   

Japan Retail Fund Investment Corp. (REIT)

    202        425,576   

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

    82,200        2,254,890   

JFE Holdings, Inc.

    35,500        789,418   

JGC Corp.

    14,000        288,250   

Joyo Bank, Ltd. (The) (b)

    54,000        267,713   

JSR Corp.

    11,300        193,855   

JTEKT Corp.

    20,000        338,413   

JX Holdings, Inc.

    163,100        634,810   

Kajima Corp. (b)

    59,000        243,603   

Kakaku.com, Inc. (b)

    11,000        157,995   

Kamigumi Co., Ltd.

    17,000        151,046   

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (The) (a)

    55,000        522,752   

Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.

    15,000        231,596   

Kao Corp.

    39,800        1,568,587   

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    96,000        437,983   

KDDI Corp.

    42,500        2,656,684   

Keihan Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    39,000        208,095   

Keikyu Corp.

    36,000        266,374   

Keio Corp.

    45,000        322,646   

Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    20,000        243,652   

Keyence Corp.

    3,300        1,460,293   

Kikkoman Corp.

    12,000        294,123   

Kintetsu Corp.

    121,120        399,101   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    62,000      $ 767,266   

Kobe Steel, Ltd.

    272,000        470,065   

Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    7,000        213,293   

Komatsu, Ltd.

    67,200        1,488,363   

Konami Corp.

    8,300        152,892   

Konica Minolta, Inc.

    37,000        398,720   

Kubota Corp.

    80,000        1,160,586   

Kuraray Co., Ltd.

    24,500        279,059   

Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.

    7,100        148,186   

Kyocera Corp.

    24,900        1,140,167   

Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd.

    20,000        188,082   

Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc. (a)

    28,400        284,156   

Lawson, Inc. (b)

    4,900        296,011   

LIXIL Group Corp.

    18,800        397,202   

M3, Inc.

    18,600        309,005   

Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.

    3,600        141,736   

Makita Corp.

    9,500        429,402   

Marubeni Corp.

    133,500        799,470   

Marui Group Co., Ltd.

    16,000        144,563   

Mazda Motor Corp.

    41,400        992,818   

MEIJI Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    5,100        464,038   

Minebea Co., Ltd.

    24,000        350,949   

Miraca Holdings, Inc.

    4,000        172,213   

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

    95,500        464,611   

Mitsubishi Corp.

    101,300        1,856,047   

Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

    141,000        1,677,140   

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

    91,000        1,924,109   

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc. (b)

    26,000        130,485   

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    225,000        1,242,870   

Mitsubishi Logistics Corp.

    10,000        144,437   

Mitsubishi Materials Corp.

    79,000        262,362   

Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

    44,999        411,842   

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corp.

    15,000        219,600   

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.

    928,288        5,083,199   

Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd.

    41,500        195,921   

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    122,717        1,638,928   

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (b)

    57,000        161,752   

Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

    68,000        1,827,141   

Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. (b)

    75,000        222,569   

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

    1,654,800        2,777,891   

MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings

    40,200        953,909   

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    15,300        1,669,670   

Nabtesco Corp.

    7,000        167,889   

Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd. (b)

    62,000        230,627   

NEC Corp.

    185,000        538,813   

NGK Insulators, Ltd.

    23,000        473,239   

NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.

    12,000        362,020   

NH Foods, Ltd.

    14,000        305,930   

Nidec Corp.

    15,700        1,017,365   

Nikon Corp.

    23,100        306,428   

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    7,500        780,910   

Nippon Building Fund, Inc. (REIT)

    118        590,632   

Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

    59,000        299,775   

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    13,000        376,969   

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    109        236,078   

Nippon Steel Sumitomo Metal Corp.

    556,000        1,378,510   

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    28,200        1,449,724   

Japan—(Continued)

  

Nippon Yusen KK

    142,000      401,255   

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

    181,800        1,582,003   

Nisshin Seifun Group, Inc.

    15,700        151,976   

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,700        224,703   

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    5,300        284,541   

Nitto Denko Corp.

    12,600        703,960   

NOK Corp.

    7,100        180,149   

Nomura Holdings, Inc.

    274,700        1,561,704   

Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.

    13,100        224,894   

Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.

    8,200        251,547   

NSK, Ltd.

    39,000        461,451   

NTT Data Corp.

    10,776        402,442   

NTT DoCoMo, Inc.

    114,200        1,670,073   

Obayashi Corp. (b)

    45,000        288,938   

Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (b)

    44,000        390,072   

OJI Holdings Corp.

    68,000        243,792   

Olympus Corp. (a)

    19,600        689,961   

Omron Corp.

    16,400        734,350   

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    6,400        566,573   

Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

    4,000        916,399   

ORIX Corp.

    96,000        1,198,934   

Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.

    127,000        474,221   

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

    28,200        844,961   

Panasonic Corp.

    161,200        1,892,069   

Rakuten, Inc. (a)

    56,700        788,655   

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (a) (b)

    10,200        288,500   

Resona Holdings, Inc.

    156,800        790,628   

Ricoh Co., Ltd.

    51,000        517,591   

Rinnai Corp.

    2,800        188,363   

Rohm Co., Ltd.

    6,700        406,090   

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    5,500        294,055   

SBI Holdings, Inc.

    19,011        206,234   

Secom Co., Ltd.

    15,800        906,873   

Sega Sammy Holdings, Inc.

    13,300        170,468   

Seibu Holdings, Inc. (b)

    9,000        183,442   

Seiko Epson Corp.

    10,000        419,631   

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

    28,000        336,755   

Sekisui House, Ltd.

    46,800        612,389   

Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd.

    55,000        1,981,987   

Seven Bank, Ltd.

    43,000        180,804   

Sharp Corp. (a) (b)

    103,000        228,042   

Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc. (a)

    15,100        182,874   

Shimadzu Corp.

    17,000        172,844   

Shimamura Co., Ltd.

    1,400        120,506   

Shimano, Inc.

    5,600        723,666   

Shimizu Corp.

    54,000        367,344   

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    30,100        1,956,344   

Shinsei Bank, Ltd.

    160,000        279,062   

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

    25,000        647,014   

Shiseido Co., Ltd. (b)

    29,300        409,906   

Shizuoka Bank, Ltd. (The)

    41,000        374,670   

SMC Corp.

    4,000        1,040,629   

SoftBank Corp.

    70,000        4,161,861   

Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Holdings, Inc.

    27,699        695,409   

Sony Corp.

    75,300        1,531,549   

Sony Financial Holdings, Inc.

    12,800        188,568   

Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.

    11,800        254,813   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Japan—(Continued)

  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

    109,000      $ 431,145   

Sumitomo Corp.

    81,000        831,152   

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.

    56,334        702,196   

Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    39,000        209,388   

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

    40,000        596,301   

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.

    94,700        3,418,466   

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc.

    232,262        885,551   

Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.

    28,000        952,918   

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.

    12,500        185,933   

Suntory Beverage & Food, Ltd.

    10,400        358,745   

Suruga Bank, Ltd.

    13,000        237,962   

Suzuken Co., Ltd.

    5,300        146,336   

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    26,200        786,843   

Sysmex Corp.

    12,400        549,576   

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    49,200        591,327   

Taiheiyo Cement Corp.

    82,000        257,780   

Taisei Corp. (b)

    69,000        392,388   

Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd.

    3,000        182,834   

Takashimaya Co., Ltd.

    19,000        152,231   

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    56,900        2,358,840   

TDK Corp.

    8,400        494,450   

Teijin, Ltd.

    66,000        175,596   

Terumo Corp.

    21,600        491,461   

THK Co., Ltd.

    7,700        185,726   

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.

    73,000        311,662   

Toho Co., Ltd.

    8,500        192,684   

Toho Gas Co., Ltd. (b)

    31,000        151,774   

Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

    39,800        461,891   

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

    49,400        1,602,714   

Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc. (a)

    97,600        397,327   

Tokyo Electron, Ltd.

    12,400        940,096   

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

    170,000        916,468   

Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd.

    29,000        210,994   

Tokyu Corp.

    96,000        594,990   

Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corp.

    37,000        254,699   

TonenGeneral Sekiyu KK (b)

    18,000        153,724   

Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.

    41,000        266,657   

Toray Industries, Inc.

    111,000        888,144   

Toshiba Corp.

    313,000        1,324,095   

TOTO, Ltd.

    19,000        220,781   

Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd.

    10,200        125,711   

Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (b)

    6,000        193,549   

Toyota Industries Corp.

    12,600        643,208   

Toyota Motor Corp.

    200,600        12,497,531   

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

    14,200        327,883   

Trend Micro, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,000        191,335   

Unicharm Corp.

    26,700        641,909   

United Urban Investment Corp.

    167        262,061   

USS Co., Ltd.

    16,600        255,212   

West Japan Railway Co.

    11,700        553,884   

Yahoo Japan Corp. (b)

    101,500        365,902   

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. (b)

    6,300        332,154   

Yamada Denki Co., Ltd. (b)

    55,900        186,399   

Yamaguchi Financial Group, Inc.

    15,000        154,380   

Yamaha Corp.

    11,000        163,229   

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

    17,800        357,639   

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd. (b)

    27,000        531,131   

Japan—(Continued)

  

Yaskawa Electric Corp. (b)

    18,000      230,020   

Yokogawa Electric Corp.

    16,300        179,256   
   

 

 

 
      189,375,873   
   

 

 

 

Luxembourg—0.2%

  

Altice S.A. (a)

    6,070        478,995   

ArcelorMittal

    75,087        813,285   

Tenaris S.A. (b)

    32,705        493,995   
   

 

 

 
      1,786,275   
   

 

 

 

Netherlands—2.5%

  

Aegon NV

    126,769        951,148   

Airbus Group NV

    42,069        2,089,450   

Akzo Nobel NV

    16,759        1,162,147   

ASML Holding NV

    25,568        2,739,271   

Boskalis Westminster NV

    6,001        328,084   

CNH Industrial NV

    78,026        628,999   

Corio NV

    6,705        327,221   

Delta Lloyd NV

    13,897        305,425   

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (a)

    59,813        692,635   

Gemalto NV (b)

    5,659        462,259   

Heineken Holding NV

    8,233        516,066   

Heineken NV

    16,408        1,165,613   

ING Groep NV (a)

    285,044        3,690,639   

Koninklijke Ahold NV

    66,939        1,189,910   

Koninklijke DSM NV

    12,095        735,454   

Koninklijke KPN NV

    230,706        727,365   

Koninklijke Philips NV

    70,528        2,047,792   

Koninklijke Vopak NV (b)

    4,391        227,472   

NN Group NV (a)

    8,893        264,989   

OCI NV (a) (b)

    6,200        215,173   

QIAGEN NV (a)

    20,370        477,027   

Randstad Holding NV

    9,402        452,157   

Reed Elsevier NV

    53,546        1,279,682   

STMicroelectronics NV

    44,693        333,303   

TNT Express NV

    37,717        250,586   

Wolters Kluwer NV

    20,745        633,462   
   

 

 

 
      23,893,329   
   

 

 

 

New Zealand—0.1%

  

Auckland International Airport, Ltd.

    99,212        327,165   

Contact Energy, Ltd.

    29,187        145,544   

Fletcher Building, Ltd.

    56,031        362,114   

Ryman Healthcare, Ltd.

    29,900        198,892   

Spark New Zealand, Ltd.

    137,816        334,580   
   

 

 

 
      1,368,295   
   

 

 

 

Norway—0.6%

  

DNB ASA

    70,539        1,033,873   

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA

    14,357        232,467   

Norsk Hydro ASA

    92,923        519,530   

Orkla ASA

    68,492        464,019   

Seadrill, Ltd. (b)

    27,606        315,895   

Statoil ASA

    82,820        1,442,750   

Subsea 7 S.A. (b)

    18,500        187,538   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Norway—(Continued)

  

Telenor ASA

    58,784      $ 1,178,240   

Yara International ASA

    12,261        545,074   
   

 

 

 
      5,919,386   
   

 

 

 

Portugal—0.1%

  

Banco Comercial Portugues S.A. - Class R (a)

    2,472,000        194,386   

Banco Espirito Santo S.A. (a) (d)

    199,038        0   

EDP - Energias de Portugal S.A.

    162,515        628,515   

Galp Energia SGPS S.A.

    31,688        320,586   

Jeronimo Martins SGPS S.A. (b)

    16,641        166,795   
   

 

 

 
      1,310,282   
   

 

 

 

Singapore—1.5%

  

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    141,000        253,015   

CapitaCommercial Trust (REIT)

    143,000        189,224   

CapitaLand, Ltd.

    174,000        432,172   

CapitaMall Trust (REIT)

    240,200        369,479   

City Developments, Ltd.

    34,000        262,417   

ComfortDelGro Corp., Ltd.

    153,000        299,436   

DBS Group Holdings, Ltd.

    125,467        1,936,858   

Genting Singapore plc (b)

    418,200        338,722   

Global Logistic Properties, Ltd.

    278,000        519,742   

Golden Agri-Resources, Ltd.

    492,569        170,765   

Hutchison Port Holdings Trust - Class U

    538,000        370,741   

Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Ltd.

    8,000        256,792   

Keppel Corp., Ltd.

    102,700        685,050   

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., Ltd.

    219,364        1,723,477   

Sembcorp Industries, Ltd.

    71,000        238,016   

Sembcorp Marine, Ltd. (b)

    63,000        155,136   

Singapore Airlines, Ltd.

    36,940        322,860   

Singapore Exchange, Ltd.

    56,000        329,150   

Singapore Press Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    107,250        340,558   

Singapore Technologies Engineering, Ltd.

    130,000        332,711   

Singapore Telecommunications, Ltd.

    581,820        1,707,276   

StarHub, Ltd.

    44,000        137,738   

Suntec Real Estate Investment Trust

    179,000        264,501   

United Overseas Bank, Ltd.

    95,392        1,762,995   

UOL Group, Ltd.

    33,000        173,119   

Wilmar International, Ltd.

    130,000        317,025   
   

 

 

 
      13,888,975   
   

 

 

 

Spain—3.3%

  

Abertis Infraestructuras S.A.

    30,059        593,846   

ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios S.A.

    12,561        434,923   

Amadeus IT Holding S.A. - A Shares

    29,560        1,174,632   

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.

    440,110        4,142,104   

Banco de Sabadell S.A. (b)

    247,269        647,782   

Banco Popular Espanol S.A. (b)

    127,880        633,170   

Banco Santander S.A.

    898,288        7,511,326   

Bankia S.A. (a)

    323,299        479,296   

Bankinter S.A.

    48,939        390,221   

CaixaBank S.A.

    167,811        871,639   

Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentacion S.A.

    40,028        269,147   

Spain—(Continued)

  

Enagas S.A.

    15,504      490,745   

Ferrovial S.A. (b)

    29,447        580,214   

Gas Natural SDG S.A.

    24,586        618,506   

Grifols S.A.

    11,921        474,547   

Iberdrola S.A.

    373,386        2,512,206   

Inditex S.A.

    78,024        2,235,617   

International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. - Class DI (a)

    71,373        528,300   

Mapfre S.A.

    74,474        250,796   

Red Electrica Corp. S.A.

    7,572        664,723   

Repsol S.A. (b)

    77,297        1,436,809   

Telefonica S.A. (b)

    306,208        4,379,988   

Zardoya Otis S.A. (b)

    9,525        105,406   
   

 

 

 
      31,425,943   
   

 

 

 

Sweden—2.9%

  

Alfa Laval AB

    20,852        392,848   

Assa Abloy AB - Class B

    25,666        1,350,703   

Atlas Copco AB - A Shares (b)

    47,637        1,320,538   

Atlas Copco AB - B Shares

    26,827        684,540   

Boliden AB

    18,744        297,402   

Electrolux AB - Series B

    17,118        500,166   

Elekta AB - B Shares

    26,324        267,544   

Getinge AB - B Shares

    13,484        304,994   

Hennes & Mauritz AB - B Shares

    70,872        2,927,618   

Hexagon AB - B Shares

    17,090        526,298   

Husqvarna AB - B Shares

    25,677        188,049   

ICA Gruppen AB

    5,619        219,013   

Industrivarden AB - C Shares

    8,655        149,698   

Investment AB Kinnevik - B Shares

    16,520        533,529   

Investor AB - B Shares

    35,158        1,268,779   

Lundin Petroleum AB (a) (b)

    16,017        228,072   

Millicom International Cellular S.A. (b)

    5,384        398,740   

Nordea Bank AB

    217,262        2,498,786   

Sandvik AB

    84,986        824,026   

Securitas AB - B Shares

    21,462        258,952   

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB - Class A

    113,626        1,431,309   

Skanska AB - B Shares

    30,119        641,216   

SKF AB - B Shares

    26,654        558,377   

Svenska Cellulosa AB SCA - B Shares

    40,587        872,857   

Svenska Handelsbanken AB - A Shares

    35,702        1,660,061   

Swedbank AB - A Shares

    64,776        1,605,085   

Swedish Match AB

    14,499        450,350   

Tele2 AB - B Shares

    21,032        253,554   

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - B Shares

    219,192        2,643,532   

TeliaSonera AB

    181,622        1,163,123   

Volvo AB - B Shares

    112,044        1,205,003   
   

 

 

 
      27,624,762   
   

 

 

 

Switzerland—8.8%

  

ABB, Ltd. (a)

    159,830        3,382,547   

Actelion, Ltd. (a)

    7,563        870,583   

Adecco S.A. (a)

    11,954        819,350   

Aryzta AG (a)

    7,132        548,308   

Baloise Holding AG

    3,194        408,149   

Barry Callebaut AG (a)

    132        135,266   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Switzerland—(Continued)

  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

    7      $ 401,998   

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG (Participation Certifcate)

    81        400,102   

Cie Financiere Richemont S.A.

    38,761        3,435,246   

Coca-Cola HBC AG (a)

    13,800        262,680   

Credit Suisse Group AG (a)

    110,853        2,780,493   

EMS-Chemie Holding AG

    579        235,205   

Geberit AG

    2,659        904,117   

Givaudan S.A. (a)

    646        1,155,724   

Holcim, Ltd. (a)

    16,305        1,158,461   

Julius Baer Group, Ltd. (a)

    15,588        711,753   

Kuehne & Nagel International AG (b)

    4,135        562,387   

Lonza Group AG (a)

    3,785        426,795   

Nestle S.A.

    234,387        17,190,438   

Novartis AG

    167,189        15,384,462   

Pargesa Holding S.A.

    1,694        130,567   

Partners Group Holding AG

    1,228        356,326   

Roche Holding AG

    51,064        13,848,071   

Schindler Holding AG

    1,428        204,927   

Schindler Holding AG (Participation Certificate)

    3,222        465,169   

SGS S.A.

    429        875,190   

Sika AG

    170        498,887   

Sonova Holding AG

    4,058        595,204   

Sulzer AG

    1,649        175,282   

Swatch Group AG (The)

    3,213        278,060   

Swatch Group AG (The) - Bearer Shares

    2,384        1,059,171   

Swiss Life Holding AG (a)

    2,159        510,485   

Swiss Prime Site AG (a)

    3,833        281,006   

Swiss Re AG (a)

    25,597        2,142,971   

Swisscom AG

    1,631        856,914   

Syngenta AG

    6,727        2,161,238   

Transocean, Ltd. (Swiss-Traded Shares) (b)

    24,746        453,768   

UBS Group AG (a)

    265,394        4,564,568   

Zurich Insurance Group AG (a)

    11,105        3,479,376   
   

 

 

 
      84,111,244   
   

 

 

 

United Kingdom—19.6%

  

3i Group plc

    83,477        580,391   

Aberdeen Asset Management plc

    61,345        409,902   

Admiral Group plc

    16,009        327,979   

Aggreko plc

    17,661        411,645   

Amec Foster Wheeler plc

    28,170        368,842   

Anglo American plc

    100,587        1,861,830   

Antofagasta plc

    26,957        313,109   

ARM Holdings plc

    102,474        1,578,579   

Ashtead Group plc

    36,539        646,250   

Associated British Foods plc

    27,546        1,338,898   

AstraZeneca plc

    91,758        6,457,464   

Aviva plc

    220,270        1,651,208   

Babcock International Group plc

    22,688        371,352   

BAE Systems plc

    224,576        1,640,094   

Barclays plc

    1,191,899        4,482,814   

BG Group plc

    247,868        3,300,678   

BHP Billiton plc

    156,033        3,338,906   

BP plc

    1,340,046        8,512,487   

British American Tobacco plc

    135,314        7,355,194   

United Kingdom—(Continued)

  

British Land Co. plc (The)

    73,348      881,502   

BT Group plc

    588,319        3,653,548   

Bunzl plc

    27,344        745,704   

Burberry Group plc

    32,742        829,983   

Capita plc

    48,717        816,797   

Carnival plc

    15,318        691,924   

Centrica plc

    369,393        1,590,514   

Cobham plc

    73,272        367,568   

Compass Group plc

    119,290        2,034,065   

Croda International plc

    9,658        398,113   

Diageo plc

    182,718        5,242,744   

Direct Line Insurance Group plc

    105,265        474,977   

Dixons Carphone plc

    68,700        495,024   

easyJet plc

    10,815        279,267   

Fresnillo plc (b)

    22,254        264,193   

Friends Life Group, Ltd.

    99,349        561,920   

G4S plc

    106,542        458,702   

GKN plc

    126,099        669,130   

GlaxoSmithKline plc

    352,989        7,555,362   

Glencore plc (a)

    784,869        3,614,057   

Hammerson plc

    56,484        528,147   

Hargreaves Lansdown plc

    16,913        263,812   

HSBC Holdings plc

    1,386,074        13,104,521   

ICAP plc (b)

    36,213        252,697   

IMI plc

    20,055        392,765   

Imperial Tobacco Group plc

    71,347        3,125,810   

Inmarsat plc

    28,473        352,997   

InterContinental Hotels Group plc

    18,621        746,494   

Intertek Group plc

    10,631        385,522   

Intu Properties plc (b)

    62,951        325,668   

Investec plc

    41,855        349,792   

J Sainsbury plc (b)

    85,611        325,607   

Johnson Matthey plc

    16,508        865,777   

Kingfisher plc

    164,859        869,104   

Land Securities Group plc

    59,558        1,066,167   

Legal & General Group plc

    444,946        1,709,669   

Lloyds Banking Group plc (a)

    4,150,109        4,902,764   

London Stock Exchange Group plc

    15,554        534,602   

Marks & Spencer Group plc

    118,772        877,288   

Meggitt plc

    55,862        446,711   

Melrose Industries plc

    72,515        298,501   

Merlin Entertainments plc

    36,795        227,253   

National Grid plc

    275,883        3,934,577   

Next plc

    11,690        1,233,526   

Old Mutual plc

    378,865        1,114,674   

Pearson plc

    63,486        1,168,326   

Persimmon plc (a)

    20,663        505,667   

Petrofac, Ltd.

    17,337        188,109   

Prudential plc

    186,374        4,290,653   

Randgold Resources, Ltd.

    6,351        429,894   

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc

    48,068        3,879,327   

Reed Elsevier plc

    81,102        1,380,396   

Rexam plc

    46,152        324,597   

Rio Tinto plc

    92,483        4,262,702   

Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (a)

    138,645        1,868,473   

Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (a)

    196,011        1,190,384   

Royal Dutch Shell plc - A Shares

    285,793        9,476,980   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description       
    
Shares
    Value  

United Kingdom—(Continued)

  

Royal Dutch Shell plc - B Shares

    176,606      $ 6,069,637   

Royal Mail plc

    45,481        302,979   

RSA Insurance Group plc (a)

    72,429        487,643   

SABMiller plc

    70,197        3,634,369   

Sage Group plc (The)

    79,455        573,220   

Schroders plc

    8,724        361,721   

Segro plc

    61,844        354,651   

Severn Trent plc

    16,575        514,119   

Sky plc

    73,819        1,027,857   

Smith & Nephew plc

    66,221        1,216,284   

Smiths Group plc

    31,976        541,423   

Sports Direct International plc (a) (b)

    18,899        207,357   

SSE plc

    69,735        1,751,402   

Standard Chartered plc

    176,519        2,648,358   

Standard Life plc

    174,865        1,077,691   

Tate & Lyle plc

    33,576        315,527   

Tesco plc

    577,804        1,682,066   

Travis Perkins plc

    16,708        481,225   

Tullow Oil plc

    61,905        391,852   

Unilever NV

    118,399        4,651,039   

Unilever plc

    93,285        3,790,885   

United Utilities Group plc

    48,207        683,423   

Vodafone Group plc

    1,921,858        6,587,914   

Weir Group plc (The)

    17,104        489,753   

Whitbread plc

    12,742        940,713   

William Hill plc

    58,853        331,102   

WM Morrison Supermarkets plc (b)

    166,578        474,273   

Wolseley plc

    18,911        1,077,021   

WPP plc

    97,220        2,017,785   
   

 

 

 
      188,455,958   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $806,842,510)

      891,887,513   
   

 

 

 
Investment Company Security—4.9%   

United States—4.9%

  

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (b) (c)
(Cost $48,389,162)

    767,600        46,700,784   
   

 

 

 
Preferred Stocks—0.6%   

Germany—0.6%

  

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG

    3,505        287,660   

Fuchs Petrolub SE (b)

    4,900        197,346   

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

    12,771        1,381,497   

Porsche Automobil Holding SE

    11,870        964,450   

Volkswagen AG

    11,660        2,604,516   
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $3,259,172)

      5,435,469   
   

 

 

 
Rights—0.0%   
Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Spain—0.0%

  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.,
Expires 01/07/15 (a) (b)

    440,110      42,072   

Repsol S.A., Expires 01/08/15 (a) (b)

    77,297        42,744   
   

 

 

 

Total Rights
(Cost $87,899)

      84,816   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—7.1%   

Discount Notes—1.4%

   

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.059%, 02/09/15 (e)

    6,400,000        6,399,584   

0.072%, 03/03/15 (e)

    575,000        574,930   

0.121%, 05/06/15 (e)

    1,075,000        1,074,552   

0.161%, 05/08/15 (e)

    300,000        299,831   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

   

0.068%, 01/22/15 (e)

    2,925,000        2,924,880   

Federal National Mortgage Association

   

0.119%, 05/01/15 (e)

    1,950,000        1,949,229   
   

 

 

 
      13,223,006   
   

 

 

 

Mutual Fund—5.7%

   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (f)

    55,093,893        55,093,893   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—0.0%

   

U.S. Treasury Bills

   

0.020%, 03/19/15 (e)

    375,000        374,984   

0.029%, 03/19/15 (e)

    50,000        49,997   
   

 

 

 
      424,981   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $68,741,880)

      68,741,880   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—105.5%
(Cost $927,320,623) (g)

      1,012,850,462   

Other assets and liabilities
(net)—(5.5)%

      (52,520,020
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 960,330,442   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $53,138,241 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $55,093,893 and non-cash collateral with a value of $559,951. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) All or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral against open futures contracts. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities pledged was $912,600.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

(d) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.00% of net assets.
(e) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(f) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(g) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $939,508,198. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $198,762,196 and $(125,419,932), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $73,342,264 for federal income tax purposes.
(ETF)— Exchange-Traded Fund
(REIT)— A Real Estate Investment Trust is a pooled investment vehicle that invests primarily in income-producing real estate or real estate related loans or interest.

 

 

Ten Largest Industries as of
December 31, 2014 (Unaudited)

  

% of
Net Assets

 

Banks

     12.6   

Pharmaceuticals

     8.6   

Insurance

     5.3   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     5.0   

Automobiles

     3.9   

Food Products

     3.8   

Chemicals

     3.2   

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     3.1   

Metals & Mining

     3.0   

Machinery

     2.4   

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
     Notional
Amount
     Unrealized
Appreciation
 

MSCI EAFE Mini Index Futures

     03/20/15         122         USD 10,706,410       $ 16,780   

 

(USD)— United States Dollar

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks           

Australia

   $ 394,248       $ 66,589,543      $ —         $ 66,983,791   

Austria

     —           1,814,563        —           1,814,563   

Belgium

     —           11,621,642        —           11,621,642   

Denmark

     —           13,666,736        —           13,666,736   

Finland

     —           8,106,700        —           8,106,700   

France

     —           83,784,293        —           83,784,293   

Germany

     206,671         77,245,116        —           77,451,787   

Hong Kong

     —           28,141,117        —           28,141,117   

Ireland

     —           7,491,609        —           7,491,609   

Israel

     —           5,250,022        —           5,250,022   

Italy

     —           18,414,931        —           18,414,931   

Japan

     —           189,375,873        —           189,375,873   

Luxembourg

     —           1,786,275        —           1,786,275   

Netherlands

     692,635         23,200,694        —           23,893,329   

New Zealand

     —           1,368,295        —           1,368,295   

Norway

     —           5,919,386        —           5,919,386   

Portugal

     —           1,310,282        0         1,310,282   

Singapore

     —           13,888,975        —           13,888,975   

Spain

     —           31,425,943        —           31,425,943   

Sweden

     —           27,624,762        —           27,624,762   

Switzerland

     4,564,568         79,546,676        —           84,111,244   

United Kingdom

     —           188,455,958        —           188,455,958   

Total Common Stocks

     5,858,122         886,029,391        0         891,887,513   

Total Investment Company Security*

     46,700,784         —          —           46,700,784   

Total Preferred Stocks*

     —           5,435,469        —           5,435,469   

Total Rights*

     84,816         —          —           84,816   
Short-Term Investments           

Discount Notes

     —           13,223,006        —           13,223,006   

Mutual Fund

     55,093,893         —          —           55,093,893   

U.S. Treasury

     —           424,981        —           424,981   

Total Short-Term Investments

     55,093,893         13,647,987        —           68,741,880   

Total Investments

   $ 107,737,615       $ 905,112,847      $ 0       $ 1,012,850,462   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (55,093,893   $ —         $ (55,093,893

Futures Contracts

          

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 16,780       $ —        $ —         $ 16,780   

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Transfers In      Balance as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in Unrealized
Depreciation from
Investments Still Held at

December 31, 2014
 

Common Stocks
Portugal

   $       $ (203,723   $ 203,723       $ 0       $ (203,723
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Common stock transfers into level 3 were due to a trading suspension on the security’s exchange which resulted in the lack of observable inputs.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,012,850,462   

Cash

     19,428   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     124,804   

Fund shares sold

     4,022,300   

Dividends

     1,143,389   

Prepaid expenses

     2,552   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,018,162,935   

Liabilities

  

Due to bank cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     104,994   

Collateral for securities loaned

     55,093,893   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     1,602,320   

Fund shares redeemed

     261,937   

Variation margin on futures contracts

     70,894   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     242,793   

Distribution and service fees

     114,209   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,088   

Other expenses

     278,365   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     57,832,493   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 960,330,442   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 889,199,700   

Undistributed net investment income

     24,138,888   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (38,499,243

Unrealized appreciation on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions

     85,491,097   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 960,330,442   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 430,038,513   

Class B

     405,251,392   

Class E

     34,309,022   

Class G

     90,731,515   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     33,952,412   

Class B

     32,606,792   

Class E

     2,723,432   

Class G

     7,338,406   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 12.67   

Class B

     12.43   

Class E

     12.60   

Class G

     12.36   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $927,320,623.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $53,138,241.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies due to bank was $106,655.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 35,668,430   

Interest

     4,232   

Securities lending income

     822,010   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     36,494,672   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     2,904,019   

Administration fees

     22,881   

Custodian and accounting fees

     511,096   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,043,202   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     55,678   

Distribution and service fees—Class G

     279,350   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     29,469   

Shareholder reporting

     192,819   

Insurance

     5,741   

Miscellaneous

     167,648   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     5,281,321   

Less management fee waiver

     (23,428
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     5,257,893   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     31,236,779   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss

  
Net realized loss on:   

Investments

     (1,650,006

Futures contracts

     (336,695

Foreign currency transactions

     (274,784
  

 

 

 

Net realized loss

     (2,261,485
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (89,329,385

Futures contracts

     (191,468

Foreign currency transactions

     (12,643
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (89,533,496
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

     (91,794,981
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets From Operations

   $ (60,558,202
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $2,318,530.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 31,236,779      $ 22,508,825   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (2,261,485     7,674,942   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (89,533,496     139,589,192   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (60,558,202     169,772,959   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (10,334,152     (9,990,444

Class B

     (9,801,239     (11,350,490

Class E

     (904,946     (1,112,534

Class G

     (2,227,213     (2,474,557
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (23,267,550     (24,928,025
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     88,627,258        30,762,370   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     4,801,506        175,607,304   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     955,528,936        779,921,632   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 960,330,442      $ 955,528,936   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 24,138,888      $ 16,343,144   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     7,597,394      $ 101,943,757        7,067,968      $ 88,601,835   

Reinvestments

     772,936        10,334,152        846,648        9,990,444   

Redemptions

     (2,945,620     (39,809,978     (4,787,744     (59,795,824
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     5,424,710      $ 72,467,931        3,126,872      $ 38,796,455   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     3,126,359      $ 40,720,123        1,931,611      $ 23,970,765   

Reinvestments

     745,909        9,801,239        978,490        11,350,490   

Redemptions

     (2,417,922     (32,413,489     (4,356,077     (53,974,265
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     1,454,346      $ 18,107,873        (1,445,976   $ (18,653,010
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     160,476      $ 2,124,600        85,294      $ 1,055,384   

Reinvestments

     67,990        904,946        94,684        1,112,534   

Redemptions

     (330,142     (4,465,186     (528,435     (6,611,245
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (101,676   $ (1,435,640     (348,457   $ (4,443,327
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class G

        

Sales

     1,583,548      $ 20,799,598        2,516,369      $ 30,525,341   

Reinvestments

     170,276        2,227,213        214,247        2,474,557   

Redemptions

     (1,766,344     (23,539,717     (1,471,213     (17,937,646
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (12,520   $ (512,906     1,259,403      $ 15,062,252   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 88,627,258        $ 30,762,370   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.83       $ 11.72       $ 10.22       $ 11.95       $ 11.34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.45         0.35         0.35         0.36         0.28   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.26      2.15         1.49         (1.80      0.63   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.81      2.50         1.84         (1.44      0.91   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.35      (0.39      (0.34      (0.29      (0.30
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.35      (0.39      (0.34      (0.29      (0.30
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.67       $ 13.83       $ 11.72       $ 10.22       $ 11.95   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (6.00      21.86         18.33         (12.50      8.19   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.40         0.40         0.41         0.41         0.41   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.40         0.40         0.40         0.41         0.40   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     3.34         2.76         3.25         3.09         2.59   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     9         10         8         11         11   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 430.0       $ 394.5       $ 297.7       $ 283.2       $ 332.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.58       $ 11.52       $ 10.05       $ 11.75       $ 11.16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.42         0.31         0.32         0.32         0.25   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.25      2.11         1.46         (1.76      0.62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.83      2.42         1.78         (1.44      0.87   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.32      (0.36      (0.31      (0.26      (0.28
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.32      (0.36      (0.31      (0.26      (0.28
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.43       $ 13.58       $ 11.52       $ 10.05       $ 11.75   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (6.27      21.52         18.02         (12.65      7.91   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.65         0.65         0.66         0.66         0.66   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.65         0.65         0.65         0.66         0.65   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     3.14         2.55         2.99         2.83         2.32   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     9         10         8         11         11   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 405.3       $ 422.9       $ 375.4       $ 329.2       $ 339.0   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.75       $ 11.66       $ 10.17       $ 11.89       $ 11.29   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.44         0.33         0.33         0.34         0.27   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.26      2.13         1.48         (1.79      0.62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.82      2.46         1.81         (1.45      0.89   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.33      (0.37      (0.32      (0.27      (0.29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.33      (0.37      (0.32      (0.27      (0.29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.60       $ 13.75       $ 11.66       $ 10.17       $ 11.89   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (6.11      21.62         18.13         (12.59      8.00   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.55         0.55         0.56         0.56         0.56   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.55         0.55         0.55         0.56         0.55   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     3.26         2.66         3.11         2.94         2.45   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     9         10         8         11         11   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 34.3       $ 38.9       $ 37.0       $ 35.5       $ 47.9   
     Class G  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.51       $ 11.47       $ 10.01       $ 11.70       $ 11.12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.41         0.31         0.31         0.31         0.23   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (1.25      2.09         1.46         (1.75      0.62   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.84      2.40         1.77         (1.44      0.85   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.31      (0.36      (0.31      (0.25      (0.27
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.31      (0.36      (0.31      (0.25      (0.27
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.36       $ 13.51       $ 11.47       $ 10.01       $ 11.70   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (6.33      21.44         17.94         (12.65      7.76   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.70         0.70         0.71         0.71         0.71   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.70         0.70         0.70         0.71         0.70   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     3.10         2.49         2.94         2.80         2.16   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     9         10         8         11         11   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 90.7       $ 99.3       $ 69.8       $ 58.9       $ 45.2   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, E, and G shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). These adjustments have no impact on net assets orthe results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  
Equity    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts*    $ 16,780   
     

 

 

 

 

  * Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ (336,695
  

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ (191,468
  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Futures contracts long

   $ 3,363   

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Foreign Investment Risk: The investments by the Portfolio in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Because securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies and may pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Portfolio. Foreign investments may also subject the Portfolio to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. In addition to the risks described above, risks may arise from forward foreign currency contracts with respect to the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 172,744,100       $ 0       $ 87,275,936   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 0.300% of average daily net assets. Fees earned by MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $2,904,019.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with MetLife Investment Management, LLC (“MIM”) with respect to managing the Portfolio. For providing subadvisory services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers has agreed to pay MIM an investment subadvisory fee for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.050%    On the first $500 million
0.040%    Of the next $500 million
0.020%    On amounts over $1 billion

Fees earned by MIM with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $437,094.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, the Adviser has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.005%    Over $500 million and under $1 billion
0.010%    Of the next $1 billion
0.015%    On amounts over $2 billion

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, E, and G Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, E, and G Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.15% per year for Class E Shares, and 0.30% per year for Class G Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$23,267,550    $ 24,928,025       $       $       $ 23,267,550       $ 24,928,025   

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards     Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
    Total  
$30,644,835    $       $ 73,287,030       $ (26,531,041   $ (6,206,995   $ 71,193,829   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the post-enactment accumulated long-term capital losses were $6,206,995 and the pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards and expiration dates were as follows:

 

Expiring
12/31/17

   Expiring
12/31/18
     Total  
$23,421,712    $ 3,109,329       $ 26,531,041   

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

MSCI EAFE Index Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and MetLife Investment Management, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also noted that the Portfolio outperformed its Lipper Index for the one- and three-year periods ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed its Lipper Index for the five-year period ended June 30, 2014. The Board took into account that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI EAFE Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board took into account that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Managed by Neuberger Berman Management LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio returned 0.01%, -0.30%, and -0.19%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index1, returned 4.22%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Despite several periods of heightened volatility, the U.S. stock market generated solid results during the reporting period. The market was supported by improving economic growth in the U.S., generally strong corporate profits and indications that the Federal Reserve would be “patient” in terms of raising interest rates. The overall U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, gained 13.69% in 2014. This marked the third consecutive year that the market generated a double-digit return. Small-cap stocks generated more modest results, as the Russell 2000 Index gained 4.89% for the period.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio underperformed the Russell 2000 Value Index during the reporting period, due to both sector allocation and stock selection. Sector allocations detracted the most from relative performance with a significant part of underperformance due to a lack of exposure to real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), which were up sharply. We typically do not invest directly in REITs as they do not meet our investment criteria as they generally do not generate free cash flow, are typically financed with debt, and are without high barriers to entry.

From a stock selection perspective, holdings in the Financials and Health Care sectors were the largest detractors from results. Within Financials, the Portfolio’s mortgage service-related stocks generated poor results. Altisource Portfolio Solutions was the Portfolio’s largest detractor during the period. The company provides a host of services to the real estate and mortgage marketplace. The stock was negatively impacted by its exit from a high margin line of business and uncertainty around its growth profile in the coming years due to a settlement with Ocwen Financial Corp. Altisource Asset Management Corp., the management company for Altisource Residential, a single family home rental REIT, also detracted from performance. The stock was negatively impacted by uncertainty regarding the company’s exposure to Ocwen Financial and its subsequent settlement with the New York Department of Financial Services. These negatives were partially offset by positive relative performance in the Materials and Information Technology (“IT”) sectors. Technology companies Manhattan Associates, Zebra Technologies, and Sensient Corp. were all strong performers for the Portfolio. Manhattan Associates provides IT solutions designed to enable efficient movement of goods through the supply chain. The stock benefited from strong quarterly results and outlook for a continued strong demand environment for its offerings. Zebra Technologies manufactures and distributes thermal barcode printers, plastic card printers, and products for use in data collection and automatic identification systems. During the year, the company’s fundamentals steadily improved due to solid demand across all geographies and end markets which resulted in better than expected top- and bottom-line performance. Sensient Corp. is a global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors and fragrances. It performed well during the period due to improved financial results as well as shareholder-friendly actions.

While there were several changes on the margin, there were no significant adjustments to the Portfolio’s sector positioning during the reporting period.

Our investment approach is predominantly driven by bottom-up considerations. With this caveat, we do overlay the Portfolio to some degree with a top-down point of view. Given our long-term investment horizon, we are not trying to make short- to medium-term economic or market calls. Rather, we try to position the Portfolio to capture what we see as very long-term tailwinds and seek to avoid long-term headwinds, to the extent possible. From a macroeconomic standpoint, we are in uncharted waters from a monetary policy perspective and extreme outcomes are possible, or perhaps even likely. The regulatory environment is equally volatile, as oversight in the U.S. is on the rise and difficult to predict in a growing number of industries.

In recognition of this elevated uncertainty, we do not feel it is appropriate to make significant sector bets at this time. We are much more comfortable focusing on stock-specific analysis, which has always been the backbone of our investment process. In the post-Lehman recovery, the small-cap market in the U.S. has favored lower return, higher leverage and—in some industries—money-losing companies. We have experienced similar market environments in the past (although shorter in duration) and historically the market has always come back to reasonably valued, solid business models, with superior

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Managed by Neuberger Berman Management LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

financials. We can’t predict exactly when, although historically it has done so without much warning, and sometimes quite quickly. In conclusion, we are finding plenty of business models that fit our high quality criteria selling at relatively reasonable prices.

Judith M. Vale,

Robert W. D’Alelio

Michael L. Bowyer

Brett S. Reiner

Portfolio Managers

Neuberger Berman Management LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 2000 VALUE INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio                 

Class A

       0.01           14.41           4.84   

Class B

       -0.30           14.12           4.57   

Class E

       -0.19           14.24           4.68   
Russell 2000 Value Index        4.22           14.26           6.89   

1 The Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of those Russell 2000 companies that have lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Wabtec Corp.      2.5   
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.      2.5   
Aptargroup, Inc.      1.9   
Sensient Technologies Corp.      1.8   
Polaris Industries, Inc.      1.8   
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.      1.7   
Manhattan Associates, Inc.      1.7   
CLARCOR, Inc.      1.7   
Constellation Software, Inc.      1.6   
MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc.      1.5   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Industrials      21.1   
Information Technology      18.3   
Health Care      13.2   
Consumer Discretionary      12.6   
Financials      10.7   
Materials      9.8   
Consumer Staples      6.0   
Energy      4.6   
Utilities      0.4   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.83    $ 1,000.00         $ 995.00         $ 4.17   
   Hypothetical*      0.83    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.02         $ 4.23   

Class B(a)

   Actual      1.08    $ 1,000.00         $ 993.30         $ 5.43   
   Hypothetical*      1.08    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,019.76         $ 5.50   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.98    $ 1,000.00         $ 994.40         $ 4.93   
   Hypothetical*      0.98    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.27         $ 4.99   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—96.7% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Air Freight & Logistics—0.7%

  

Forward Air Corp.

    197,276      $ 9,936,792   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.2%

  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    19,800        2,976,534   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—0.4%

  

Gentex Corp.

    139,300        5,032,909   
   

 

 

 

Banks—7.7%

  

Bank of Hawaii Corp.

    264,000        15,657,840   

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc.

    303,476        11,507,810   

BankUnited, Inc.

    280,400        8,123,188   

BOK Financial Corp.

    169,982        10,205,719   

Community Bank System, Inc.

    130,487        4,975,469   

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.

    220,998        15,611,299   

CVB Financial Corp.

    396,400        6,350,328   

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    420,610        12,567,827   

FNB Corp.

    456,448        6,079,887   

LegacyTexas Financial Group, Inc.

    176,600        4,211,910   

PacWest Bancorp

    253,928        11,543,567   

Westamerica Bancorp

    119,400        5,852,988   
   

 

 

 
      112,687,832   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—1.1%

  

Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The) - Class A (a)

    53,772        15,569,145   
   

 

 

 

Building Products—1.1%

  

AAON, Inc.

    271,972        6,089,453   

AO Smith Corp.

    168,000        9,476,880   
   

 

 

 
      15,566,333   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—4.9%

  

Balchem Corp.

    220,963        14,724,974   

Hawkins, Inc.

    70,890        3,071,664   

Innophos Holdings, Inc.

    163,211        9,539,683   

NewMarket Corp.

    20,217        8,158,166   

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    7,500        690,300   

RPM International, Inc.

    146,500        7,429,015   

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    438,900        26,483,226   

Stepan Co.

    42,118        1,688,090   
   

 

 

 
      71,785,118   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—4.1%

  

G&K Services, Inc. - Class A

    19,800        1,402,830   

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    487,814        15,088,087   

Rollins, Inc.

    631,910        20,916,221   

Team, Inc. (a)

    90,103        3,645,567   

UniFirst Corp.

    49,800        6,048,210   

United Stationers, Inc.

    287,874        12,136,768   
   

 

 

 
      59,237,683   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—0.8%

  

NETGEAR, Inc. (a)

    308,500        10,976,430   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.2%

  

Primoris Services Corp.

    95,700        2,224,068   
   

 

 

 

Construction Materials—0.4%

  

Eagle Materials, Inc.

    82,800      6,295,284   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—2.6%

  

Aptargroup, Inc.

    420,254        28,089,777   

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

    187,700        10,060,720   
   

 

 

 
      38,150,497   
   

 

 

 

Distributors—1.4%

  

Pool Corp.

    317,160        20,120,630   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.3%

  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    61,600        4,417,336   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.5%

  

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

    148,000        5,554,440   

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (a)

    90,100        2,179,519   
   

 

 

 
      7,733,959   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—5.1%

  

Badger Meter, Inc.

    144,188        8,557,558   

Cognex Corp. (a)

    82,700        3,417,991   

FARO Technologies, Inc. (a)

    51,900        3,253,092   

FEI Co.

    209,354        18,915,134   

Littelfuse, Inc.

    80,600        7,791,602   

MTS Systems Corp.

    40,800        3,061,224   

Rogers Corp. (a)

    116,200        9,463,328   

Zebra Technologies Corp. - Class A (a)

    261,082        20,210,357   
   

 

 

 
      74,670,286   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—3.2%

  

Canadian Energy Services & Technology Corp.

    169,100        924,243   

CARBO Ceramics, Inc.

    138,500        5,546,925   

Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (a)

    228,535        5,265,446   

Oceaneering International, Inc.

    323,100        19,001,511   

Pason Systems, Inc.

    506,000        9,512,800   

ShawCor, Ltd.

    167,500        6,091,975   
   

 

 

 
      46,342,900   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—0.2%

  

North West Co., Inc. (The)

    134,500        3,026,250   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—2.2%

  

B&G Foods, Inc.

    210,100        6,281,990   

Flowers Foods, Inc.

    375,650        7,208,724   

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    89,409        9,725,017   

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    96,100        8,998,804   
   

 

 

 
      32,214,535   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—6.9%

  

Abaxis, Inc.

    163,454        9,289,091   

Cyberonics, Inc. (a)

    85,774        4,775,896   

Haemonetics Corp. (a)

    446,708        16,715,814   

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    142,400        21,113,648   

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.

    270,381        4,450,471   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—(Continued)

  

Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. (a)

    211,100      $ 18,443,807   

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    470,766        25,063,582   
   

 

 

 
      99,852,309   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—3.9%

  

Amsurg Corp. (a)

    139,042        7,609,769   

Chemed Corp.

    68,300        7,217,261   

Henry Schein, Inc. (a)

    152,000        20,694,800   

MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (a)

    128,455        21,825,789   
   

 

 

 
      57,347,619   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—3.9%

  

Brinker International, Inc.

    285,300        16,744,257   

Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (The)

    163,300        8,215,623   

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

    79,100        11,134,116   

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    195,100        10,886,580   

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    286,300        9,665,488   
   

 

 

 
      56,646,064   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—2.5%

  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    456,900        36,008,289   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—0.5%

  

Raven Industries, Inc.

    298,629        7,465,725   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—1.1%

  

RLI Corp.

    213,140        10,529,116   

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    90,500        5,792,905   
   

 

 

 
      16,322,021   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—0.4%

  

j2 Global, Inc.

    98,700        6,119,400   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—1.4%

  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    201,800        12,539,852   

Sapient Corp. (a)

    296,273        7,371,272   
   

 

 

 
      19,911,124   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—1.8%

  

Polaris Industries, Inc.

    174,398        26,375,954   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—2.4%

  

Bio-Techne Corp.

    68,300        6,310,920   

ICON plc (a)

    415,437        21,183,133   

PAREXEL International Corp. (a)

    139,700        7,761,732   
   

 

 

 
      35,255,785   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—10.7%

  

Chart Industries, Inc. (a)

    72,000        2,462,400   

CIRCOR International, Inc.

    57,200        3,448,016   

CLARCOR, Inc.

    364,402        24,283,749   

Donaldson Co., Inc.

    254,900        9,846,787   

Graco, Inc.

    79,000        6,334,220   

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    57,878        3,998,791   

Machinery—(Continued)

  

Middleby Corp. (The) (a)

    159,200      15,776,720   

Nordson Corp.

    211,362        16,477,782   

RBC Bearings, Inc.

    71,300        4,600,989   

Tennant Co.

    99,678        7,193,761   

Toro Co. (The)

    197,400        12,596,094   

Valmont Industries, Inc.

    98,000        12,446,000   

Wabtec Corp.

    421,200        36,598,068   
   

 

 

 
      156,063,377   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.8%

  

Gray Television, Inc. (a)

    15,300        171,360   

Media General, Inc. (a)

    591,311        9,892,633   

Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. - Class A

    299,700        15,521,463   
   

 

 

 
      25,585,456   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—1.2%

  

Alamos Gold, Inc. (a)

    601,800        4,290,834   

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    157,600        13,684,408   
   

 

 

 
      17,975,242   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—0.4%

  

NorthWestern Corp.

    94,500        5,346,810   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—1.4%

  

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

    118,300        878,969   

Gulfport Energy Corp. (a)

    235,500        9,829,770   

Laredo Petroleum, Inc. (a)

    159,100        1,646,685   

Oasis Petroleum, Inc. (a)

    130,200        2,153,508   

Painted Pony Petroleum, Ltd. (a)

    108,400        863,057   

Painted Pony Petroleum, Ltd. (U.S. Listed Shares) (a)

    158,300        1,267,983   

Synergy Resources Corp. (a)

    302,900        3,798,366   
   

 

 

 
      20,438,338   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—0.6%

  

Stella-Jones, Inc.

    316,000        8,890,407   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—1.0%

  

Exponent, Inc.

    152,078        12,546,435   

Mistras Group, Inc. (a)

    120,334        2,205,722   
   

 

 

 
      14,752,157   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.8%

  

Altisource Asset Management Corp. (a)

    17,405        5,397,639   

Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (a)

    175,652        5,935,281   
   

 

 

 
      11,332,920   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—0.3%

  

Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. - Class A (a)

    46,900        4,217,248   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—1.0%

  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    289,330        14,969,934   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description  

Shares

    Value  

Software—9.1%

  

Advent Software, Inc.

    261,500      $ 8,012,360   

Computer Modelling Group, Ltd.

    302,200        3,105,757   

Constellation Software, Inc.

    80,420        23,911,417   

Descartes Systems Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    258,800        3,835,416   

FactSet Research Systems, Inc.

    79,600        11,203,700   

Fair Isaac Corp.

    68,700        4,967,010   

Manhattan Associates, Inc. (a)

    609,576        24,821,935   

Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.

    346,393        9,986,510   

NetScout Systems, Inc. (a)

    224,600        8,206,884   

Solera Holdings, Inc.

    288,800        14,780,784   

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (a)

    181,600        19,874,304   
   

 

 

 
      132,706,077   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—2.9%

  

Hibbett Sports, Inc. (a)

    231,500        11,211,545   

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (a)

    414,000        12,726,360   

Tractor Supply Co.

    226,800        17,876,376   
   

 

 

 
      41,814,281   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—0.5%

  

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (a)

    182,500        7,816,475   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—0.5%

  

Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

    251,100        7,399,917   
   

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—0.8%

  

Home Loan Servicing Solutions, Ltd.

    597,839        11,669,817   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—1.8%

  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    250,571        11,423,532   

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (a)

    71,913        1,999,181   
Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Trading Companies & Distributors—(Continued)

  

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. - Class A

    52,900      4,298,125   

Watsco, Inc.

    85,325        9,129,775   
   

 

 

 
      26,850,613   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $965,737,766)

      1,408,097,880   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investment—3.3%                

Repurchase Agreement—3.3%

   

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $48,233,613 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $49,900,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750% due 03/31/18 with a value of $49,203,196.

    48,233,613        48,233,613   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investment
(Cost $48,233,613)

      48,233,613   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—100.0%
(Cost $1,013,971,379) (b)

      1,456,331,493   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—0.0%

      (135,892
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,456,195,601   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,013,781,129. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $479,314,244 and $(36,763,880), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $442,550,364 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 1,408,097,880       $ —         $ —         $ 1,408,097,880   

Total Short-Term Investment*

     —           48,233,613         —           48,233,613   

Total Investments

   $ 1,408,097,880       $ 48,233,613       $ —         $ 1,456,331,493   
                                     

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a)

   $ 1,456,331,493   

Cash

     62,826   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (b)

     5,307   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     574,101   

Fund shares sold

     818,186   

Dividends

     1,041,948   

Prepaid expenses

     3,820   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,458,837,681   

Liabilities

  

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     537,526   

Fund shares redeemed

     777,679   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     982,589   

Distribution and service fees

     91,353   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     97,529   

Other expenses

     155,404   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     2,642,080   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,456,195,601   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,159,804,142   

Undistributed net investment income

     4,519,040   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (150,487,735

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     442,360,154   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,456,195,601   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 985,843,244   

Class B

     366,763,765   

Class E

     103,588,592   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     54,570,915   

Class B

     20,646,087   

Class E

     5,799,793   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 18.07   

Class B

     17.76   

Class E

     17.86   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,013,971,379.
(b) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $5,307.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 19,046,973   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     19,046,973   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     12,176,454   

Administration fees

     35,576   

Custodian and accounting fees

     135,082   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     957,800   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     163,491   

Audit and tax services

     43,231   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     40,767   

Shareholder reporting

     225,799   

Insurance

     9,433   

Miscellaneous

     3,158   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     13,820,804   

Less management fee waiver

     (125,002

Less broker commission recapture

     (46,305
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     13,649,497   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     5,397,476   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     119,379,186   

Futures contracts

     (1,061,715

Foreign currency transactions

     (2,975
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     118,314,496   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (132,528,280

Foreign currency transactions

     (224
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (132,528,504
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

     (14,214,008
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets From Operations

   $ (8,816,532
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $183,200.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 5,397,476      $ 5,423,485   

Net realized gain

     118,314,496        172,501,379   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (132,528,504     305,308,740   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (8,816,532     483,233,604   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (4,302,810     (7,826,114

Class B

     (792,309     (764,142

Class E

     (284,767     (667,678
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (5,379,886     (9,257,934
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (224,471,934     91,139,738   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (238,668,352     565,115,408   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,694,863,953        1,129,748,545   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,456,195,601      $ 1,694,863,953   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 4,519,040      $ 5,002,563   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     1,524,678      $ 26,544,515        7,032,471      $ 102,037,519   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        6,103,045        87,090,450   

Reinvestments

     248,430        4,302,810        561,414        7,826,114   

Redemptions

     (10,804,986     (188,921,386     (19,908,137     (300,671,391
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (9,031,878   $ (158,074,061     (6,211,207   $ (103,717,308
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     988,287      $ 17,045,998        1,388,739      $ 21,956,905   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        18,058,543        253,903,111   

Reinvestments

     46,443        792,309        55,615        764,142   

Redemptions

     (3,855,708     (66,823,780     (5,039,255     (77,854,399
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,820,978   $ (48,985,473     14,463,642      $ 198,769,759   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     125,572      $ 2,200,050        148,626      $ 2,176,092   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        1,348,885        19,046,267   

Reinvestments

     16,614        284,767        48,382        667,678   

Redemptions

     (1,142,075     (19,897,217     (1,683,324     (25,802,750
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (999,889   $ (17,412,400     (137,431   $ (3,912,713
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (224,471,934     $ 91,139,738   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 18.14       $ 13.21       $ 12.05       $ 11.47       $ 9.48   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.08         0.07         0.11         0.05         0.11   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.08      4.98         1.10         0.62         1.93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.00         5.05         1.21         0.67         2.04   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.07      (0.12      (0.05      (0.09      (0.05
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.07      (0.12      (0.05      (0.09      (0.05
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 18.07       $ 18.14       $ 13.21       $ 12.05       $ 11.47   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     0.01         38.52         10.03         5.80         21.58   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.83         0.83         0.86         0.86         0.89   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.83         0.82         0.85         0.85         0.88   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.43         0.42         0.89         0.40         1.09   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     9         17         15         12         84   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 985.8       $ 1,154.0       $ 922.1       $ 868.1       $ 729.6   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.85       $ 13.00       $ 11.86       $ 11.30       $ 9.34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.03         0.03         0.08         0.02         0.06   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.08      4.91         1.08         0.61         1.93   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.05      4.94         1.16         0.63         1.99   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.04      (0.09      (0.02      (0.07      (0.03
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.04      (0.09      (0.02      (0.07      (0.03
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 17.76       $ 17.85       $ 13.00       $ 11.86       $ 11.30   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (0.30      38.19         9.75         5.51         21.34   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.08         1.08         1.11         1.11         1.14   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.08         1.07         1.10         1.10         1.13   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.18         0.22         0.63         0.14         0.64   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     9         17         15         12         84   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 366.8       $ 418.9       $ 117.0       $ 118.2       $ 122.3   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                   
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 17.94       $ 13.06       $ 11.91       $ 11.35       $ 9.38   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.05         0.04         0.09         0.03         0.07   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (0.09      4.94         1.09         0.60         1.94   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.04      4.98         1.18         0.63         2.01   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.04      (0.10      (0.03      (0.07      (0.04
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.04      (0.10      (0.03      (0.07      (0.04
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 17.86       $ 17.94       $ 13.06       $ 11.91       $ 11.35   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (0.19      38.37         9.90         5.56         21.45   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.98         0.98         1.01         1.01         1.04   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.98         0.97         1.00         1.00         1.03   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.28         0.28         0.72         0.24         0.71   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     9         17         15         12         84   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 103.6       $ 122.0       $ 90.6       $ 97.1       $ 112.2   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to broker commission recapture, passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), return of capital adjustments and foreign currency transactions. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $48,233,613, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 24, 2014 through April 29, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $56,846,465 in notional cost on equity

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized losses in the amount of $1,061,715 which are shown under Net realized loss on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 128,212,743       $ 0       $ 348,834,561   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $24,210,472 in sales of investments, which are included above.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$12,176,454      0.850   Of the first $500 million
     0.800   Of the next $500 million
     0.750   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Neuberger Berman Management LLC is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.025%        First $500 million  

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$5,379,886    $ 9,257,934       $       $       $ 5,379,886       $ 9,257,934   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards     Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
    Total  
$4,664,018    $       $ 442,550,404       $ (150,497,187   $ (228,247   $ 296,488,988   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $118,395,770.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had short term post-enactment accumulated capital losses of $228,247. The pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards and expiration dates were as follows:

 

Expiring
12/31/17

   Expiring
12/31/16*
     Total  
$121,521,199    $ 28,975,988       $ 150,497,187   

 

  * The Portfolio acquired capital losses in its merger with MIST MLA Mid Cap Portfolio on April 26, 2013.

9. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 26, 2013, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A, Class B and Class E net assets of $921,911,324, $122,572,792 and $93,470,942, respectively, acquired all of the assets and liabilities of MLA Mid Cap Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“MIST MLA Mid Cap”).

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 6,103,045 Class A shares of the Portfolio (valued at $87,090,450) for 7,177,798 Class A shares of MIST MLA Mid Cap; 18,058,543 Class B shares of the Portfolio (valued at $253,903,111) for 21,030,031 Class B shares of MIST MLA Mid Cap; and 1,348,885 Class E shares of the Portfolio (valued at $19,046,267) for 1,572,109 Class E shares of MIST MLA Mid Cap. Each shareholder of MIST MLA Mid Cap received shares of the Portfolio with the same class designation and at the respective Class NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 26, 2013. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by MIST MLA Mid Cap may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. If such purchases or sales occurred, the transaction costs were borne by MIST MLA Mid Cap. All other costs associated with the merger were not borne by the shareholders of either portfolio.

MIST MLA Mid Cap’s net assets on April 26, 2013, were $87,090,450, $253,903,111 and $19,046,267 for Class A, Class B and Class E shares, respectively, including investments valued at $360,292,574 with a cost basis of $333,365,815. For financial reporting purposes, assets received and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from MIST MLA Mid Cap were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes. The Portfolio acquired $190,791,929 in capital loss carry forwards from MIST MLA Mid Cap.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $1,497,994,886, which included $26,926,759 of acquired unrealized appreciation.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2013, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

Net investment income

   $ 5,528,138 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions

   $ 508,833,516 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 514,361,654   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of MIST MLA Mid Cap that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 26, 2013.

 

(a) $5,423,485 net investment income as reported December 31, 2013 plus $166,526 from MIST MLA Mid Cap pre-merger net investment income minus $106,780 in higher advisory fees, plus $44,907 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $574,888,658 unrealized appreciation as reported December 31, 2013 minus $243,241,046 pro-forma December 31, 2012 unrealized appreciation, plus $172,501,379 net realized gain as reported December 31, 2013, plus $4,684,525 in net realized gain from MIST MLA Mid Cap pre-merger.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Neuberger Berman Genesis Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Neuberger Berman Management LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board took into account management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were below the median of the Expense Group and above the medians of the Expense Universe and the Sub-advised Expense Universe. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median and Expense Universe median and equal to the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were slightly above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board took into account that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further considered that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Managed By MetLife Investment Management, LLC

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, E, and G shares of the Russell 2000 Index Portfolio returned 5.04%, 4.78%, 4.91%, and 4.73%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index1, returned 4.89%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

Equity indexes reached record highs in 2014, driven by accommodative monetary policies by central banks around the world, strong corporate earnings, and an improving global economy. The year started on a negative note as investors remained concerned about additional U.S. Federal Reserve tapering, pressure on emerging market currencies and deteriorating situations in Ukraine, Thailand and Venezuela. Equity indexes recovered in the following months driven by strong earnings and increased corporate activity. During the third quarter, equity markets were volatile as escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, stalling Iran nuclear talks, and further U.S. and European Union sanctions against Russia contrasted with continued easing policies by central banks around the world and stronger macroeconomic data. Equity markets declined again in October as investors continued to worry about faltering global growth, particularly in Europe and China. Growing protests in Hong Kong and continued fears about the spread of the Ebola virus also weighed on the markets. Equity markets rallied in the fourth quarter as the Bank of Japan unexpectedly expanded its economic stimulus, the People’s Bank of China cut interest rates for the first time in two years, and the European Central Bank Chairman, Mr. Draghi, said the bank was ready to increase quantitative easing if necessary. Better than expected U.S. employment, U.S. retail sales and consumer confidence also contributed to positive performance. Equity markets were mixed in December as oil prices dropped significantly, the Russian ruble reached record lows, and political uncertainty continued in Greece.

During the year, the Federal Open Market Committee (the “Committee”) met eight times and maintained the target range for the Federal Funds Rate at zero to 0.25%. The Committee stated that there had been a substantial improvement in the outlook for the labor market since the inception of its asset purchase program. Also, the Committee had continued to see sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy. Accordingly, the Committee had decided to conclude its asset purchase program in October.

Six of the nine sectors comprising the Russell 2000 Index experienced positive returns for the year. Health Care (13.3% beginning weight in the benchmark), up 19.2%, was the best-performing sector and had the largest positive impact on the benchmark. Consumer Staples (3.4% beginning weight), up 16.8%, and Utilities (4.0% beginning weight), up 16.8%, were the next best-performing sectors. The worst-performing sectors were Energy (5.3% beginning weight), down 39.1% and Producer Durables (14.3% beginning weight), down 0.9%.

The stocks with the largest positive impact on the benchmark return for the year were InterMune, up 401.6%; TriQuint Semiconductor, up 230.3%; and RF Micro Devices, up 221.5%. The stocks with the largest negative impact were Energy XXI, down 87.5%; Civeo, down 83.9%; and Chart Industries, down 64.2%.

Factors that can impact stock prices include developments in the Fed’s interest rate policy, corporate earnings, geopolitical concerns, energy prices, employment data and the value of the U.S. dollar.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio is managed utilizing a stratified sampling strategy versus the Russell 2000 Index. This strategy seeks to replicate the performance of the Index by owning a subset of Index constituents and neutralizing exposures across sectors. The Portfolio is periodically rebalanced for compositional changes in the Russell 2000 Index. Factors that impact tracking error include sampling, transaction costs, cash drag, securities lending, net asset value rounding, and contributions and withdrawals.

Stacey Lituchy

Norman Hu

Mirsad Usejnoski

Portfolio Managers

MetLife Investment Management, LLC

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
Russell 2000 Index Portfolio                      

Class A

       5.04           15.56           7.69             

Class B

       4.78           15.28           7.42             

Class E

       4.91           15.38           7.53             

Class G

       4.73           15.22                     19.08   
Russell 2000 Index        4.89           15.55           7.77             

1 The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index.

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class E and Class G shares are 11/9/98, 1/2/01, 5/1/01 and 4/28/09, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund      3.4   
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.      0.4   
Brunswick Corp.      0.3   
TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.      0.3   
RF Micro Devices, Inc.      0.3   
Office Depot, Inc.      0.3   
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.      0.2   
LaSalle Hotel Properties      0.2   
Puma Biotechnology, Inc.      0.2   
RLJ Lodging Trust      0.2   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Financials      26.2   
Information Technology      16.8   
Health Care      13.8   
Industrials      13.0   
Consumer Discretionary      12.9   
Materials      4.3   
Utilities      3.4   
Energy      3.2   
Consumer Staples      3.1   
Telecommunication Services      0.7   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.33    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,018.20         $ 1.68   
   Hypothetical*      0.33    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,023.54         $ 1.68   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.58    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,016.50         $ 2.95   
   Hypothetical*      0.58    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.28         $ 2.96   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.48    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,017.30         $ 2.44   
   Hypothetical*      0.48    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.79         $ 2.45   

Class G(a)

   Actual      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,016.60         $ 3.20   
   Hypothetical*      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.03         $ 3.21   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—94.0% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—1.7%

  

AAR Corp.

    20,590      $ 571,990   

Aerovironment, Inc. (a)

    8,967        244,351   

American Science & Engineering, Inc. (b)

    3,412        177,083   

Astronics Corp. (a)

    9,277        513,111   

Cubic Corp.

    9,993        526,031   

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    23,640        1,668,748   

DigitalGlobe, Inc. (a)

    37,451        1,159,857   

Ducommun, Inc. (a)

    5,534        139,900   

Engility Holdings, Inc. (a)

    8,737        373,944   

Esterline Technologies Corp. (a)

    15,153        1,661,981   

GenCorp, Inc. (a) (b)

    29,383        537,709   

HEICO Corp. (b)

    31,652        1,911,781   

KEYW Holding Corp. (The) (a) (b)

    16,705        173,398   

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (a)

    22,697        113,939   

Moog, Inc. - Class A (a)

    20,032        1,482,969   

National Presto Industries, Inc. (b)

    2,572        149,279   

Orbital Sciences Corp. (a)

    29,768        800,461   

Sparton Corp. (a)

    5,744        162,785   

Taser International, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,071        690,360   

Teledyne Technologies, Inc. (a)

    17,856        1,834,525   
   

 

 

 
      14,894,202   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—0.5%

  

Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (a)

    26,883        230,119   

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (a)

    11,134        548,906   

Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (a)

    11,852        346,078   

Forward Air Corp.

    15,560        783,757   

HUB Group, Inc. - Class A (a)

    17,356        660,917   

Park-Ohio Holdings Corp. (b)

    4,748        299,266   

UTi Worldwide, Inc. (a) (b)

    45,516        549,378   

XPO Logistics, Inc. (a) (b)

    25,511        1,042,890   
   

 

 

 
      4,461,311   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.5%

  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    6,311        948,733   

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (a)

    22,098        575,653   

JetBlue Airways Corp. (a) (b)

    121,414        1,925,626   

Republic Airways Holdings, Inc. (a)

    25,789        376,261   

SkyWest, Inc. (b)

    24,419        324,284   

Virgin America, Inc. (a)

    8,920        385,790   
   

 

 

 
      4,536,347   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—1.1%

  

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (a)

    34,595        781,501   

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

    28,364        982,813   

Cooper-Standard Holding, Inc. (a)

    6,881        398,272   

Dana Holding Corp.

    82,200        1,787,028   

Dorman Products, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,774        616,601   

Drew Industries, Inc. (a)

    11,598        592,310   

Federal-Mogul Holdings Corp. (a)

    14,782        237,843   

Gentherm, Inc. (a)

    17,276        632,647   

Modine Manufacturing Co. (a)

    24,735        336,396   

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc. (a)

    8,000        248,720   

Remy International, Inc. (b)

    13,683        286,248   

Auto Components—(Continued)

  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    9,638      367,401   

Stoneridge, Inc. (a)

    13,705        176,246   

Strattec Security Corp. (b)

    1,911        157,810   

Superior Industries International, Inc.

    12,615        249,651   

Tenneco, Inc. (a)

    29,432        1,666,146   

Tower International, Inc. (a)

    10,455        267,125   
   

 

 

 
      9,784,758   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—0.0%

  

Winnebago Industries, Inc. (b)

    12,257        266,712   
   

 

 

 

Banks—7.3%

  

1st Source Corp.

    8,143        279,386   

American National Bankshares, Inc.

    4,120        102,217   

Ameris Bancorp

    13,498        346,089   

Ames National Corp.

    4,390        113,877   

Arrow Financial Corp.

    5,706        156,858   

Banc of California, Inc.

    13,438        154,134   

Bancfirst Corp. (b)

    3,589        227,507   

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. -Class E (b)

    14,005        421,550   

Bancorp, Inc. (The) (a)

    17,608        191,751   

BancorpSouth, Inc.

    46,488        1,046,445   

Bank of Kentucky Financial Corp.

    3,484        168,173   

Bank of Marin Bancorp (b)

    3,199        168,235   

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (b)

    39,067        1,481,421   

Banner Corp.

    10,387        446,849   

BBCN Bancorp, Inc.

    39,760        571,749   

Blue Hills Bancorp, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,063        177,396   

BNC Bancorp

    10,025        172,530   

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

    40,232        541,925   

Bridge Bancorp, Inc.

    6,098        163,121   

Bridge Capital Holdings (a)

    5,459        122,172   

Bryn Mawr Bank Corp.

    6,395        200,163   

Camden National Corp. (b)

    3,953        157,488   

Capital Bank Financial Corp. - Class A (a)

    9,384        251,491   

Cardinal Financial Corp.

    17,067        338,439   

Cathay General Bancorp

    39,976        1,022,986   

Centerstate Banks, Inc.

    16,702        198,921   

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    7,285        156,628   

Chemical Financial Corp.

    16,215        496,828   

Citizens & Northern Corp. (b)

    6,716        138,820   

City Holding Co. (b)

    8,336        387,874   

CNB Financial Corp. (b)

    6,782        125,467   

CoBiz Financial, Inc. (b)

    17,832        234,134   

Columbia Banking System, Inc.

    26,670        736,359   

Community Bank System, Inc. (b)

    19,773        753,944   

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    8,162        298,811   

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.

    12,322        234,118   

CU Bancorp (a) (b)

    5,201        112,810   

Customers Bancorp, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,686        227,410   

CVB Financial Corp. (b)

    52,144        835,347   

Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (a)

    11,635        413,275   

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

    11,259        222,140   

FCB Financial Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    3,583        88,285   

Fidelity Southern Corp.

    7,991        128,735   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Banks—(Continued)

  

Financial Institutions, Inc.

    6,461      $ 162,494   

First Bancorp (b)

    8,573        158,343   

First Bancorp/Puerto Rico (a)

    52,499        308,169   

First Busey Corp.

    36,777        239,418   

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. - Class A

    3,723        941,137   

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    46,645        430,067   

First Community Bancshares, Inc.

    8,470        139,501   

First Connecticut Bancorp, Inc.

    9,833        160,475   

First Financial Bancorp

    28,214        524,498   

First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (b)

    30,535        912,386   

First Financial Corp. (b)

    6,038        215,074   

First Interstate Bancsystem, Inc.

    9,233        256,862   

First Merchants Corp.

    18,171        413,390   

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

    38,435        657,623   

First NBC Bank Holding Co. (a)

    7,557        266,006   

First of Long Island Corp. (The)

    5,032        142,758   

FirstMerit Corp.

    78,803        1,488,589   

Flushing Financial Corp.

    15,132        306,726   

FNB Corp. (b)

    81,774        1,089,230   

German American Bancorp, Inc. (b)

    6,759        206,285   

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    36,532        1,014,494   

Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.

    6,069        240,757   

Great Western Bancorp, Inc. (a)

    11,218        255,658   

Guaranty Bancorp (b)

    8,675        125,267   

Hancock Holding Co.

    39,950        1,226,465   

Hanmi Financial Corp.

    15,681        342,003   

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

    7,703        208,751   

Heritage Financial Corp. (b)

    12,896        226,325   

Hilltop Holdings, Inc. (a)

    34,060        679,497   

Home BancShares, Inc.

    26,645        856,903   

HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,270        171,098   

Horizon Bancorp

    5,200        135,928   

Hudson Valley Holding Corp.

    7,889        214,265   

Iberiabank Corp.

    15,241        988,379   

Independent Bank Corp.

    11,863        154,812   

Independent Bank Corp. (b)

    11,835        506,656   

Independent Bank Group, Inc. (b)

    4,624        180,613   

International Bancshares Corp.

    27,173        721,171   

Investors Bancorp, Inc.

    175,250        1,967,181   

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

    17,320        202,644   

Lakeland Financial Corp.

    8,139        353,802   

LegacyTexas Financial Group, Inc.

    20,388        486,254   

MainSource Financial Group, Inc.

    10,246        214,346   

MB Financial, Inc.

    32,522        1,068,673   

Mercantile Bank Corp.

    8,647        181,760   

Metro Bancorp, Inc. (a)

    7,930        205,546   

MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.

    3,645        105,012   

National Bank Holdings Corp. - Class A

    17,203        333,910   

National Bankshares, Inc.

    4,218        128,185   

National Penn Bancshares, Inc. (b)

    59,275        623,869   

NBT Bancorp, Inc. (b)

    20,117        528,474   

NewBridge Bancorp (a)

    14,434        125,720   

OFG Bancorp (b)

    19,884        331,069   

Old National Bancorp

    57,115        849,871   

Pacific Continental Corp.

    10,841        153,725   

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. (a)

    8,535        147,912   

Park National Corp. (b)

    5,759        509,556   

Banks—(Continued)

  

Park Sterling Corp.

    17,566      129,110   

Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp.

    6,672        123,832   

Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc.

    1,988        97,929   

Peoples Bancorp, Inc.

    5,988        155,269   

Peoples Financial Services Corp. (b)

    3,024        150,232   

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.

    16,419        649,207   

Preferred Bank

    6,777        189,011   

PrivateBancorp, Inc.

    33,931        1,133,295   

Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.

    34,101        1,887,831   

Renasant Corp.

    15,636        452,349   

Republic Bancorp, Inc. - Class A

    5,421        134,007   

S&T Bancorp, Inc. (b)

    15,660        466,825   

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

    13,670        356,514   

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida (a)

    10,342        142,203   

Sierra Bancorp

    6,446        113,192   

Simmons First National Corp. - Class A

    7,124        289,591   

South State Corp.

    12,195        818,041   

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    12,379        357,877   

Southwest Bancorp, Inc.

    11,069        192,158   

State Bank Financial Corp.

    16,379        327,252   

Sterling Bancorp

    42,278        607,958   

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

    7,089        236,347   

Stonegate Bank (b)

    3,497        103,581   

Suffolk Bancorp

    6,378        144,844   

Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.

    86,650        1,163,709   

Talmer Bancorp, Inc. - Class A

    7,188        100,920   

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,102        1,200,802   

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    7,424        410,547   

TowneBank (b)

    12,365        186,959   

Trico Bancshares

    11,155        275,528   

TriState Capital Holdings, Inc. (a)

    11,422        116,961   

Trustmark Corp.

    34,161        838,311   

UMB Financial Corp.

    17,961        1,021,801   

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

    79,077        1,345,100   

Union Bankshares Corp.

    22,489        541,535   

United Bankshares, Inc. (b)

    32,578        1,220,046   

United Community Banks, Inc.

    24,926        472,098   

Univest Corp. of Pennsylvania

    9,559        193,474   

Valley National Bancorp (b)

    109,795        1,066,109   

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (b)

    7,713        309,908   

Webster Financial Corp.

    42,401        1,379,305   

WesBanco, Inc. (b)

    12,861        447,563   

West Bancorp, Inc.

    8,036        136,773   

Westamerica Bancorp (b)

    12,513        613,387   

Western Alliance Bancorp (a)

    37,712        1,048,394   

Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.

    35,291        357,498   

Wintrust Financial Corp.

    22,057        1,031,385   

Yadkin Financial Corp. (a)

    10,344        203,260   
   

 

 

 
      65,539,268   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—0.2%

  

Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The) - Class A (a)

    4,062        1,176,112   

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

    2,376        209,159   

National Beverage Corp. (a)

    7,440        168,293   
   

 

 

 
      1,553,564   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Biotechnology—5.2%

  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    39,405      $ 1,251,109   

Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,268        322,121   

Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    49,415        605,334   

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,455        835,996   

Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,687        307,546   

Agenus, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,824        130,311   

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,812        763,216   

Alder Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    4,401        128,025   

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,699        498,611   

Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    16,580        534,705   

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    114,562        397,530   

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    81,659        560,997   

Array BioPharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    64,536        305,255   

Arrowhead Research Corp. (a) (b)

    25,887        191,046   

Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,121        268,750   

Avalanche Biotechnologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    3,625        195,750   

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    34,840        423,654   

Bluebird Bio, Inc. (a)

    10,986        1,007,636   

Calithera Biosciences, Inc. (a)

    5,669        114,514   

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    45,622        832,601   

Cepheid, Inc. (a) (b)

    34,332        1,858,734   

Chimerix, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,917        600,558   

Clovis Oncology, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,230        684,880   

CTI BioPharma Corp. (a) (b)

    70,525        166,439   

Dyax Corp. (a)

    69,204        973,008   

Dynavax Technologies Corp. (a) (b)

    13,709        231,134   

Emergent Biosolutions, Inc. (a)

    13,410        365,154   

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    5,235        266,200   

Epizyme, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,547        123,542   

Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    3,379        136,647   

Exact Sciences Corp. (a) (b)

    40,546        1,112,582   

Exelixis, Inc. (a) (b)

    97,859        140,917   

FibroGen, Inc. (a)

    6,346        173,500   

Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,981        242,487   

Foundation Medicine, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,156        159,006   

Genomic Health, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,810        281,656   

Geron Corp. (a) (b)

    81,988        266,461   

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    47,510        458,471   

Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,592        146,796   

Hyperion Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

    6,976        167,424   

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,677        144,106   

ImmunoGen, Inc. (a)

    44,397        270,822   

Immunomedics, Inc. (a) (b)

    39,907        191,554   

Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    24,496        413,737   

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,639        244,546   

Insmed, Inc. (a)

    25,006        386,843   

Insys Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

    4,440        187,190   

Intrexon Corp. (a) (b)

    17,705        487,419   

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    58,760        900,203   

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    56,969        3,517,266   

Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,236        233,413   

Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    46,107        652,414   

Kite Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,400        253,748   

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,707        301,959   

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    120,249        109,415   

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,234        544,551   

MacroGenics, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,125        355,084   

Biotechnology—(Continued)

  

MannKind Corp. (a) (b)

    111,868      583,392   

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    46,931        530,320   

MiMedx Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    49,469        570,378   

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    23,710        285,468   

Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    84,045        158,845   

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    35,288        788,334   

NewLink Genetics Corp. (a) (b)

    8,942        355,445   

Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    18,629        99,665   

Novavax, Inc. (a) (b)

    118,690        703,832   

NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    51,119        1,828,527   

OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    6,539        142,289   

Ophthotech Corp. (a) (b)

    6,374        286,001   

Opko Health, Inc. (a) (b)

    95,942        958,461   

Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    58,227        352,856   

Organovo Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    37,857        274,463   

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,827        157,134   

Otonomy, Inc. (a)

    3,859        128,620   

OvaScience, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,516        376,578   

PDL BioPharma, Inc. (b)

    82,274        634,333   

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    94,929        131,951   

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    21,155        599,110   

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,263        243,908   

Prothena Corp. plc (a) (b)

    13,701        284,433   

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,023        622,431   

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,332        2,144,808   

Radius Health, Inc. (a)

    4,217        164,083   

Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (a) (b)

    30,816        324,184   

Receptos, Inc. (a)

    10,658        1,305,712   

Regulus Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,553        121,150   

Repligen Corp. (a)

    18,018        356,756   

Retrophin, Inc. (a)

    12,865        157,468   

Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    48,713        110,579   

Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    2,969        108,665   

Sangamo Biosciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    31,616        480,879   

Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    19,766        286,014   

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    30,932        214,359   

Synageva BioPharma Corp. (a) (b)

    10,577        981,440   

Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    42,569        129,835   

TESARO, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,695        360,557   

TG Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,383        196,147   

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a) (b)

    3,657        160,469   

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,273        290,309   

Xencor, Inc. (a)

    7,999        128,304   

XOMA Corp. (a) (b)

    41,315        148,321   

ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. (a) (b)

    38,299        194,176   
   

 

 

 
      46,885,562   
   

 

 

 

Building Products—0.8%

  

AAON, Inc. (b)

    21,161        473,795   

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

    6,912        158,838   

American Woodmark Corp. (a)

    5,650        228,486   

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    13,684        579,791   

Builders FirstSource, Inc. (a) (b)

    25,665        176,318   

Continental Building Products, Inc. (a)

    6,361        112,780   

Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (a)

    14,856        241,559   

Griffon Corp.

    16,917        224,996   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Building Products—(Continued)

  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

    9,958      $ 234,810   

Masonite International Corp. (a)

    14,468        889,203   

NCI Building Systems, Inc. (a)

    14,301        264,854   

Nortek, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,481        364,440   

Patrick Industries, Inc. (a)

    3,662        161,055   

PGT, Inc. (a)

    24,381        234,789   

Ply Gem Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,295        157,904   

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    17,697        332,350   

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    20,877        722,344   

Trex Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    16,564        705,295   

Universal Forest Products, Inc.

    10,498        558,494   
   

 

 

 
      6,822,101   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—1.4%

  

Arlington Asset Investment Corp. - Class A (b)

    10,056        267,590   

Ashford, Inc. (a) (b)

    363        34,122   

BGC Partners, Inc. - Class A

    86,085        787,678   

Calamos Asset Management, Inc. - Class A

    11,175        148,851   

Cohen & Steers, Inc. (b)

    9,693        407,881   

Cowen Group, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    58,121        278,981   

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (b)

    1,546        213,410   

Evercore Partners, Inc. - Class A

    16,148        845,671   

FBR & Co. (a)

    5,282        129,884   

Financial Engines, Inc. (b)

    24,757        904,868   

FXCM, Inc. - Class A (b)

    22,823        378,177   

GAMCO Investors, Inc. - Class A

    3,184        283,185   

GFI Group, Inc.

    39,099        213,090   

Greenhill & Co., Inc. (b)

    13,790        601,244   

HFF, Inc. - Class A

    15,189        545,589   

International FCStone, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,668        157,731   

Investment Technology Group, Inc. (a)

    17,949        373,698   

Janus Capital Group, Inc. (b)

    69,578        1,122,293   

KCG Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    18,746        218,391   

Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services, Inc. (a) (b)

    51,090        201,805   

Moelis & Co. - Class A

    2,712        94,730   

OM Asset Management plc (a)

    14,839        240,985   

Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    5,749        133,664   

Piper Jaffray Cos. (a)

    7,967        462,803   

Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,857        235,006   

Stifel Financial Corp. (a)

    31,775        1,621,160   

SWS Group, Inc. (a)

    16,337        112,889   

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    3,430        584,781   

Walter Investment Management Corp. (a) (b)

    19,069        314,829   

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.

    3,352        207,221   

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (b)

    50,887        797,654   
   

 

 

 
      12,919,861   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—2.1%

  

A. Schulman, Inc.

    15,164        614,597   

Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,564        217,964   

American Vanguard Corp. (b)

    14,887        172,987   

Axiall Corp.

    33,226        1,411,108   

Balchem Corp. (b)

    15,297        1,019,392   

Calgon Carbon Corp. (a)

    26,333        547,200   

Chase Corp.

    3,533        127,153   

Chemicals—(Continued)

  

Chemtura Corp. (a)

    39,487      976,513   

Ferro Corp. (a)

    34,923        452,602   

Flotek Industries, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,380        494,097   

FutureFuel Corp.

    10,195        132,739   

Hawkins, Inc.

    4,778        207,031   

HB Fuller Co.

    23,919        1,065,113   

Innophos Holdings, Inc.

    10,139        592,624   

Innospec, Inc.

    12,490        533,323   

Intrepid Potash, Inc. (a) (b)

    27,693        384,379   

KMG Chemicals, Inc.

    5,249        104,980   

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    10,265        266,685   

Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. (a)

    16,524        343,534   

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (b)

    10,959        142,686   

Landec Corp. (a)

    14,010        193,478   

LSB Industries, Inc. (a)

    9,253        290,914   

Minerals Technologies, Inc.

    16,901        1,173,774   

Olin Corp. (b)

    38,118        867,947   

OM Group, Inc.

    16,641        495,902   

OMNOVA Solutions, Inc. (a)

    24,497        199,406   

PolyOne Corp.

    45,404        1,721,266   

Quaker Chemical Corp.

    6,591        606,636   

Rentech, Inc. (a) (b)

    115,307        145,287   

Senomyx, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,054        132,544   

Sensient Technologies Corp.

    24,300        1,466,262   

Stepan Co.

    8,339        334,227   

Trecora Resources (a)

    10,819        159,039   

Tredegar Corp.

    13,367        300,624   

Trinseo S.A. (a) (b)

    6,293        109,813   

Tronox, Ltd. - Class A

    30,359        724,973   

Zep, Inc.

    10,762        163,044   
   

 

 

 
      18,891,843   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—2.1%

  

ABM Industries, Inc.

    27,975        801,484   

ACCO Brands Corp. (a)

    56,671        510,606   

ARC Document Solutions, Inc. (a)

    21,379        218,493   

Brady Corp. - Class A

    22,732        621,493   

Brink’s Co. (The)

    24,924        608,395   

Ceco Environmental Corp.

    9,240        143,590   

Civeo Corp.

    45,952        188,863   

Deluxe Corp.

    23,936        1,490,016   

Ennis, Inc.

    14,123        190,237   

G&K Services, Inc. - Class A

    9,849        697,802   

Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (b)

    34,663        1,072,127   

Herman Miller, Inc.

    29,708        874,306   

HNI Corp.

    22,107        1,128,783   

InnerWorkings, Inc. (a) (b)

    18,030        140,454   

Interface, Inc.

    31,333        516,054   

Kimball International, Inc. - Class B

    18,813        171,574   

Knoll, Inc.

    23,781        503,444   

Matthews International Corp. - Class A

    15,251        742,266   

McGrath RentCorp

    13,375        479,627   

Mobile Mini, Inc.

    22,905        927,881   

MSA Safety, Inc.

    14,087        747,879   

Multi-Color Corp. (b)

    6,168        341,830   

Performant Financial Corp. (a)

    12,041        80,073   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Commercial Services & Supplies—(Continued)

  

Quad/Graphics, Inc.

    13,076      $ 300,225   

SP Plus Corp. (a)

    8,683        219,072   

Steelcase, Inc. - Class A

    41,383        742,825   

Team, Inc. (a)

    10,055        406,825   

Tetra Tech, Inc. (e)

    31,618        844,201   

U.S. Ecology, Inc. (b)

    10,067        403,888   

UniFirst Corp.

    7,187        872,861   

United Stationers, Inc. (b)

    18,238        768,914   

Viad Corp.

    11,786        314,215   

West Corp.

    18,891        623,403   
   

 

 

 
      18,693,706   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—1.4%

  

ADTRAN, Inc.

    26,122        569,460   

Aruba Networks, Inc. (a)

    50,397        916,217   

Bel Fuse, Inc. - Class B

    5,512        150,698   

Black Box Corp.

    6,291        150,355   

CalAmp Corp. (a) (b)

    19,380        354,654   

Calix, Inc. (a)

    19,494        195,330   

Ciena Corp. (a) (b)

    51,644        1,002,410   

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    8,068        254,303   

Digi International, Inc. (a)

    14,316        132,996   

Emulex Corp. (a)

    40,667        230,582   

Extreme Networks, Inc. (a)

    49,338        174,163   

Finisar Corp. (a) (b)

    50,382        977,915   

Harmonic, Inc. (a)

    48,063        336,922   

Infinera Corp. (a) (b)

    59,921        882,037   

InterDigital, Inc. (b)

    17,703        936,489   

Ixia (a)

    28,748        323,415   

KVH Industries, Inc. (a)

    8,641        109,309   

NETGEAR, Inc. (a)

    17,479        621,903   

Plantronics, Inc.

    20,899        1,108,065   

Polycom, Inc. (a)

    67,951        917,338   

Ruckus Wireless, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,295        388,186   

ShoreTel, Inc. (a)

    28,961        212,863   

Sonus Networks, Inc. (a) (b)

    111,897        444,231   

Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. (b)

    14,660        434,522   

ViaSat, Inc. (a) (b)

    19,916        1,255,305   
   

 

 

 
      13,079,668   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.7%

  

Aegion Corp. (a)

    20,173        375,420   

Argan, Inc.

    6,140        206,550   

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    19,376        331,717   

Dycom Industries, Inc. (a)

    16,749        587,722   

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    33,263        1,479,871   

Furmanite Corp. (a)

    19,494        152,443   

Granite Construction, Inc.

    19,068        724,965   

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. (a)

    30,172        258,272   

Layne Christensen Co. (a) (b)

    10,645        101,553   

MasTec, Inc. (a)

    32,059        724,854   

MYR Group, Inc. (a)

    10,017        274,466   

Northwest Pipe Co. (a)

    4,794        144,395   

Orion Marine Group, Inc. (a)

    14,575        161,054   

Primoris Services Corp.

    17,845        414,718   

Tutor Perini Corp. (a)

    19,192        461,952   
   

 

 

 
      6,399,952   
   

 

 

 

Construction Materials—0.1%

  

Headwaters, Inc. (a)

    38,364      575,076   

U.S. Concrete, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,217        205,324   
   

 

 

 
      780,400   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—0.6%

  

Cash America International, Inc.

    14,003        316,748   

Credit Acceptance Corp. (a) (b)

    2,944        401,591   

Encore Capital Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,804        568,497   

Enova International, Inc. (a)

    12,812        285,195   

Ezcorp, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    24,505        287,934   

First Cash Financial Services, Inc. (a)

    14,639        814,953   

Green Dot Corp. - Class A (a)

    15,649        320,648   

Nelnet, Inc. - Class A

    10,320        478,126   

PRA Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    23,875        1,383,079   

Springleaf Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,201        405,140   

World Acceptance Corp. (a) (b)

    3,560        282,842   
   

 

 

 
      5,544,753   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—0.4%

  

AEP Industries, Inc. (a)

    2,193        127,523   

Berry Plastics Group, Inc. (a)

    44,247        1,395,993   

Graphic Packaging Holding Co. (a)

    160,202        2,181,951   

Myers Industries, Inc.

    13,337        234,731   
   

 

 

 
      3,940,198   
   

 

 

 

Distributors—0.2%

  

Core-Mark Holding Co., Inc.

    11,864        734,738   

Pool Corp.

    21,723        1,378,107   
   

 

 

 
      2,112,845   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—1.0%

  

2U, Inc. (a)

    5,705        112,160   

American Public Education, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,357        271,253   

Ascent Capital Group, Inc. - Class A (a)

    6,860        363,100   

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (a)

    15,292        718,877   

Capella Education Co.

    5,633        433,516   

Career Education Corp. (a)

    30,241        210,477   

Carriage Services, Inc.

    9,414        197,223   

Chegg, Inc. (a) (b)

    37,968        262,359   

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (a)

    22,843        1,065,854   

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co. (a)

    53,858        1,115,399   

ITT Educational Services, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,709        122,134   

K12, Inc. (a)

    17,337        205,790   

LifeLock, Inc. (a) (b)

    40,242        744,879   

Regis Corp. (a)

    24,117        404,201   

Sotheby’s (b)

    30,046        1,297,386   

Steiner Leisure, Ltd. (a)

    7,524        347,684   

Strayer Education, Inc. (a)

    5,524        410,323   

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

    11,178        109,992   

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,219        353,200   
   

 

 

 
      8,745,807   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.3%

  

Gain Capital Holdings, Inc.

    12,111        109,241   

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    17,813        1,277,370   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Diversified Financial Services—(Continued)

  

NewStar Financial, Inc. (a)

    14,397      $ 184,282   

PHH Corp. (a) (b)

    24,884        596,221   

PICO Holdings, Inc. (a)

    12,147        228,971   
   

 

 

 
      2,396,085   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—0.6%

  

8x8, Inc. (a) (b)

    43,269        396,344   

Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.

    4,754        321,323   

Cincinnati Bell, Inc. (a)

    102,081        325,638   

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    22,011        778,969   

Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (b)

    24,229        674,293   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. (a)

    11,602        164,864   

General Communication, Inc. - Class A (a)

    16,537        227,384   

Globalstar, Inc. (a) (b)

    125,841        346,063   

Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,401        176,476   

IDT Corp. - Class B

    8,438        171,376   

inContact, Inc. (a) (b)

    27,382        240,688   

Inteliquent, Inc.

    16,025        314,571   

Intelsat S.A. (a) (b)

    13,533        234,933   

Iridium Communications, Inc. (a) (b)

    40,171        391,667   

Lumos Networks Corp.

    8,454        142,196   

ORBCOMM, Inc. (a)

    27,147        177,541   

Premiere Global Services, Inc. (a)

    24,982        265,309   

Vonage Holdings Corp. (a)

    74,697        284,596   
   

 

 

 
      5,634,231   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—1.3%

  

ALLETE, Inc.

    21,460        1,183,304   

Cleco Corp.

    29,040        1,583,842   

El Paso Electric Co.

    18,779        752,287   

Empire District Electric Co. (The)

    22,399        666,146   

IDACORP, Inc. (b)

    23,679        1,567,313   

MGE Energy, Inc.

    16,879        769,851   

NRG Yield, Inc. - Class A (b)

    11,593        546,494   

Otter Tail Corp. (b)

    18,873        584,308   

PNM Resources, Inc.

    37,169        1,101,318   

Portland General Electric Co. (b)

    36,592        1,384,275   

UIL Holdings Corp. (b)

    27,339        1,190,340   

Unitil Corp.

    7,429        272,422   
   

 

 

 
      11,601,900   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.9%

  

AZZ, Inc.

    12,522        587,532   

Capstone Turbine Corp. (a) (b)

    165,155        122,099   

Encore Wire Corp.

    10,537        393,346   

EnerSys (b)

    22,957        1,416,906   

Enphase Energy, Inc. (a)

    9,620        137,470   

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

    23,378        877,376   

FuelCell Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    111,070        171,048   

Generac Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    33,669        1,574,363   

General Cable Corp.

    24,951        371,770   

Global Power Equipment Group, Inc.

    8,163        112,731   

GrafTech International, Ltd. (a) (b)

    58,953        298,302   

Plug Power, Inc. (a) (b)

    78,410        235,230   

Polypore International, Inc. (a) (b)

    21,441        1,008,799   

Electrical Equipment—(Continued)

  

Powell Industries, Inc. (b)

    4,404      216,104   

Power Solutions International, Inc. (a) (b)

    2,293        118,342   

PowerSecure International, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,992        116,407   

Thermon Group Holdings, Inc. (a)

    15,847        383,339   

Vicor Corp. (a)

    8,633        104,459   
   

 

 

 
      8,245,623   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—2.5%

  

Anixter International, Inc. (a)

    13,642        1,206,771   

Badger Meter, Inc. (b)

    6,820        404,767   

Belden, Inc.

    21,125        1,664,861   

Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (a)

    26,588        676,399   

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (a)

    21,005        288,399   

Cognex Corp. (a)

    42,029        1,737,059   

Coherent, Inc. (a)

    12,319        748,010   

CTS Corp.

    18,070        322,188   

Daktronics, Inc.

    18,513        231,598   

DTS, Inc. (a)

    9,298        285,914   

Electro Rent Corp.

    9,062        127,230   

Fabrinet (a)

    17,507        310,574   

FARO Technologies, Inc. (a)

    8,551        535,977   

FEI Co.

    19,981        1,805,283   

GSI Group, Inc. (a)

    18,739        275,838   

II-VI, Inc. (a) (b)

    27,302        372,672   

Insight Enterprises, Inc. (a) (e)

    19,337        500,635   

InvenSense, Inc. (a) (b)

    34,992        568,970   

Itron, Inc. (a)

    19,812        837,850   

Kimball Electronics, Inc. (a)

    14,109        169,590   

Littelfuse, Inc.

    11,202        1,082,897   

Maxwell Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,377        131,118   

Mercury Systems, Inc. (a)

    15,581        216,888   

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.

    1,474        113,955   

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    19,169        699,860   

MTS Systems Corp.

    7,482        561,374   

Newport Corp. (a)

    20,202        386,060   

OSI Systems, Inc. (a)

    10,001        707,771   

Park Electrochemical Corp.

    10,569        263,485   

PC Connection, Inc.

    5,366        131,735   

Plexus Corp. (a) (e)

    17,502        721,257   

RealD, Inc. (a)

    18,684        220,471   

Rofin-Sinar Technologies, Inc. (a)

    15,227        438,081   

Rogers Corp. (a)

    8,965        730,110   

Sanmina Corp. (a)

    38,743        911,623   

ScanSource, Inc. (a)

    14,516        582,963   

SYNNEX Corp.

    13,438        1,050,314   

TTM Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,923        202,730   

Universal Display Corp. (a) (b)

    21,034        583,694   

Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (a)

    6,727        115,435   
   

 

 

 
      22,922,406   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—1.2%

  

Basic Energy Services, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,197        99,521   

Bristow Group, Inc.

    17,044        1,121,325   

C&J Energy Services, Inc. (a)

    23,819        314,649   

CARBO Ceramics, Inc. (b)

    9,345        374,267   

Era Group, Inc. (a)

    10,332        218,522   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Energy Equipment & Services—(Continued)

  

Exterran Holdings, Inc.

    28,971      $ 943,875   

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (a)

    29,182        604,943   

Geospace Technologies Corp. (a) (b)

    6,866        181,949   

Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc.

    7,812        151,475   

GulfMark Offshore, Inc. - Class A (b)

    13,516        330,061   

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (a)

    52,891        1,147,735   

Hercules Offshore, Inc. (a) (b)

    82,886        82,886   

Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. (a) (b)

    18,165        453,580   

ION Geophysical Corp. (a) (b)

    64,763        178,098   

Key Energy Services, Inc. (a)

    64,648        107,962   

Matrix Service Co. (a)

    14,196        316,855   

McDermott International, Inc. (a) (b)

    116,414        338,765   

Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (a)

    6,643        153,055   

Newpark Resources, Inc. (a)

    42,672        407,091   

Nordic American Offshore, Ltd. (a) (b)

    13,678        167,966   

Parker Drilling Co. (a)

    61,149        187,727   

PHI, Inc. (a)

    6,426        240,332   

Pioneer Energy Services Corp. (a)

    31,825        176,310   

RigNet, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,320        218,280   

SEACOR Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,116        746,662   

Tesco Corp.

    16,366        209,812   

TETRA Technologies, Inc. (a)

    39,068        260,974   

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (b)

    26,394        678,062   

Willbros Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,413        140,529   
   

 

 

 
      10,553,268   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—1.0%

  

Andersons, Inc. (The)

    13,251        704,158   

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (b)

    18,741        1,692,687   

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    8,577        197,614   

Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (a)

    9,007        246,522   

Fresh Market, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    21,412        882,174   

Ingles Markets, Inc. - Class A

    6,173        228,957   

Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,060        142,540   

Pantry, Inc. (The) (a)

    12,441        461,063   

Pricesmart, Inc. (b)

    8,697        793,340   

Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (a)

    9,850        154,941   

SpartanNash Co.

    19,948        521,441   

SUPERVALU, Inc. (a)

    101,674        986,238   

United Natural Foods, Inc. (a)

    24,142        1,866,780   

Weis Markets, Inc.

    6,205        296,723   
   

 

 

 
      9,175,178   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.5%

  

B&G Foods, Inc. (b)

    26,523        793,038   

Boulder Brands, Inc. (a) (b)

    31,712        350,735   

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (b)

    14,936        582,952   

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    7,353        347,797   

Chiquita Brands International, Inc. (a)

    24,259        350,785   

Darling Ingredients, Inc. (a)

    80,172        1,455,924   

Dean Foods Co. (b)

    46,603        903,166   

Diamond Foods, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,938        337,010   

Farmer Bros Co. (a)

    4,203        123,778   

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.

    16,577        556,158   

Freshpet, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,991        153,386   

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    7,446        809,901   

Food Products—(Continued)

  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    4,642      211,211   

Lancaster Colony Corp.

    8,511        796,970   

Limoneira Co. (b)

    4,954        123,751   

Omega Protein Corp. (a)

    11,349        119,959   

Post Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,440        940,012   

Sanderson Farms, Inc. (b)

    11,435        960,826   

Seaboard Corp. (a) (b)

    128        537,338   

Seneca Foods Corp. - Class A (a)

    4,612        124,662   

Snyders-Lance, Inc.

    22,934        700,634   

Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. (b)

    10,237        313,764   

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (a)

    20,661        1,767,135   
   

 

 

 
      13,360,892   
   

 

 

 

Gas Utilities—1.1%

  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp. (b)

    6,975        346,379   

Laclede Group, Inc. (The)

    20,981        1,116,189   

New Jersey Resources Corp.

    19,650        1,202,580   

Northwest Natural Gas Co. (b)

    12,275        612,522   

ONE Gas, Inc.

    25,410        1,047,400   

Piedmont Natural Gas Co., Inc.

    38,534        1,518,625   

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    15,904        937,223   

Southwest Gas Corp.

    22,160        1,369,710   

WGL Holdings, Inc. (b)

    25,094        1,370,634   
   

 

 

 
      9,521,262   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—3.3%

  

Abaxis, Inc. (b)

    10,347        588,020   

ABIOMED, Inc. (a)

    19,803        753,702   

Accuray, Inc. (a) (b)

    37,218        280,996   

Analogic Corp.

    6,542        553,519   

AngioDynamics, Inc. (a)

    13,423        255,171   

Anika Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

    7,087        288,724   

Antares Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    63,955        164,364   

AtriCure, Inc. (a)

    16,421        327,763   

Atrion Corp. (b)

    874        297,169   

Cantel Medical Corp.

    16,951        733,300   

Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (a)

    12,840        386,227   

Cerus Corp. (a) (b)

    39,154        244,321   

CONMED Corp.

    14,206        638,702   

CryoLife, Inc.

    17,220        195,103   

Cyberonics, Inc. (a)

    13,162        732,860   

Cynosure, Inc. - Class A (a)

    11,463        314,315   

Derma Sciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,829        100,818   

DexCom, Inc. (a)

    36,695        2,020,060   

Endologix, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,408        495,518   

Exactech, Inc. (a)

    5,322        125,440   

GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. (a) (b)

    19,362        263,517   

Globus Medical, Inc. - Class A (a)

    32,393        769,982   

Greatbatch, Inc. (a)

    12,931        637,498   

Haemonetics Corp. (a)

    26,522        992,453   

HeartWare International, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,570        629,295   

ICU Medical, Inc. (a)

    6,398        523,996   

Insulet Corp. (a)

    27,643        1,273,237   

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp. (a)

    12,903        699,730   

Invacare Corp.

    15,930        266,987   

LDR Holding Corp. (a)

    8,441        276,696   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—(Continued)

  

Masimo Corp. (a)

    21,582      $ 568,470   

Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (b)

    22,552        371,206   

Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (a)

    21,638        374,987   

Natus Medical, Inc. (a)

    16,472        593,651   

Neogen Corp. (a)

    17,828        884,091   

Nevro Corp. (a) (b)

    5,390        208,431   

NuVasive, Inc. (a)

    21,973        1,036,247   

NxStage Medical, Inc. (a)

    30,508        547,008   

OraSure Technologies, Inc. (a)

    29,491        299,039   

Orthofix International NV (a) (b)

    9,598        288,516   

Quidel Corp. (a) (b)

    13,903        402,075   

Rockwell Medical, Inc. (a)

    22,438        230,663   

RTI Surgical, Inc. (a)

    30,534        158,777   

Spectranetics Corp. (The) (a) (b)

    21,548        745,130   

STAAR Surgical Co. (a) (b)

    19,419        176,907   

STERIS Corp.

    28,172        1,826,954   

SurModics, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,420        119,782   

Symmetry Surgical, Inc. (a)

    5,265        41,014   

Thoratec Corp. (a)

    28,903        938,191   

Tornier NV (a)

    17,693        451,171   

Unilife Corp. (a) (b)

    55,575        186,176   

Utah Medical Products, Inc.

    2,002        120,220   

Vascular Solutions, Inc. (a)

    9,953        270,323   

Volcano Corp. (a) (b)

    27,732        495,848   

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    33,415        1,779,015   

Wright Medical Group, Inc. (a)

    24,578        660,411   

Zeltiq Aesthetics, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,709        410,528   
   

 

 

 
      30,014,314   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—2.4%

  

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    21,047        1,288,287   

Adeptus Health, Inc. - Class A (a)

    3,115        116,501   

Air Methods Corp. (a) (b)

    18,730        824,682   

Almost Family, Inc. (a)

    4,667        135,110   

Amedisys, Inc. (a)

    13,972        410,078   

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (a)

    23,983        470,067   

Amsurg Corp. (a)

    20,846        1,140,902   

Bio-Reference Labs, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,716        408,565   

BioScrip, Inc. (a) (b)

    29,688        207,519   

BioTelemetry, Inc. (a)

    15,006        150,510   

Capital Senior Living Corp. (a)

    14,260        355,217   

Chemed Corp. (b)

    8,215        868,079   

Corvel Corp. (a)

    5,325        198,196   

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (a)

    16,495        205,858   

Ensign Group, Inc. (The)

    9,034        401,019   

ExamWorks Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,240        717,012   

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (a)

    16,117        307,029   

Hanger, Inc. (a)

    17,356        380,096   

HealthEquity, Inc. (a)

    5,645        143,665   

HealthSouth Corp.

    42,069        1,617,974   

Healthways, Inc. (a) (b)

    16,239        322,831   

IPC The Hospitalist Co., Inc. (a)

    9,377        430,310   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc.

    34,461        626,501   

Landauer, Inc. (b)

    5,165        176,333   

LHC Group, Inc. (a)

    6,847        213,489   

Magellan Health, Inc. (a)

    13,774        826,853   

Health Care Providers & Services—(Continued)

  

Molina Healthcare, Inc. (a)

    14,027      750,865   

MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (a)

    6,043        1,026,766   

National Healthcare Corp.

    5,246        329,659   

Owens & Minor, Inc. (b)

    31,521        1,106,702   

PharMerica Corp. (a)

    13,843        286,689   

Providence Service Corp. (The) (a)

    4,961        180,779   

RadNet, Inc. (a)

    17,918        153,020   

Select Medical Holdings Corp.

    38,917        560,405   

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,471        251,399   

Team Health Holdings, Inc. (a)

    34,473        1,983,232   

Triple-S Management Corp. - Class B (a)

    12,074        288,689   

U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

    6,011        252,222   

Universal American Corp. (a)

    20,509        190,323   

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (a)

    21,378        1,754,279   
   

 

 

 
      22,057,712   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—0.5%

  

Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. (b)

    5,856        355,752   

HealthStream, Inc. (a)

    10,052        296,333   

HMS Holdings Corp. (a) (b)

    44,959        950,433   

MedAssets, Inc. (a)

    31,309        618,666   

Medidata Solutions, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,770        1,278,268   

Merge Healthcare, Inc. (a)

    38,387        136,658   

Omnicell, Inc. (a)

    18,760        621,331   

Quality Systems, Inc.

    24,814        386,850   

Vocera Communications, Inc. (a)

    11,244        117,162   
   

 

 

 
      4,761,453   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—2.9%

  

Belmond, Ltd. - Class A (a)

    45,218        559,347   

Biglari Holdings, Inc. (a)

    871        347,973   

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,878        546,184   

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (a)

    38,253        947,144   

Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

    12,754        652,750   

Boyd Gaming Corp. (a) (b)

    35,670        455,863   

Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. (a)

    9,979        138,808   

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,275        1,673,024   

Caesars Acquisition Co. - Class A (a)

    27,244        280,886   

Caesars Entertainment Corp. (a) (b)

    25,824        405,179   

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,354        155,301   

Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (The) (b)

    23,244        1,169,406   

Churchill Downs, Inc.

    6,136        584,761   

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,272        162,710   

ClubCorp Holdings, Inc.

    11,474        205,729   

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (b)

    9,028        1,270,781   

Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (a)

    12,052        286,114   

Denny’s Corp. (a)

    44,196        455,661   

Diamond Resorts International, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,878        498,796   

DineEquity, Inc.

    7,910        819,792   

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,371        812,957   

Habit Restaurants, Inc. (The) - Class A (a)

    4,280        138,458   

International Speedway Corp. - Class A

    12,533        396,669   

Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (b)

    19,771        413,016   

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    19,588        1,566,256   

Jamba, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,661        145,784   

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (a) (b)

    33,031        652,032   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—(Continued)

  

La Quinta Holdings, Inc. (a)

    19,995      $ 441,090   

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (a)

    20,079        1,136,873   

Marcus Corp.

    6,771        125,331   

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    13,105        976,847   

Morgans Hotel Group Co. (a)

    12,602        98,800   

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. (a)

    1,762        140,960   

Noodles & Co. (a) (b)

    5,702        150,248   

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    14,171        790,742   

Penn National Gaming, Inc. (a)

    39,538        542,857   

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (a) (b)

    27,272        606,802   

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (a)

    11,867        667,756   

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (a)

    7,250        558,069   

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (a) (b)

    31,853        217,875   

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

    17,912        268,680   

Scientific Games Corp. - Class A (a)

    22,727        289,315   

Sonic Corp.

    27,410        746,374   

Speedway Motorsports, Inc.

    7,078        154,796   

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    33,641        1,135,720   

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    17,733        1,616,008   
   

 

 

 
      26,406,524   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—1.1%

   

Beazer Homes USA, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,700        265,232   

Cavco Industries, Inc. (a)

    4,452        352,910   

CSS Industries, Inc.

    4,201        116,116   

Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. (b)

    12,159        376,564   

Helen of Troy, Ltd. (a)

    13,964        908,498   

Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    56,064        231,544   

iRobot Corp. (a)

    14,746        511,981   

KB Home (b)

    43,434        718,833   

La-Z-Boy, Inc.

    26,643        715,098   

LGI Homes, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,793        116,272   

Libbey, Inc. (a)

    10,247        322,166   

M/I Homes, Inc. (a)

    12,868        295,449   

MDC Holdings, Inc. (b)

    19,869        525,932   

Meritage Homes Corp. (a)

    19,962        718,432   

NACCO Industries, Inc. - Class A

    2,380        141,277   

Ryland Group, Inc. (The) (b)

    23,149        892,625   

Standard Pacific Corp. (a) (b)

    71,989        524,800   

TRI Pointe Homes, Inc. (a)

    72,675        1,108,294   

Universal Electronics, Inc. (a)

    7,461        485,189   

WCI Communities, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,498        127,231   

William Lyon Homes - Class A (a)

    9,057        183,585   
   

 

 

 
      9,638,028   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—0.2%

   

Central Garden and Pet Co. - Class A (a)

    23,384        223,317   

Harbinger Group, Inc. (a)

    41,219        583,661   

Orchids Paper Products Co.

    3,667        106,747   

WD-40 Co. (b)

    7,863        668,984   
   

 

 

 
      1,582,709   
   

 

 

 

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers—0.4%

  

Abengoa Yield plc (b)

    13,281        362,837   

Atlantic Power Corp. (b)

    59,196        160,421   

Dynegy, Inc. (a)

    59,317        1,800,271   

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers—(Continued)

   

Ormat Technologies, Inc.

    9,298      252,720   

Pattern Energy Group, Inc.

    19,338        476,875   

TerraForm Power, Inc. - Class A

    13,829        427,040   

Vivint Solar, Inc. (a)

    15,451        142,458   
   

 

 

 
      3,622,622   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—0.1%

   

Raven Industries, Inc. (b)

    18,658        466,450   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—2.4%

   

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (a)

    22,444        549,878   

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    34,776        1,015,112   

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    9,298        393,863   

Amtrust Financial Services, Inc. (b)

    14,572        819,675   

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd.

    12,861        713,400   

Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. - Class B

    4,133        106,549   

Citizens, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,172        168,507   

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

    98,977        1,704,384   

Crawford & Co. - Class B (b)

    14,358        147,600   

eHealth, Inc. (a)

    9,723        242,297   

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    16,380        385,094   

Enstar Group, Ltd. (a) (b)

    4,185        639,845   

FBL Financial Group, Inc. - Class A

    4,790        277,964   

Federated National Holding Co.

    5,884        142,157   

Fidelity & Guaranty Life

    4,816        116,884   

First American Financial Corp. (b)

    52,300        1,772,970   

Global Indemnity plc (a)

    3,335        94,614   

Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. - Class A (a) (b)

    13,998        457,035   

HCI Group, Inc. (b)

    5,174        223,724   

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    18,131        601,587   

Infinity Property & Casualty Corp.

    5,597        432,424   

Kemper Corp.

    22,886        826,414   

Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    26,833        343,194   

Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (b)

    26,803        226,753   

Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd. (b)

    17,757        636,056   

National General Holdings Corp.

    15,899        295,880   

National Interstate Corp.

    3,807        113,449   

National Western Life Insurance Co. - Class A

    1,212        326,331   

Navigators Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    5,301        388,775   

OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. - Class A

    11,496        186,235   

Phoenix Cos., Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    3,332        229,475   

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.

    12,541        920,760   

Primerica, Inc.

    26,691        1,448,254   

RLI Corp.

    20,825        1,028,755   

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    6,815        436,228   

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    28,514        774,725   

State Auto Financial Corp.

    7,940        176,427   

State National Cos., Inc. (b)

    16,981        203,432   

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    11,286        418,033   

Symetra Financial Corp.

    37,115        855,501   

Third Point Reinsurance, Ltd. (a)

    28,266        409,574   

United Fire Group, Inc.

    9,732        289,332   

United Insurance Holdings Corp.

    8,654        189,955   

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (b)

    16,046        328,141   
   

 

 

 
      22,057,242   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Internet & Catalog Retail—0.5%

   

1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. - Class A (a)

    13,704      $ 112,921   

Blue Nile, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,605        237,846   

Coupons.com, Inc. (a)

    6,725        119,369   

EVINE Live, Inc. (a)

    23,836        157,079   

FTD Cos., Inc. (a)

    9,600        334,272   

HSN, Inc.

    16,131        1,225,956   

Lands’ End, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,472        457,149   

Nutrisystem, Inc.

    14,262        278,822   

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    26,854        221,008   

Overstock.com, Inc. (a)

    6,447        156,469   

PetMed Express, Inc. (b)

    11,281        162,108   

RetailMeNot, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,308        223,803   

Shutterfly, Inc. (a) (b)

    19,128        797,542   

Travelport Worldwide, Ltd.

    17,496        314,928   

Wayfair, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    8,599        170,690   
   

 

 

 
      4,969,962   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—2.2%

   

Actua Corp. (a)

    20,148        372,134   

Angie’s List, Inc. (a) (b)

    21,237        132,306   

Bankrate, Inc. (a) (b)

    33,123        411,719   

Bazaarvoice, Inc. (a) (b)

    25,119        201,957   

Blucora, Inc. (a)

    20,338        281,681   

Brightcove, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,409        135,442   

Carbonite, Inc. (a)

    9,568        136,535   

ChannelAdvisor Corp. (a) (b)

    10,403        224,497   

Cimpress NV (a) (b)

    16,340        1,222,886   

comScore, Inc. (a)

    16,327        758,063   

Constant Contact, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,503        568,960   

Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,060        917,312   

Cvent, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,029        251,367   

Dealertrack Technologies, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,273        1,164,157   

Demandware, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,754        848,945   

Dice Holdings, Inc. (a)

    16,579        165,956   

Digital River, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,920        368,972   

E2open, Inc. (a)

    12,715        122,191   

EarthLink Holdings Corp.

    52,679        231,261   

Endurance International Group Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,481        285,315   

Envestnet, Inc. (a)

    16,750        823,095   

Gogo, Inc. (a) (b)

    27,419        453,236   

GrubHub, Inc. (a)

    3,643        132,314   

GTT Communications, Inc. (a)

    8,766        115,974   

Internap Corp. (a) (b)

    29,790        237,128   

IntraLinks Holdings, Inc. (a)

    20,583        244,938   

j2 Global, Inc. (b)

    23,025        1,427,550   

Liquidity Services, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,493        102,068   

LivePerson, Inc. (a)

    29,330        413,553   

LogMeIn, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,323        558,677   

Marin Software, Inc. (a)

    13,563        114,743   

Marketo, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,776        418,031   

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (a) (b)

    45,420        209,840   

NIC, Inc.

    33,146        596,296   

Perficient, Inc. (a)

    17,369        323,584   

QuinStreet, Inc. (a)

    19,302        117,163   

Reis, Inc.

    4,641        121,455   

Internet Software & Services—(Continued)

  

Rocket Fuel, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,223      148,675   

SciQuest, Inc. (a)

    15,491        223,845   

Shutterstock, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,587        524,262   

SPS Commerce, Inc. (a)

    7,550        427,556   

Stamps.com, Inc. (a)

    6,857        329,067   

Textura Corp. (a) (b)

    9,452        269,098   

Trulia, Inc. (a)

    18,166        836,181   

United Online, Inc. (a)

    1        15   

Web.com Group, Inc. (a)

    25,502        484,283   

WebMD Health Corp. (a) (b)

    19,045        753,230   

Wix.com, Ltd. (a)

    7,180        150,780   

XO Group, Inc. (a)

    11,690        212,875   

Xoom Corp. (a) (b)

    15,422        270,039   

Zix Corp. (a)

    32,312        116,323   
   

 

 

 
      19,957,530   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—2.4%

  

Acxiom Corp. (a)

    37,591        761,970   

Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    24,769        961,037   

CACI International, Inc. - Class A (a) (e)

    11,906        1,026,059   

Cardtronics, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,736        799,995   

Cass Information Systems, Inc. (b)

    5,928        315,666   

CIBER, Inc. (a)

    40,848        145,010   

Convergys Corp.

    47,930        976,334   

CSG Systems International, Inc. (b)

    18,310        459,032   

Datalink Corp. (a)

    10,457        134,895   

EPAM Systems, Inc. (a)

    17,528        836,962   

Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    25,270        1,387,323   

EVERTEC, Inc.

    32,365        716,237   

ExlService Holdings, Inc. (a)

    16,429        471,677   

Forrester Research, Inc.

    5,782        227,579   

Global Cash Access Holdings, Inc. (a)

    32,995        235,914   

Hackett Group, Inc. (The)

    13,330        117,171   

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (b)

    17,385        937,921   

iGATE Corp. (a)

    17,995        710,443   

Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. (a)

    32,857        188,928   

Luxoft Holding, Inc. (a)

    4,055        156,158   

ManTech International Corp. - Class A

    12,440        376,061   

MAXIMUS, Inc.

    32,153        1,763,270   

MoneyGram International, Inc. (a)

    11,813        107,380   

NeuStar, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    26,451        735,338   

Sapient Corp. (a)

    55,778        1,387,757   

Science Applications International Corp.

    18,820        932,155   

ServiceSource International, Inc. (a) (b)

    30,987        145,019   

Sykes Enterprises, Inc. (a)

    20,461        480,220   

Syntel, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,962        717,971   

TeleTech Holdings, Inc. (a)

    7,377        174,687   

Unisys Corp. (a)

    26,228        773,201   

Virtusa Corp. (a) (b)

    13,325        555,253   

WEX, Inc. (a)

    18,556        1,835,559   
   

 

 

 
      21,550,182   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—0.4%

  

Arctic Cat, Inc.

    6,783        240,797   

Brunswick Corp.

    44,823        2,297,627   

Callaway Golf Co. (b)

    40,594        312,574   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Leisure Products—(Continued)

  

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,500      $ 153,400   

Nautilus, Inc. (a)

    16,328        247,859   

Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    25,637        242,782   

Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc. (b)

    10,261        355,338   
   

 

 

 
      3,850,377   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—0.5%

  

Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,348        217,768   

Affymetrix, Inc. (a) (b) (e)

    41,239        407,029   

Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,484        203,239   

Cambrex Corp. (a)

    15,180        328,192   

Fluidigm Corp. (a) (b)

    13,200        445,236   

INC Research Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    6,623        170,145   

Luminex Corp. (a)

    18,464        346,385   

Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (a) (b)

    27,011        211,766   

PAREXEL International Corp. (a)

    27,302        1,516,899   

PRA Health Sciences, Inc. (a)

    11,583        280,540   

Sequenom, Inc. (a) (b)

    60,324        223,199   
   

 

 

 
      4,350,398   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—2.9%

  

Actuant Corp. - Class A

    30,311        825,672   

Alamo Group, Inc.

    3,532        171,090   

Albany International Corp. - Class A

    14,147        537,444   

Altra Industrial Motion Corp.

    13,385        380,000   

American Railcar Industries, Inc. (b)

    4,708        242,462   

Astec Industries, Inc.

    10,141        398,643   

Barnes Group, Inc.

    27,049        1,001,083   

Blount International, Inc. (a)

    25,829        453,816   

Briggs & Stratton Corp. (b)

    23,052        470,722   

Chart Industries, Inc. (a)

    15,307        523,499   

CIRCOR International, Inc.

    8,835        532,574   

CLARCOR, Inc. (b)

    24,715        1,647,008   

Columbus McKinnon Corp.

    10,074        282,475   

Douglas Dynamics, Inc.

    9,877        211,664   

Dynamic Materials Corp. (b)

    7,259        116,289   

EnPro Industries, Inc. (a)

    11,493        721,301   

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    13,728        506,563   

Federal Signal Corp.

    31,915        492,768   

FreightCar America, Inc.

    7,047        185,407   

Global Brass & Copper Holdings, Inc.

    11,099        146,063   

Gorman-Rupp Co. (The) (b)

    10,331        331,832   

Graham Corp.

    5,399        155,329   

Greenbrier Cos., Inc. (b)

    13,566        728,901   

Harsco Corp.

    39,595        747,950   

Hillenbrand, Inc.

    31,050        1,071,225   

Hurco Cos., Inc.

    3,395        115,736   

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

    4,976        364,243   

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    15,202        499,538   

Kadant, Inc.

    5,766        246,151   

LB Foster Co. - Class A

    5,476        265,969   

Lindsay Corp. (b)

    5,740        492,148   

Lydall, Inc. (a)

    9,530        312,775   

Meritor, Inc. (a)

    50,463        764,514   

Miller Industries, Inc.

    6,185        128,586   

Machinery—(Continued)

  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    28,336      967,391   

Mueller Water Products, Inc. - Class A

    80,834        827,740   

NN, Inc.

    9,533        195,998   

Proto Labs, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,113        746,349   

RBC Bearings, Inc.

    11,531        744,095   

Rexnord Corp. (a)

    36,997        1,043,685   

Standex International Corp.

    6,262        483,802   

Sun Hydraulics Corp.

    10,558        415,774   

Tennant Co.

    8,929        644,406   

Titan International, Inc. (b)

    21,944        233,265   

Trimas Corp. (a)

    22,514        704,463   

Wabash National Corp. (a) (b)

    30,254        373,939   

Watts Water Technologies, Inc. - Class A

    13,983        887,081   

Woodward, Inc.

    31,969        1,573,834   
   

 

 

 
      25,913,262   
   

 

 

 

Marine—0.1%

  

Matson, Inc.

    21,468        741,075   

Navios Maritime Holdings, Inc.

    39,414        161,992   

Scorpio Bulkers, Inc. (a)

    61,755        121,657   
   

 

 

 
      1,024,724   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.3%

  

AH Belo Corp. - Class A

    11,177        116,017   

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    9,526        249,391   

Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (a)

    12,031        316,054   

Central European Media Enterprises, Ltd. - Class A (a) (b)

    39,060        125,383   

Cumulus Media, Inc. - Class A (a)

    68,341        289,082   

Daily Journal Corp. (a) (b)

    598        157,280   

Entercom Communications Corp. - Class A (a) (b)

    14,538        176,782   

Entravision Communications Corp. - Class A

    29,645        192,100   

Eros International plc (a)

    8,899        188,303   

EW Scripps Co. (The) - Class A (a) (b)

    16,943        378,676   

Global Eagle Entertainment, Inc. (a) (b)

    19,718        268,362   

Gray Television, Inc. (a)

    26,074        292,029   

Harte-Hanks, Inc.

    26,098        201,999   

Journal Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

    24,659        281,852   

Lee Enterprises, Inc. (a) (b)

    29,668        109,178   

Loral Space & Communications, Inc. (a)

    6,669        524,917   

McClatchy Co. (The) - Class A (a)

    32,395        107,551   

MDC Partners, Inc. - Class A

    19,483        442,654   

Media General, Inc. (a)

    27,244        455,792   

Meredith Corp. (b)

    18,123        984,441   

National CineMedia, Inc.

    31,052        446,217   

New Media Investment Group, Inc.

    18,547        438,266   

New York Times Co. (The) - Class A (b)

    68,375        903,918   

Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. - Class A (b)

    14,830        768,046   

Reading International, Inc. - Class A (a)

    9,450        125,307   

Rentrak Corp. (a) (b)

    5,237        381,358   

Scholastic Corp. (b)

    14,077        512,684   

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. - Class A (b)

    34,322        939,050   

Time, Inc. (b)

    54,305        1,336,446   

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. - Class A (b)

    14,120        174,241   
   

 

 

 
      11,883,376   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Metals & Mining—0.9%

  

AK Steel Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    86,412      $ 513,287   

Century Aluminum Co. (a)

    25,320        617,808   

Coeur Mining, Inc. (a) (b)

    52,874        270,186   

Commercial Metals Co.

    58,786        957,624   

Globe Specialty Metals, Inc.

    31,634        545,054   

Haynes International, Inc.

    6,653        322,670   

Hecla Mining Co. (b)

    169,761        473,633   

Horsehead Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    24,392        386,125   

Kaiser Aluminum Corp. (b)

    8,525        608,941   

Materion Corp.

    10,677        376,151   

RTI International Metals, Inc. (a)

    16,034        405,019   

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. - Class A (b)

    13,529        305,214   

Stillwater Mining Co. (a) (b)

    56,563        833,739   

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    35,308        682,857   

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    24,642        741,478   
   

 

 

 
      8,039,786   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—0.4%

  

Avista Corp. (b)

    30,460        1,076,761   

Black Hills Corp.

    20,984        1,112,991   

NorthWestern Corp.

    22,620        1,279,840   
   

 

 

 
      3,469,592   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—0.2%

  

Burlington Stores, Inc. (a)

    14,444        682,623   

Fred’s, Inc. - Class A

    16,556        288,240   

Tuesday Morning Corp. (a) (b)

    19,604        425,407   
   

 

 

 
      1,396,270   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—2.0%

  

Abraxas Petroleum Corp. (a) (b)

    46,276        136,051   

Alon USA Energy, Inc. (b)

    12,159        154,055   

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (a) (b)

    111,628        186,419   

Approach Resources, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,593        112,419   

Arch Coal, Inc.

    105,697        188,141   

Ardmore Shipping Corp.

    9,686        115,941   

Bill Barrett Corp. (a)

    24,966        284,363   

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    16,075        385,800   

Callon Petroleum Co. (a)

    27,924        152,186   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. (a)

    21,672        901,555   

Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    3,222        205,564   

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (a) (b)

    35,238        176,014   

Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. (a)

    31,583        289,932   

Comstock Resources, Inc. (b)

    24,676        168,044   

Contango Oil & Gas Co. (a)

    7,670        224,271   

Delek U.S. Holdings, Inc.

    29,102        793,903   

DHT Holdings, Inc. (b)

    46,222        337,883   

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (a)

    20,426        1,221,066   

Eclipse Resources Corp. (a) (b)

    19,258        135,384   

Energy XXI, Ltd. (b)

    45,315        147,727   

EXCO Resources, Inc. (b)

    85,891        186,383   

GasLog, Ltd. (b)

    20,748        422,222   

Green Plains, Inc. (b)

    18,400        455,952   

Halcon Resources Corp. (a) (b)

    127,821        227,521   

Magnum Hunter Resources Corp. (a) (b)

    97,509        306,178   

Matador Resources Co. (a) (b)

    35,906        726,378   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—(Continued)

  

Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp.

    29,801      108,178   

Nordic American Tankers, Ltd. (b)

    45,633        459,524   

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (a) (b)

    32,713        184,828   

Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (a)

    10,287        106,265   

Panhandle Oil and Gas, Inc. - Class A (b)

    6,216        144,708   

Parsley Energy, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    26,890        429,164   

PDC Energy, Inc. (a)

    17,964        741,374   

Penn Virginia Corp. (a) (b)

    32,308        215,817   

PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (a)

    28,823        107,798   

Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,354        168,507   

REX American Resources Corp. (a)

    2,900        179,713   

Rex Energy Corp. (a) (b)

    22,443        114,459   

Ring Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,573        132,017   

Rosetta Resources, Inc. (a)

    30,879        688,911   

RSP Permian, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,526        264,624   

Sanchez Energy Corp. (a) (b)

    24,958        231,860   

Scorpio Tankers, Inc. (b)

    72,913        633,614   

SemGroup Corp. - Class A

    20,439        1,397,823   

Ship Finance International, Ltd. (b)

    28,428        401,403   

Stone Energy Corp. (a) (b)

    27,971        472,151   

Synergy Resources Corp. (a) (b)

    32,872        412,215   

Teekay Tankers, Ltd. - Class A (b)

    32,292        163,398   

Triangle Petroleum Corp. (a) (b)

    35,098        167,768   

VAALCO Energy, Inc. (a)

    25,290        115,322   

W&T Offshore, Inc. (b)

    18,499        135,783   

Western Refining, Inc.

    25,776        973,817   

Westmoreland Coal Co. (a)

    7,463        247,846   
   

 

 

 
      18,040,239   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—0.7%

  

Boise Cascade Co. (a)

    19,596        727,992   

Clearwater Paper Corp. (a)

    9,575        656,366   

Deltic Timber Corp.

    6,001        410,468   

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp.

    41,235        1,208,598   

Louisiana-Pacific Corp. (a) (b)

    69,384        1,148,999   

Neenah Paper, Inc.

    7,745        466,791   

PH Glatfelter Co.

    21,278        544,079   

Resolute Forest Products, Inc. (a)

    32,474        571,867   

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

    14,898        630,185   

Wausau Paper Corp. (b)

    23,588        268,196   
   

 

 

 
      6,633,541   
   

 

 

 

Personal Products—0.2%

  

Elizabeth Arden, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,466        266,648   

IGI Laboratories, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,535        154,308   

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    8,191        224,843   

Medifast, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,275        244,076   

Revlon, Inc. - Class A (a)

    6,172        210,835   

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    2,803        287,560   
   

 

 

 
      1,388,270   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—1.8%

  

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,743        167,638   

Akorn, Inc. (a) (b)

    29,811        1,079,158   

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    3,380        190,598   

Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,495        222,661   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Pharmaceuticals—(Continued)

  

Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    24,788      $ 852,335   

AVANIR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Class A (a)

    94,061        1,594,334   

Bio-Path Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    41,522        110,449   

BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,287        243,850   

Catalent, Inc. (a)

    23,488        654,845   

Cempra, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,324        266,227   

Depomed, Inc. (a)

    31,001        499,426   

Endocyte, Inc. (a) (b)

    21,515        135,329   

Horizon Pharma plc (a) (b)

    29,283        377,458   

Impax Laboratories, Inc. (a) (b)

    34,206        1,083,646   

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,830        208,800   

Lannett Co., Inc. (a) (b)

    12,710        545,005   

Medicines Co. (The) (a)

    32,038        886,492   

Nektar Therapeutics (a) (b)

    62,084        962,302   

Omeros Corp. (a) (b)

    16,069        398,190   

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,459        1,547,915   

Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,177        161,292   

Phibro Animal Health Corp. - Class A

    6,026        190,120   

Pozen, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,222        121,776   

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (a)

    26,054        904,595   

Relypsa, Inc. (a)

    8,607        265,096   

Repros Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

    13,428        133,877   

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,006        276,361   

Sciclone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    27,839        243,870   

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Class A (a)

    9,684        138,288   

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,103        125,355   

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    13,240        525,760   

TherapeuticsMD, Inc. (a)

    51,625        229,731   

Theravance Biopharma, Inc. (a)

    11,720        174,862   

Theravance, Inc. (b)

    40,393        571,561   

Vivus, Inc. (a) (b)

    46,905        135,086   

XenoPort, Inc. (a) (b)

    30,042        263,468   

ZS Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    3,236        134,521   
   

 

 

 
      16,622,277   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—1.3%

  

Acacia Research Corp. (b)

    26,332        446,064   

Advisory Board Co. (The) (a) (b)

    18,149        888,938   

Barrett Business Services, Inc. (b)

    3,858        105,709   

CBIZ, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,130        172,313   

CDI Corp.

    7,746        137,182   

Corporate Executive Board Co. (The)

    16,546        1,200,081   

CRA International, Inc. (a)

    4,935        149,629   

Exponent, Inc.

    6,721        554,483   

Franklin Covey Co. (a)

    5,394        104,428   

FTI Consulting, Inc. (a)

    19,255        743,821   

GP Strategies Corp. (a)

    5,793        196,557   

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    9,634        222,064   

Huron Consulting Group, Inc. (a)

    11,680        798,795   

ICF International, Inc. (a)

    10,002        409,882   

Insperity, Inc.

    12,162        412,170   

Kelly Services, Inc. - Class A (b)

    14,944        254,347   

Kforce, Inc.

    12,692        306,258   

Korn/Ferry International (a)

    24,691        710,113   

Mistras Group, Inc. (a)

    8,222        150,709   

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (a)

    22,006        338,232   

Professional Services—(Continued)

  

On Assignment, Inc. (a)

    26,669      885,144   

Paylocity Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    4,427        115,589   

Pendrell Corp. (a)

    81,209        112,068   

Resources Connection, Inc.

    20,687        340,301   

RPX Corp. (a)

    26,264        361,918   

TriNet Group, Inc. (a)

    7,891        246,830   

TrueBlue, Inc. (a)

    19,573        435,499   

VSE Corp.

    2,185        143,992   

WageWorks, Inc. (a)

    17,251        1,113,897   
   

 

 

 
      12,057,013   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—8.7%

  

Acadia Realty Trust

    31,093        995,909   

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.

    14,345        266,387   

Agree Realty Corp.

    8,695        270,328   

Alexander’s, Inc.

    1,029        449,858   

Altisource Residential Corp.

    29,057        563,706   

American Assets Trust, Inc.

    17,413        693,212   

American Capital Mortgage Investment Corp.

    26,073        491,215   

American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc. (b)

    79,677        948,156   

American Residential Properties, Inc. (a) (b)

    16,166        284,037   

AmREIT, Inc.

    8,595        228,111   

Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp.

    46,254        242,833   

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (b)

    22,194        363,094   

Apollo Residential Mortgage, Inc.

    16,439        259,243   

Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp.

    11,438        131,308   

Armada Hoffler Properties, Inc.

    12,863        122,070   

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. (b)

    168,092        618,579   

Ashford Hospitality Prime, Inc.

    12,917        221,656   

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

    31,632        331,503   

Associated Estates Realty Corp.

    29,461        683,790   

Aviv REIT, Inc.

    9,910        341,697   

Campus Crest Communities, Inc. (b)

    33,908        247,867   

Capstead Mortgage Corp. (b)

    46,246        567,901   

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    7,979        98,381   

CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. - Class A

    9,966        112,815   

Cedar Realty Trust, Inc.

    37,954        278,582   

Chambers Street Properties

    118,956        958,785   

Chatham Lodging Trust

    16,701        483,828   

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

    25,632        953,767   

Colony Financial, Inc.

    52,491        1,250,336   

CorEnergy Infrastructure Trust, Inc.

    23,718        153,693   

Coresite Realty Corp.

    10,812        422,209   

Cousins Properties, Inc.

    107,425        1,226,793   

CubeSmart

    78,343        1,729,030   

CyrusOne, Inc.

    16,302        449,120   

CYS Investments, Inc. (b)

    80,947        705,858   

DCT Industrial Trust, Inc.

    40,451        1,442,483   

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.

    92,386        1,373,780   

DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. (b)

    30,926        1,027,980   

Dynex Capital, Inc. (b)

    28,987        239,143   

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    15,137        958,475   

Education Realty Trust, Inc.

    22,842        835,789   

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. - Class A (b)

    45,186        794,370   

EPR Properties

    27,688        1,595,659   

Equity One, Inc.

    30,429        771,679   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Real Estate Investment Trusts—(Continued)

  

Excel Trust, Inc.

    30,346      $ 406,333   

FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc.

    61,144        661,578   

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

    53,380        1,097,493   

First Potomac Realty Trust

    30,465        376,547   

Franklin Street Properties Corp.

    45,751        561,365   

Geo Group, Inc. (The)

    34,250        1,382,330   

Getty Realty Corp.

    13,375        243,559   

Gladstone Commercial Corp. (b)

    10,038        172,352   

Glimcher Realty Trust

    70,281        965,661   

Government Properties Income Trust

    33,503        770,904   

Gramercy Property Trust, Inc. (b)

    90,928        627,403   

Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.

    13,259        188,676   

Hatteras Financial Corp.

    47,468        874,835   

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    44,822        1,224,537   

Hersha Hospitality Trust

    98,686        693,763   

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

    43,003        1,904,173   

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

    26,059        783,334   

Inland Real Estate Corp.

    40,747        446,180   

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. (b)

    58,562        905,369   

Investors Real Estate Trust

    51,434        420,216   

iStar Financial, Inc. (a) (b)

    42,568        581,053   

Kite Realty Group Trust

    16,314        468,864   

LaSalle Hotel Properties

    53,828        2,178,419   

Lexington Realty Trust (b)

    100,966        1,108,607   

LTC Properties, Inc. (b)

    16,934        731,041   

Mack-Cali Realty Corp.

    43,604        831,092   

Medical Properties Trust, Inc. (b)

    83,538        1,151,154   

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp. - Class A

    28,868        319,569   

National Health Investors, Inc.

    18,125        1,268,025   

New Residential Investment Corp.

    69,147        883,007   

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. (b)

    51,550        397,450   

New York REIT, Inc.

    78,710        833,539   

One Liberty Properties, Inc.

    6,290        148,884   

Parkway Properties, Inc.

    38,318        704,668   

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

    34,483        1,573,459   

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust

    33,427        784,197   

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

    35,722        753,377   

Physicians Realty Trust

    23,363        387,826   

Potlatch Corp.

    19,692        824,504   

PS Business Parks, Inc.

    8,885        706,713   

QTS Realty Trust, Inc. - Class A (b)

    6,344        214,681   

RAIT Financial Trust (b)

    42,801        328,284   

Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust

    37,976        711,670   

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    42,013        827,656   

Resource Capital Corp. (b)

    64,302        324,082   

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    44,363        744,855   

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.

    22,859        359,115   

RLJ Lodging Trust

    62,808        2,105,952   

Rouse Properties, Inc. (b)

    18,643        345,268   

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (b)

    20,380        1,074,841   

Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.

    26,327        799,551   

Saul Centers, Inc.

    4,164        238,139   

Select Income REIT (b)

    18,245        445,360   

Silver Bay Realty Trust Corp. (b)

    19,300        319,608   

Sovran Self Storage, Inc.

    15,960        1,392,031   

STAG Industrial, Inc.

    27,564        675,318   

Real Estate Investment Trusts—(Continued)

  

Starwood Waypoint Residential Trust (b)

    19,398      511,525   

STORE Capital Corp. (b)

    17,642        381,244   

Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (a)

    129,028        1,707,040   

Summit Hotel Properties, Inc.

    40,984        509,841   

Sun Communities, Inc.

    23,280        1,407,509   

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    100,307        1,656,069   

Terreno Realty Corp.

    20,992        433,065   

UMH Properties, Inc. (b)

    10,207        97,477   

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

    6,109        293,965   

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc. - Class A

    13,207        288,969   

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (b)

    32,300        893,418   

Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corp. (b)

    20,929        307,656   

Whitestone REIT (b)

    9,513        143,741   
   

 

 

 
      78,065,001   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.4%

  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    23,959        940,630   

Altisource Asset Management Corp. (a)

    696        215,844   

Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (a) (b)

    6,018        203,348   

Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co.

    2,461        137,324   

Forestar Group, Inc. (a)

    17,933        276,168   

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    35,325        893,722   

Marcus & Millichap, Inc. (a)

    4,271        142,011   

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. - Class A

    4,716        161,523   

St. Joe Co. (The) (a) (b)

    31,148        572,812   

Tejon Ranch Co. (a) (b)

    7,566        222,894   
   

 

 

 
      3,766,276   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—0.7%

  

ArcBest Corp.

    12,815        594,231   

Celadon Group, Inc.

    9,437        214,125   

FRP Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    3,479        136,412   

Heartland Express, Inc. (b)

    26,840        724,948   

Knight Transportation, Inc. (b)

    29,563        995,091   

Marten Transport, Ltd.

    13,224        289,077   

Quality Distribution, Inc. (a)

    11,883        126,435   

Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. (a)

    13,855        323,514   

Saia, Inc. (a)

    11,835        655,186   

Swift Transportation Co. (a) (b)

    41,359        1,184,108   

Werner Enterprises, Inc.

    20,102        626,177   

YRC Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    14,785        332,515   
   

 

 

 
      6,201,819   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—3.8%

  

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (a)

    20,778        492,439   

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor, Ltd. (a)

    11,449        101,324   

Ambarella, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,300        725,296   

Amkor Technology, Inc. (a)

    42,324        300,500   

Applied Micro Circuits Corp. (a) (b)

    37,494        244,461   

Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (a)

    60,811        155,676   

Brooks Automation, Inc.

    36,289        462,685   

Cabot Microelectronics Corp. (a)

    12,507        591,831   

Cavium, Inc. (a) (b)

    24,872        1,537,587   

Ceva, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,626        156,476   

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (a) (b)

    30,584        720,865   

Cohu, Inc.

    11,848        140,991   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—(Continued)

  

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (a) (b)

    74,159      $ 1,058,990   

Diodes, Inc. (a)

    18,315        504,945   

DSP Group, Inc. (a)

    12,177        132,364   

Entegris, Inc. (a)

    70,530        931,701   

Entropic Communications, Inc. (a)

    47,035        118,999   

Exar Corp. (a) (e)

    20,123        205,255   

Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. (a)

    61,372        1,035,959   

FormFactor, Inc. (a) (e)

    27,182        233,765   

Inphi Corp. (a)

    13,845        255,856   

Integrated Device Technology, Inc. (a)

    62,926        1,233,350   

Integrated Silicon Solution, Inc.

    14,137        234,250   

International Rectifier Corp. (a)

    35,512        1,416,929   

Intersil Corp. - Class A

    65,241        944,037   

IXYS Corp.

    13,771        173,515   

Kopin Corp. (a)

    35,526        128,604   

Lattice Semiconductor Corp. (a)

    61,578        424,272   

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (a)

    6,053        189,338   

MaxLinear, Inc. - Class A (a)

    12,849        95,211   

Micrel, Inc.

    25,489        369,845   

Microsemi Corp. (a)

    47,110        1,336,982   

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    27,174        994,568   

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    18,931        941,628   

Nanometrics, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,771        214,808   

NVE Corp. (a) (b)

    2,605        184,408   

OmniVision Technologies, Inc. (a)

    26,397        686,322   

PDF Solutions, Inc. (a)

    13,439        199,704   

Pericom Semiconductor Corp. (a)

    12,144        164,430   

Photronics, Inc. (a) (b)

    30,362        252,308   

PMC - Sierra, Inc. (a)

    85,553        783,665   

Power Integrations, Inc.

    14,941        773,047   

Rambus, Inc. (a) (b)

    52,223        579,153   

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (a) (b)

    136,648        2,266,990   

Rudolph Technologies, Inc. (a)

    18,288        187,086   

Semtech Corp. (a)

    31,199        860,156   

Silicon Image, Inc. (a)

    40,507        223,599   

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    21,331        1,015,782   

Spansion, Inc. - Class A (a)

    29,804        1,019,893   

Synaptics, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,633        1,213,856   

Tessera Technologies, Inc.

    27,229        973,709   

TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. (a) (e)

    83,225        2,292,849   

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (a)

    13,513        125,401   

Ultratech, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,618        252,750   

Veeco Instruments, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,425        712,424   

Vitesse Semiconductor Corp. (a) (b)

    30,139        113,925   

Xcerra Corp. (a)

    26,473        242,493   
   

 

 

 
      33,929,252   
   

 

 

 

Software—4.0%

  

ACI Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    55,734        1,124,155   

Actuate Corp. (a)

    25,226        166,492   

Advent Software, Inc. (b)

    25,347        776,632   

American Software, Inc. - Class A

    12,761        116,253   

Aspen Technology, Inc. (a) (e)

    44,793        1,568,651   

AVG Technologies NV (a)

    17,393        343,338   

Barracuda Networks, Inc. (a)

    4,133        148,127   

Software—(Continued)

  

Blackbaud, Inc.

    23,345      1,009,905   

Bottomline Technologies de, Inc. (a)

    19,170        484,618   

BroadSoft, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,701        426,623   

Callidus Software, Inc. (a)

    24,272        396,362   

CommVault Systems, Inc. (a)

    23,645        1,222,210   

Comverse, Inc. (a)

    11,872        222,956   

Digimarc Corp.

    3,621        98,310   

Ebix, Inc. (b)

    16,296        276,869   

Ellie Mae, Inc. (a)

    13,561        546,779   

EnerNOC, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,640        210,738   

EPIQ Systems, Inc.

    15,846        270,650   

ePlus, Inc. (a)

    2,282        172,725   

Fair Isaac Corp.

    15,160        1,096,068   

FleetMatics Group plc (a) (b)

    18,434        654,223   

Gigamon, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,234        216,909   

Glu Mobile, Inc. (a) (b)

    45,368        176,935   

Guidewire Software, Inc. (a) (b)

    33,292        1,685,574   

HubSpot, Inc. (a)

    4,305        144,691   

Imperva, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,304        509,327   

Infoblox, Inc. (a)

    27,141        548,520   

Interactive Intelligence Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,901        378,458   

Jive Software, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,334        122,614   

Kofax, Ltd. (a)

    31,865        224,011   

Manhattan Associates, Inc. (a)

    36,621        1,491,207   

Mentor Graphics Corp.

    48,583        1,064,939   

MicroStrategy, Inc. - Class A (a)

    4,507        731,937   

Model N, Inc. (a)

    10,589        112,455   

Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.

    18,592        536,007   

NetScout Systems, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,336        633,457   

Pegasystems, Inc.

    16,572        344,200   

Progress Software Corp. (a)

    25,065        677,256   

Proofpoint, Inc. (a) (b)

    18,243        879,860   

PROS Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,832        297,663   

QLIK Technologies, Inc. (a)

    42,908        1,325,428   

Qualys, Inc. (a)

    10,117        381,917   

Rally Software Development Corp. (a) (b)

    12,922        146,923   

RealPage, Inc. (a) (b)

    23,771        522,011   

Rosetta Stone, Inc. (a)

    11,797        115,139   

SeaChange International, Inc. (a)

    15,237        97,212   

Silver Spring Networks, Inc. (a) (b)

    17,691        149,135   

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    33,357        1,951,051   

Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (a)

    17,427        729,494   

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (a)

    41,148        1,153,378   

Tangoe, Inc. (a) (b)

    19,395        252,717   

TiVo, Inc. (a)

    48,404        573,103   

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (a)

    15,971        1,747,866   

Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    13,861        2,035,003   

VASCO Data Security International, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,031        424,024   

Verint Systems, Inc. (a)

    29,277        1,706,264   

VirnetX Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    22,272        122,273   

Zendesk, Inc. (a) (b)

    5,010        122,094   
   

 

 

 
      35,663,736   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—3.2%

  

America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (a)

    3,580        191,100   

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (b)

    95,976        1,332,147   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Specialty Retail—(Continued)

  

ANN, Inc. (a)

    23,714      $ 865,087   

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (a)

    15,098        1,146,240   

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,590        478,100   

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.

    10,041        146,900   

Brown Shoe Co., Inc.

    20,256        651,230   

Buckle, Inc. (The) (b)

    14,188        745,154   

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (a)

    6,759        135,856   

Cato Corp. (The) - Class A (b)

    14,157        597,142   

Children’s Place, Inc. (The) (b)

    10,765        613,605   

Christopher & Banks Corp. (a)

    19,194        109,598   

Citi Trends, Inc. (a)

    8,551        215,913   

Conn’s, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,796        257,847   

Container Store Group, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    8,770        167,770   

Destination Maternity Corp.

    7,452        118,859   

Express, Inc. (a)

    42,861        629,628   

Finish Line, Inc. (The) - Class A

    24,015        583,805   

Five Below, Inc. (a) (b)

    26,805        1,094,448   

Francesca’s Holdings Corp. (a)

    22,196        370,673   

Genesco, Inc. (a)

    11,779        902,507   

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    11,970        1,072,751   

Guess?, Inc.

    30,485        642,624   

Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.

    10,391        228,706   

Hibbett Sports, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,576        609,056   

Kirkland’s, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,307        220,017   

Lithia Motors, Inc. - Class A

    11,200        970,928   

Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,856        918,791   

MarineMax, Inc. (a)

    12,696        254,555   

Mattress Firm Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    6,947        403,482   

Men’s Wearhouse, Inc. (The) (b)

    24,177        1,067,415   

Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. (b)

    14,534        840,065   

Office Depot, Inc. (a)

    263,053        2,255,680   

Outerwall, Inc. (a) (b)

    9,248        695,635   

Pep Boys-Manny Moe & Jack (The) (a)

    28,658        281,422   

Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

    47,023        724,154   

Rent-A-Center, Inc. (b)

    26,759        971,887   

Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,345        1,473,273   

Select Comfort Corp. (a)

    27,441        741,730   

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    8,227        211,352   

Sonic Automotive, Inc. - Class A

    18,792        508,136   

Stage Stores, Inc. (b)

    16,362        338,693   

Stein Mart, Inc.

    15,504        226,668   

Tile Shop Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,624        129,861   

Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (a)

    15,659        760,714   

West Marine, Inc. (a)

    9,569        123,631   

Winmark Corp. (b)

    1,305        113,431   

Zumiez, Inc. (a)

    8,998        347,593   
   

 

 

 
      28,485,859   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—0.5%

  

Cray, Inc. (a) (b)

    20,870        719,598   

Dot Hill Systems Corp. (a)

    31,081        137,378   

Eastman Kodak Co. (a)

    7,370        160,003   

Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (a)

    22,627        969,114   

Immersion Corp. (a) (b)

    16,446        155,744   

Intevac, Inc. (a)

    13,246        102,921   

Nimble Storage, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,797        131,918   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—(Continued)

  

QLogic Corp. (a)

    44,263      589,583   

Quantum Corp. (a) (b)

    116,162        204,445   

Silicon Graphics International Corp. (a) (b)

    18,071        205,648   

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (a)

    17,788        620,445   

Violin Memory, Inc. (a) (b)

    40,996        196,371   
   

 

 

 
      4,193,168   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—1.0%

  

Columbia Sportswear Co.

    12,824        571,181   

Crocs, Inc. (a) (e)

    43,218        539,793   

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (a) (b)

    9,377        947,171   

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    23,416        791,227   

Movado Group, Inc.

    10,013        284,069   

Oxford Industries, Inc. (b)

    7,658        422,798   

Perry Ellis International, Inc. (a)

    7,318        189,756   

Quiksilver, Inc. (a) (b)

    70,460        155,717   

Sequential Brands Group, Inc. (a)

    9,317        121,773   

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    18,674        1,031,738   

Steven Madden, Ltd. (a)

    28,585        909,860   

Tumi Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    24,156        573,222   

Unifi, Inc. (a)

    7,892        234,629   

Vera Bradley, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,263        209,160   

Vince Holding Corp. (a) (b)

    5,176        135,301   

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (b)

    50,526        1,489,001   
   

 

 

 
      8,606,396   
   

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—1.7%

  

Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin, Inc. (a)

    4,716        162,419   

Astoria Financial Corp.

    42,231        564,206   

Bank Mutual Corp.

    24,034        164,873   

BankFinancial Corp.

    12,038        142,771   

Beneficial Mutual Bancorp, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,197        149,657   

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    13,053        347,993   

BofI Holding, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,041        547,860   

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    37,158        372,695   

Capitol Federal Financial, Inc.

    67,397        861,334   

Clifton Bancorp, Inc.

    13,646        185,449   

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    15,501        252,356   

ESB Financial Corp.

    6,580        124,625   

Essent Group, Ltd. (a) (b)

    20,744        533,328   

EverBank Financial Corp. (b)

    44,827        854,403   

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp. - Class C

    5,480        166,263   

First Defiance Financial Corp.

    5,038        171,594   

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (a)

    9,133        143,662   

Fox Chase Bancorp, Inc.

    7,539        125,675   

Franklin Financial Corp. (a) (b)

    5,028        106,493   

Home Loan Servicing Solutions, Ltd. (b)

    36,012        702,954   

HomeStreet, Inc. (b)

    6,935        120,738   

Kearny Financial Corp. (a) (b)

    8,068        110,935   

Ladder Capital Corp. - Class A (a) (b)

    6,177        121,131   

Meridian Bancorp, Inc. (a)

    11,355        127,403   

Meta Financial Group, Inc.

    3,308        115,912   

MGIC Investment Corp. (a) (b)

    164,487        1,533,019   

NMI Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    20,655        188,580   

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    26,346        389,921   

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    43,929        550,431   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description  

Shares

    Value  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—(Continued)

  

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

    6,649      $ 113,964   

Oritani Financial Corp.

    22,475        346,115   

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. - Class A (a)

    8,785        151,981   

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    29,417        531,271   

Radian Group, Inc. (b)

    90,306        1,509,916   

Tree.com, Inc. (a)

    3,375        163,148   

TrustCo Bank Corp. (b)

    47,249        343,028   

United Community Financial Corp.

    26,587        142,772   

United Financial Bancorp, Inc.

    28,056        402,884   

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (a)

    8,778        153,966   

Washington Federal, Inc.

    49,752        1,102,007   

Waterstone Financial, Inc. (b)

    17,578        231,151   

WSFS Financial Corp.

    4,212        323,861   
   

 

 

 
      15,454,744   
   

 

 

 

Tobacco—0.1%

  

Universal Corp. (b)

    12,065        530,618   

Vector Group, Ltd. (b)

    37,196        792,647   
   

 

 

 
      1,323,265   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.8%

  

Aceto Corp. (b)

    12,889        279,691   

Aircastle, Ltd. (b)

    31,863        680,912   

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    20,463        932,908   

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (a)

    24,991        694,750   

CAI International, Inc. (a) (b)

    7,804        181,053   

DXP Enterprises, Inc. (a)

    6,409        323,847   

H&E Equipment Services, Inc.

    15,412        432,923   

Houston Wire & Cable Co.

    10,450        124,878   

Kaman Corp.

    14,024        562,222   

Rush Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    16,786        537,991   

Stock Building Supply Holdings, Inc. (a)

    7,700        117,964   

TAL International Group, Inc. (a)

    16,976        739,644   

Textainer Group Holdings, Ltd.

    10,746        368,803   

Titan Machinery, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,967        125,000   

Watsco, Inc.

    12,890        1,379,230   
   

 

 

 
      7,481,816   
   

 

 

 

Transportation Infrastructure—0.0%

  

Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    25,919        362,348   
   

 

 

 

Water Utilities—0.2%

  

American States Water Co.

    19,788        745,216   

California Water Service Group

    24,670        607,129   

Connecticut Water Service, Inc.

    4,766        172,958   

Middlesex Water Co.

    7,497        172,881   

SJW Corp.

    7,394        237,495   

York Water Co. (b)

    6,695        155,391   
   

 

 

 
      2,091,070   
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services—0.1%

  

RingCentral, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    14,216        212,103   

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co. (b)

    12,542        391,938   

Wireless Telecommunication Services—(Continued)

  

Spok Holdings, Inc.

    11,723      203,511   
   

 

 

 
      807,552   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $597,591,809)

      847,449,858   
   

 

 

 
Investment Company Security—3.4%   

iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund (b)
(Cost $28,758,687)

    253,400        30,324,378   
   

 

 

 
Rights—0.0%                

Life Sciences Tools & Services—0.0%

  

Furiex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Expires 07/02/16 (a) (d)

    3,553        34,713   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—0.0%

  

Gerber Scientific, Inc. (a) (b) (c)

    14,024        0   
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services—0.0%

  

Leap Wireless International, Inc., Expires 03/13/17 (a) (d)

    27,485        69,262   
   

 

 

 

Total Rights
(Cost $103,975)

      103,975   
   

 

 

 
Warrant—0.0%                

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—0.0%

  

Magnum Hunter Resources Corp., Expires 04/15/16 (a) (b) (c)
(Cost $0)

    8,794        0   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—31.2%                

Discount Notes—2.4%

  

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.010%, 01/22/15 (f)

    1,325,000        1,324,992   

0.028%, 01/14/15 (f)

    1,175,000        1,174,987   

0.070%, 03/03/15 (f)

    6,725,000        6,724,202   

0.083%, 03/06/15 (f)

    5,650,000        5,649,168   

0.131%, 05/06/15 (f)

    3,075,000        3,073,606   

0.161%, 05/08/15 (f)

    1,025,000        1,024,421   

Federal National Mortgage Association

   

0.070%, 02/25/15 (f)

    1,575,000        1,574,832   

0.111%, 05/01/15 (f)

    1,175,000        1,174,569   
   

 

 

 
      21,720,777   
   

 

 

 

Mutual Fund—28.7%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (g)

    258,814,586        258,814,586   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Short-Term Investments—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

U.S. Treasury—0.1%

  

U.S. Treasury Bills

   

0.020%, 03/19/15 (f)

    325,000      $ 324,986   

0.029%, 03/19/15 (f)

    675,000        674,958   
   

 

 

 
      999,944   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $281,535,307)

      281,535,307   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—128.6%
(Cost $907,989,778) (h)

      1,159,413,518   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(28.6)%

      (257,604,426
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 901,809,092   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $252,726,246 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $258,814,586 and non-cash collateral with a value of $1,869,461. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Illiquid security. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.0% of net assets.
(d) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent less than 0.05% of net assets.
(e) All or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral against open futures contracts. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities pledged was $3,599,616.
(f) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(g) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(h) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $911,496,528. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $295,830,078 and $(47,913,088), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $247,916,990 for federal income tax purposes.

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
     Notional
Amount
     Unrealized
Appreciation
 

Russell 2000 Mini Index Futures

     03/20/15         197         USD         23,258,165       $ 395,625   
              

 

 

 

 

(USD)— United States Dollar

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 847,449,858       $ —        $ —         $ 847,449,858   

Total Investment Company Security

     30,324,378         —          —           30,324,378   

Total Rights*

     —           —          103,975         103,975   

Total Warrant*

     0         —          —           0   
Short-Term Investments           

Discount Notes

     —           21,720,777        —           21,720,777   

Mutual Fund

     258,814,586         —          —           258,814,586   

U.S. Treasury

     —           999,944        —           999,944   

Total Short-Term Investments

     258,814,586         22,720,721        —           281,535,307   

Total Investments

   $ 1,136,588,822       $ 22,720,721      $ 103,975       $ 1,159,413,518   
                                    

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (258,814,586   $ —         $ (258,814,586

Futures Contracts

          

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 395,625       $ —        $ —         $ 395,625   

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Purchases      Transfers
into
Level 3
     Balance as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in Unrealized
Appreciation from
Investments Still Held at
December 31, 2014
 
Rights                  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

   $       $       $ 34,713       $       $ 34,713       $   

Machinery

                             0         0           

Wireless Telecommunication Services

                     69,262                 69,262           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $       $       $ 103,975       $ 0       $ 103,975       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Rights in the amount of $0 were transferred into Level 3 due to a decline in market activity for significant observables which resulted in a lack of available market inputs to determine price.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,159,413,518   

Cash

     15,340   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     2,570,920   

Fund shares sold

     912,160   

Dividends

     1,037,524   

Prepaid expenses

     2,225   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,163,951,687   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     258,814,586   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     360,007   

Fund shares redeemed

     2,263,764   

Variation margin on futures contracts

     191,090   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     187,787   

Distribution and service fees

     90,645   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,842   

Other expenses

     170,874   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     262,142,595   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 901,809,092   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 592,736,546   

Undistributed net investment income

     9,442,440   

Accumulated net realized gain

     47,810,738   

Unrealized appreciation on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions

     251,819,368   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 901,809,092   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 488,257,546   

Class B

     240,166,218   

Class E

     28,716,125   

Class G

     144,669,203   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     24,281,739   

Class B

     12,183,858   

Class E

     1,435,872   

Class G

     7,362,091   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 20.11   

Class B

     19.71   

Class E

     20.00   

Class G

     19.65   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $907,989,778.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $252,726,246.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 11,474,968   

Interest

     15,368   

Securities lending income

     2,305,973   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     13,796,309   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     2,192,905   

Administration fees

     20,802   

Custodian and accounting fees

     168,082   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     581,631   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     43,537   

Distribution and service fees—Class G

     412,464   

Audit and tax services

     39,910   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,592   

Shareholder reporting

     205,580   

Insurance

     5,119   

Miscellaneous

     79,757   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     3,818,393   

Less management fee waiver

     (18,858
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     3,799,535   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     9,996,774   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     51,217,063   

Futures contracts

     1,982,004   

Foreign currency transactions

     (26
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     53,199,041   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   

Investments

     (19,501,228

Futures contracts

     (852,023

Foreign currency transactions

     3   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (20,353,248
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     32,845,793   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 42,842,567   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $6,039.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 9,996,774      $ 8,288,446   

Net realized gain

     53,199,041        49,695,385   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (20,353,248     193,039,235   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     42,842,567        251,023,066   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (5,529,382     (6,573,953

Class B

     (2,181,006     (2,873,317

Class E

     (299,757     (406,777

Class G

     (1,285,279     (1,391,711

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (10,714,714     0   

Class B

     (5,253,695     0   

Class E

     (663,422     0   

Class G

     (3,130,624     0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (29,057,879     (11,245,758
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (7,413,817     (11,227,054
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     6,370,871        228,550,254   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     895,438,221        666,887,967   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 901,809,092      $ 895,438,221   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 9,442,440      $ 8,956,569   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,845,842      $ 74,846,406        4,227,274      $ 71,959,396   

Reinvestments

     879,011        16,244,096        431,362        6,573,953   

Redemptions

     (4,931,542     (95,849,744     (5,376,472     (91,266,242
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (206,689   $ (4,759,242     (717,836   $ (12,732,893
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     1,322,439      $ 24,862,083        1,525,782      $ 25,652,777   

Reinvestments

     409,626        7,434,701        191,810        2,873,317   

Redemptions

     (1,791,260     (34,103,516     (2,470,791     (41,465,694
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (59,195   $ (1,806,732     (753,199   $ (12,939,600
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     254,366      $ 4,895,769        232,358      $ 4,024,631   

Reinvestments

     52,347        963,179        26,797        406,777   

Redemptions

     (423,422     (8,149,381     (480,266     (8,259,524
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (116,709   $ (2,290,433     (221,111   $ (3,828,116
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class G

        

Sales

     1,477,585      $ 27,856,317        2,240,269      $ 38,047,111   

Reinvestments

     243,973        4,415,903        93,091        1,391,711   

Redemptions

     (1,637,996     (30,829,630     (1,274,577     (21,165,267
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     83,562      $ 1,442,590        1,058,783      $ 18,273,555   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (7,413,817     $ (11,227,054
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.83       $ 14.56       $ 12.66       $ 13.33       $ 10.61   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.24         0.20         0.28         0.15         0.14   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.71         5.33         1.78         (0.68      2.71   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.95         5.53         2.06         (0.53      2.85   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.23      (0.26      (0.16      (0.14      (0.13

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.44      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.67      (0.26      (0.16      (0.14      (0.13
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 20.11       $ 19.83       $ 14.56       $ 12.66       $ 13.33   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.04         38.55         16.35         (4.10      26.92   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.32         0.31         0.33         0.31         0.32   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.31         0.31         0.33         0.31         0.31   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.26         1.18         2.01         1.12         1.24   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     24         25         26         25         26   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 488.3       $ 485.5       $ 366.9       $ 350.3       $ 406.2   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.45       $ 14.29       $ 12.43       $ 13.09       $ 10.43   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.19         0.16         0.24         0.11         0.11   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.69         5.23         1.75         (0.66      2.65   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.88         5.39         1.99         (0.55      2.76   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.18      (0.23      (0.13      (0.11      (0.10

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.44      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.62      (0.23      (0.13      (0.11      (0.10
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.71       $ 19.45       $ 14.29       $ 12.43       $ 13.09   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     4.78         38.18         16.05         (4.29      26.58   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.57         0.56         0.58         0.56         0.57   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.56         0.56         0.58         0.56         0.56   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.01         0.93         1.77         0.89         1.00   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     24         25         26         25         26   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 240.2       $ 238.1       $ 185.7       $ 168.0       $ 174.7   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.72       $ 14.48       $ 12.60       $ 13.26       $ 10.57   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.21         0.17         0.25         0.13         0.12   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.71         5.31         1.77         (0.67      2.68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.92         5.48         2.02         (0.54      2.80   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.20      (0.24      (0.14      (0.12      (0.11

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.44      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.64      (0.24      (0.14      (0.12      (0.11
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 20.00       $ 19.72       $ 14.48       $ 12.60       $ 13.26   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     4.91         38.35         16.10         (4.16      26.60   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.47         0.46         0.48         0.46         0.47   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.46         0.46         0.48         0.46         0.46   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.10         1.03         1.85         0.96         1.08   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     24         25         26         25         26   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 28.7       $ 30.6       $ 25.7       $ 25.1       $ 32.6   
     Class G  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 19.40       $ 14.26       $ 12.41       $ 13.07       $ 10.41   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.18         0.15         0.24         0.11         0.12   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.69         5.22         1.73         (0.66      2.64   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.87         5.37         1.97         (0.55      2.76   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.18      (0.23      (0.12      (0.11      (0.10

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.44      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.62      (0.23      (0.12      (0.11      (0.10
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 19.65       $ 19.40       $ 14.26       $ 12.41       $ 13.07   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     4.73         38.12         15.94         (4.33      26.54   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.62         0.61         0.63         0.61         0.62   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.61         0.61         0.63         0.61         0.61   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.96         0.89         1.81         0.88         1.09   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     24         25         26         25         26   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 144.7       $ 141.2       $ 88.7       $ 61.5       $ 41.2   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Russell 2000 Index Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, E, and G shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, return of capital adjustments, passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) and real estate investment trust (REIT) adjustments. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  

Equity

   Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts*    $ 395,625   
     

 

 

 

 

  * Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ 1,982,004   
  

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Equity  

Futures contracts

   $ (852,023
  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Futures contracts long

   $ 19,700   

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels. Collateral requirements may differ by type of derivative or investment, as applicable. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange-traded derivatives (e.g., futures contracts and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swap agreements and OTC options).

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 204,192,358       $ 0       $ 223,665,565   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 0.250% of average daily net assets. Fees earned by MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $2,192,905.

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with MetLife Investment Management, LLC (“MIM”) with respect to managing the Portfolio. For providing subadvisory services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers has agreed to pay MIM an investment subadvisory fee for each class of the Portfolio as follows::

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.040%    On the first $500 million
0.030%    Of the next $500 million
0.015%    On amounts over $1 billion

Fees earned by MIM with respect to the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $313,149.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.005%    Over $500 million and under $1 billion
0.010%    Of the next $1 billion
0.015%    On amounts over $2 billion

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, E, and G Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, E, and G Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, E, and G Shares of the Portfolio. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.15% per year for Class E Shares, and 0.30% per year for Class G Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$9,295,424    $ 11,245,758       $ 19,762,455       $       $ 29,057,879       $ 11,245,758   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
     Total  
$10,280,397    $ 50,938,998       $ 247,916,993       $       $       $ 309,136,388   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

 

MSF-32


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-33


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Russell 2000 Index Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Russell 2000 Index Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Russell 2000 Index Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-34


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the
Past 5 Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May 2006 (President and Chief Executive Officer)/ August 2006 (Trustee and Chairman of the Board) to present   Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April 2012 to present   Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April 2012 to present   Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April 2012 to present   Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May 2003 to present   Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From January 2014 to present   President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From August 2009 to present   Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May 2000 to present   Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May 2009 to present   Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

 

MSF-35


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May
2006 (President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisors, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May
2011 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President , MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-36


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-37


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-38


Metropolitan Series Fund

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Russell 2000 Index Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and MetLife Investment Management, LLC regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio performed at the median of its Performance Universe for the one year period ended June 30, 2014 and outperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the three and five year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also considered that the Portfolio outperformed its Lipper Index for the one , three and five year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, for the one- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014 and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year period ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-39


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio returned 9.09%, 8.83%, and 8.93%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index1, returned 13.05%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

U.S. equities rose in 2014 for the sixth consecutive year, as the economy recovered strongly from a first-quarter weather-related contraction. Falling long-term interest rates, solid employment growth, favorable corporate earnings, and expanded stimulus measures by major non-U.S. central banks boosted returns. As measured by various Russell indexes, large-cap stocks reached new highs in December and outpaced small- and mid-caps. Value stocks outperformed growth among large- and mid-caps, while the opposite was true for small-cap shares. Within the Russell 1000 Growth Index, Health Care and Utilities led returns, while Energy ended deep in negative territory.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio turned in positive results but underperformed the benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Broadly speaking, stock selection accounted for the majority of underperformance, while sector allocation partly mitigated that effect. Consumer Discretionary and Information Technology (“IT”) detracted from relative returns, and Health Care and Materials helped.

Consumer Discretionary hurt relative results, due to stock choices and a detrimental overweight. Among the underperformers was Amazon.com, as the company’s investments in new products and infrastructure held back profit margins. Economic growth is still sluggish; however, we continue to find companies that can grow at above-average rates in the Consumer Discretionary space. We remain optimistic about select multinational businesses with strong brands that can benefit from the growing purchasing power of emerging market consumers. Additionally, fundamentals for U.S.-focused consumer businesses are improving.

The Portfolio’s IT holdings underperformed their benchmark peers as well. Google weighed on results here, as investors responded negatively to the firm’s decision to improve the quality of response to mobile ads to preserve its pricing power, a move that led to some decrease in ad volume. Among IT names, we favor areas where business spending is shifting, such as data infrastructure; cloud computing; and business services. We moderated the Portfolio’s exposure to mobile computing devices in the face of maturing consumer tablet and smartphone markets that are struggling to compete simultaneously in pricing and innovation.

Health Care contributed to relative value, owing to a combination of stock choices and a beneficial overweight. Vertex Pharmaceuticals was a key name here, as shares soared on news that the company’s new cystic fibrosis treatment received favorable trial results and would soon be submitted for full regulatory approval in the U.S. and Europe. We continue to invest in biotechnology companies with promising new treatments and pharmaceutical companies with strong and diverse drug portfolios. We are also finding opportunities to take advantage of larger industry trends like broader insurance coverage, increased generic drug availability, and cost-saving distribution methods.

In Materials, stock selection provided a boost. A leading performer was Sherwin Williams, where all divisions performed well. In addition, a recent acquisition, Comex Group, returned better-than-expected results. Among Materials names, we emphasize companies that we think will benefit from favorable demand and supply trends in the medium to long term. We have a bullish outlook on companies with exposure to the U.S. housing market, but we remain mindful of valuations.

The Portfolio ended the period with overweights to Consumer Discretionary, Health Care, Industrials, and Financials. It was roughly in line with the benchmark’s exposure in Utilities and underweight in Consumer Staples, Energy, Materials, IT, and Telecommunication Services.

Joseph B. Fath

Portfolio Manager

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 1000 GROWTH INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio                 

Class A

       9.09           15.89           8.69   

Class B

       8.83           15.60           8.42   

Class E

       8.93           15.71           8.52   
Russell 1000 Growth Index        13.05           15.81           8.49   

1 The Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged measure of performance of the largest capitalized U.S. companies, within the Russell 1000 companies, that have higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Amazon.com, Inc.      3.5   
Visa, Inc. - Class A      3.3   
Priceline Group, Inc. (The)      3.1   
Google, Inc. - Class C      2.7   
Google, Inc. - Class A      2.7   
MasterCard, Inc. - Class A      2.3   
Facebook, Inc. - Class A      2.2   
McKesson Corp.      2.2   
American Airlines Group, Inc.      2.2   
Gilead Sciences, Inc.      2.2   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Information Technology      26.7   
Consumer Discretionary      26.6   
Health Care      18.4   
Industrials      13.5   
Financials      6.5   
Consumer Staples      2.6   
Energy      2.2   
Materials      2.0   
Telecommunication Services      0.6   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.59    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,060.40         $ 3.06   
   Hypothetical*      0.59    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.23         $ 3.01   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.84    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,059.20         $ 4.36   
   Hypothetical*      0.84    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.97         $ 4.28   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.74    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,059.40         $ 3.84   
   Hypothetical*      0.74    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.48         $ 3.77   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—98.9% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—3.7%

  

Boeing Co. (The)

    280,100      $ 36,407,398   

Precision Castparts Corp.

    172,980        41,667,422   

United Technologies Corp.

    98,200        11,293,000   
   

 

 

 
      89,367,820   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—0.7%

  

FedEx Corp.

    95,800        16,636,628   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—3.1%

  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    964,000        51,699,320   

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (a)

    341,100        22,816,179   
   

 

 

 
      74,515,499   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—0.8%

  

Delphi Automotive plc

    262,900        19,118,088   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—0.9%

  

Tesla Motors, Inc. (a) (b)

    95,490        21,237,931   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—9.6%

  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    177,540        32,850,226   

Biogen Idec, Inc. (a)

    147,290        49,997,591   

Celgene Corp. (a)

    302,034        33,785,523   

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)

    546,200        51,484,812   

Incyte Corp. (a)

    167,900        12,275,169   

Pharmacyclics, Inc. (a) (b)

    100,500        12,287,130   

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    47,450        19,466,363   

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    147,200        17,487,360   
   

 

 

 
      229,634,174   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—2.7%

  

BlackRock, Inc.

    31,600        11,298,896   

Invesco, Ltd.

    29,042        1,147,740   

Morgan Stanley

    621,700        24,121,960   

State Street Corp.

    196,200        15,401,700   

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    378,400        13,539,152   
   

 

 

 
      65,509,448   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—1.8%

  

Ashland, Inc.

    97,700        11,700,552   

Ecolab, Inc.

    33,800        3,532,776   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    102,720        27,019,469   
   

 

 

 
      42,252,797   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—0.6%

  

Tyco International plc

    311,600        13,666,776   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—0.2%

  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a)

    38,200        4,682,174   
   

 

 

 

Construction Materials—0.3%

  

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (b)

    58,600        6,464,752   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.7%

  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.

    78,208      17,150,232   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—2.2%

  

Costco Wholesale Corp.

    89,600        12,700,800   

CVS Health Corp.

    278,000        26,774,180   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    183,800        14,005,560   
   

 

 

 
      53,480,540   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—1.4%

  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a)

    61,300        32,424,022   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—3.6%

  

Humana, Inc.

    109,613        15,743,715   

McKesson Corp.

    250,100        51,915,758   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    192,000        19,409,280   
   

 

 

 
      87,068,753   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—5.9%

  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (a)

    22,800        15,606,828   

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    347,500        20,210,600   

MGM Resorts International (a)

    1,128,020        24,117,067   

Starbucks Corp.

    335,800        27,552,390   

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

    130,000        10,539,100   

Wynn Macau, Ltd.

    3,878,800        10,838,325   

Wynn Resorts, Ltd.

    223,580        33,259,761   
   

 

 

 
      142,124,071   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—3.1%

  

Danaher Corp.

    576,700        49,428,957   

Roper Industries, Inc.

    163,940        25,632,019   
   

 

 

 
      75,060,976   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—8.7%

  

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    272,105        84,447,787   

Ctrip.com International, Ltd. (ADR) (a)

    300,300        13,663,650   

Netflix, Inc. (a)

    58,100        19,847,541   

Priceline Group, Inc. (The) (a)

    64,040        73,019,048   

Vipshop Holdings, Ltd. (ADR) (a)

    901,100        17,607,494   
   

 

 

 
      208,585,520   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—13.4%

  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (ADR) (a) (b)

    340,456        35,386,997   

Baidu, Inc. (ADR) (a)

    194,890        44,429,073   

Dropbox, Inc. - Class A (a) (c) (d)

    214,763        4,102,231   

Facebook, Inc. - Class A (a)

    680,800        53,116,016   

Google, Inc. - Class A (a)

    121,170        64,300,072   

Google, Inc. - Class C (a)

    123,670        65,099,888   

LinkedIn Corp. - Class A (a)

    85,520        19,644,799   

NAVER Corp.

    11,453        7,398,872   

Pandora Media, Inc. (a) (b)

    221,900        3,956,477   

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    1,023,985        14,692,481   

Twitter, Inc. (a)

    228,300        8,189,121   
   

 

 

 
      320,316,027   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

IT Services—6.0%

  

Fiserv, Inc. (a)

    147,000      $ 10,432,590   

MasterCard, Inc. - Class A

    625,400        53,884,464   

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    304,430        79,821,546   
   

 

 

 
      144,138,600   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—1.1%

  

Flowserve Corp.

    114,300        6,838,569   

Wabtec Corp.

    210,800        18,316,412   
   

 

 

 
      25,154,981   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.6%

  

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    221,100        8,491,345   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    326,346        30,738,530   
   

 

 

 
      39,229,875   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—2.2%

  

Continental Resources, Inc. (a) (b)

    149,000        5,715,640   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    51,600        4,750,812   

EQT Corp.

    184,900        13,996,930   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    105,160        15,653,066   

Range Resources Corp.

    221,758        11,852,965   
   

 

 

 
      51,969,413   
   

 

 

 

Personal Products—0.4%

  

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The) - Class A

    119,400        9,098,280   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—3.8%

  

Actavis plc (a)

    107,000        27,542,870   

Allergan, Inc.

    130,700        27,785,513   

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (a)

    247,700        35,448,347   
   

 

 

 
      90,776,730   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—3.1%

  

American Tower Corp.

    364,900        36,070,365   

Crown Castle International Corp.

    471,978        37,144,669   
   

 

 

 
      73,215,034   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.2%

  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (b)

    149,800        12,620,650   

Kansas City Southern

    135,900        16,583,877   
   

 

 

 
      29,204,527   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—0.6%

  

ASML Holding NV

    122,400        13,198,392   
   

 

 

 

Software—4.0%

  

Mobileye NV (a) (b)

    149,100        6,047,496   

NetSuite, Inc. (a) (b)

    117,400        12,816,558   

Red Hat, Inc. (a)

    231,400        15,998,996   

Salesforce.com, Inc. (a)

    534,360        31,692,892   

ServiceNow, Inc. (a)

    174,300        11,826,255   

VMware, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    139,300        11,495,036   

Workday, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    66,900        5,459,709   
   

 

 

 
      95,336,942   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—6.5%

  

AutoZone, Inc. (a)

    47,740      29,556,312   

CarMax, Inc. (a) (b)

    352,900        23,496,082   

Home Depot, Inc. (The)

    255,600        26,830,332   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    537,800        37,000,640   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    113,800        10,726,788   

Tractor Supply Co.

    336,782        26,545,157   
   

 

 

 
      154,155,311   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—2.3%

  

Apple, Inc.

    434,640        47,975,563   

Stratasys, Ltd. (a) (b)

    77,000        6,399,470   
   

 

 

 
      54,375,033   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—2.1%

  

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    175,900        19,633,958   

Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    111,400        8,366,140   

NIKE, Inc. - Class B

    141,300        13,585,995   

Under Armour, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    137,500        9,336,250   
   

 

 

 
      50,922,343   
   

 

 

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services—0.6%

  

SoftBank Corp.

    236,200        14,056,790   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,743,710,281)

      2,364,128,479   
   

 

 

 
Convertible Preferred Stocks—0.2%   

Internet Software & Services—0.2%

  

Airbnb, Inc. - Series D (a) (c) (d)

    97,047        4,892,139   

Living Social, Inc. - Class F (a) (c) (d)

    101,591        26,414   
   

 

 

 

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks
(Cost $4,732,312)

      4,918,553   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—5.3%   

Mutual Funds—5.3%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (e)

    99,978,392        99,978,392   

T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Investment Fund (f)

    27,425,131        27,425,131   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $127,403,523)

      127,403,523   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—104.4%
(Cost $1,875,846,116) (g)

      2,496,450,555   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(4.4)%

      (105,749,694
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 2,390,700,861   
   

 

 

 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $104,994,939 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $99,978,392 and non-cash collateral with a value of $8,023,755. The cash collateral is

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

(c) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.4% of net assets.
(d) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of restricted securities was $9,020,784, which is 0.4% of net assets. See details shown in the Restricted Securities table that follows.
(e) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(f) Affiliated Issuer. (See Note 7 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in securities of affiliated issuers.)
(g) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,878,380,214. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $656,155,825 and $(38,085,484), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $618,070,341 for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.

 

Restricted Securities

   Acquisition
Date
     Shares      Cost      Value  

Airbnb, Inc. - Series D

     04/16/14         97,047       $ 3,951,078       $ 4,892,139   

Dropbox, Inc. - Class A

     11/07/14         214,763         4,102,231         4,102,231   

Living Social, Inc. - Class F

     11/18/11         101,591         781,235         26,414   
           

 

 

 
            $ 9,020,784   
           

 

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Common Stocks

          

Aerospace & Defense

   $ 89,367,820       $ —        $ —         $ 89,367,820   

Air Freight & Logistics

     16,636,628         —          —           16,636,628   

Airlines

     74,515,499         —          —           74,515,499   

Auto Components

     19,118,088         —          —           19,118,088   

Automobiles

     21,237,931         —          —           21,237,931   

Biotechnology

     229,634,174         —          —           229,634,174   

Capital Markets

     65,509,448         —          —           65,509,448   

Chemicals

     42,252,797         —          —           42,252,797   

Commercial Services & Supplies

     13,666,776         —          —           13,666,776   

Communications Equipment

     4,682,174         —          —           4,682,174   

Construction Materials

     6,464,752         —          —           6,464,752   

Diversified Financial Services

     17,150,232         —          —           17,150,232   

Food & Staples Retailing

     53,480,540         —          —           53,480,540   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     32,424,022         —          —           32,424,022   

Health Care Providers & Services

     87,068,753         —          —           87,068,753   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     131,285,746         10,838,325        —           142,124,071   

Industrial Conglomerates

     75,060,976         —          —           75,060,976   

Internet & Catalog Retail

     208,585,520         —          —           208,585,520   

Internet Software & Services

     294,122,443         22,091,353        4,102,231         320,316,027   

IT Services

     144,138,600         —          —           144,138,600   

Machinery

     25,154,981         —          —           25,154,981   

Media

     39,229,875         —          —           39,229,875   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     51,969,413         —          —           51,969,413   

Personal Products

     9,098,280         —          —           9,098,280   

Pharmaceuticals

     90,776,730         —          —           90,776,730   

Real Estate Investment Trusts

     73,215,034         —          —           73,215,034   

Road & Rail

     29,204,527         —          —           29,204,527   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     13,198,392         —          —           13,198,392   

Software

     95,336,942         —          —           95,336,942   

Specialty Retail

     154,155,311         —          —           154,155,311   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals

     54,375,033         —          —           54,375,033   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     50,922,343         —          —           50,922,343   

Wireless Telecommunication Services

     —           14,056,790        —           14,056,790   

Total Common Stocks

     2,313,039,780         46,986,468        4,102,231         2,364,128,479   

Total Convertible Preferred Stocks*

     —           —          4,918,553         4,918,553   

Total Short-Term Investments*

     127,403,523         —          —           127,403,523   

Total Investments

   $ 2,440,443,303       $ 46,986,468      $ 9,020,784       $ 2,496,450,555   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (99,978,392   $ —         $ (99,978,392

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Purchases      Balance as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in Unrealized
Appreciation from
Investments Still Held at
December 31, 2014
 
Common Stock               

Internet Software & Services

   $       $       $ 4,102,231       $ 4,102,231       $   
Convertible Preferred Stocks               

Internet Software & Services

     64,002         903,473         3,951,078         4,918,553         903,473   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 64,002       $ 903,473       $ 8,053,309       $ 9,020,784       $ 903,473   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 2,469,025,424   

Affiliated investments at value (c)

     27,425,131   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (d)

     45,474   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     4,268,332   

Fund shares sold

     461,636   

Dividends

     964,690   

Dividends on affiliated investments

     1,416   

Prepaid expenses

     6,327   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     2,502,198,430   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     99,978,392   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     8,757,068   

Fund shares redeemed

     1,219,897   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,133,584   

Distribution and service fees

     141,029   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     97,529   

Other expenses

     170,070   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     111,497,569   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,390,700,861   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,361,642,397   

Undistributed net investment income

     1,989,955   

Accumulated net realized gain

     406,473,776   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     620,594,733   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,390,700,861   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 1,710,197,390   

Class B

     642,418,803   

Class E

     38,084,668   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     69,075,812   

Class B

     26,211,491   

Class E

     1,546,715   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 24.76   

Class B

     24.51   

Class E

     24.62   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,848,420,985.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $104,994,939.
(c) Identified cost of affiliated investments was $27,425,131.
(d) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $45,905.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 17,846,674   

Dividends from affiliated investments

     9,384   

Interest

     1,420   

Securities lending income

     374,010   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     18,231,488   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     14,891,289   

Administration fees

     57,389   

Custodian and accounting fees

     266,134   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,543,472   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     57,690   

Audit and tax services

     42,853   

Legal

     30,013   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     40,766   

Shareholder reporting

     190,756   

Insurance

     14,559   

Miscellaneous

     18,468   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     17,153,389   

Less management fee waiver

     (1,094,504

Less broker commission recapture

     (18,053
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     16,040,832   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     2,190,656   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     411,774,819   

Futures contracts

     287,345   

Foreign currency transactions

     (3,028
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     412,059,136   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (208,879,755

Foreign currency transactions

     (11,759
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (208,891,514
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     203,167,622   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 205,358,278   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $79,030.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 2,190,656      $ 1,666,425   

Net realized gain

     412,059,136        204,118,860   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (208,891,514     502,901,627   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     205,358,278        708,686,912   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (1,184,801     (4,787,873

Class B

     0        (183,240

Class E

     0        (27,947

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (135,304,228     0   

Class B

     (42,997,307     0   

Class E

     (2,701,930     0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (182,188,266     (4,999,060
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     (295,377,662     397,860,785   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (272,207,650     1,101,548,637   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     2,662,908,511        1,561,359,874   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 2,390,700,861      $ 2,662,908,511   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 1,989,955      $ 1,312,255   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     3,594,337      $ 80,177,221        14,211,647      $ 301,716,419   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        2,897,854        55,320,025   

Reinvestments

     6,307,257        136,489,029        258,385        4,787,873   

Redemptions

     (22,750,488     (527,126,265     (10,632,918     (222,768,817
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (12,848,894   $ (310,460,015     6,734,968      $ 139,055,500   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     4,619,616      $ 108,524,649        4,928,278      $ 103,138,441   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        13,508,986        256,400,558   

Reinvestments

     2,003,603        42,997,307        9,948        183,240   

Redemptions

     (5,697,433     (133,841,023     (5,459,206     (113,287,739
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     925,786      $ 17,680,933        12,988,006      $ 246,434,500   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     141,899      $ 3,370,559        608,820      $ 11,780,542   

Shares issued through acquisition

     0        0        826,063        15,719,980   

Reinvestments

     125,438        2,701,930        1,513        27,947   

Redemptions

     (365,404     (8,671,069     (747,881     (15,157,684
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (98,067   $ (2,598,580     688,515      $ 12,370,785   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (295,377,662     $ 397,860,785   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 24.51       $ 17.67       $ 14.87       $ 15.05       $ 12.89   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.04         0.03         0.07         0.03         0.02   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.94         6.87         2.75         (0.20      2.18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.98         6.90         2.82         (0.17      2.20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.02      (0.06      (0.02      (0.01      (0.04

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.71      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.73      (0.06      (0.02      (0.01      (0.04
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 24.76       $ 24.51       $ 17.67       $ 14.87       $ 15.05   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     9.09         39.16         18.97         (1.12      17.05   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.63         0.63         0.64         0.64         0.64   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c) (d)

     0.58         0.58         0.60         0.60         0.62   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.15         0.14         0.43         0.18         0.15   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     34         41         38         33         42   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 1,710.2       $ 2,007.8       $ 1,328.9       $ 971.1       $ 639.7   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 24.32       $ 17.54       $ 14.78       $ 14.98       $ 12.84   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.02      (0.03      0.02         (0.01      (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.92         6.83         2.74         (0.19      2.16   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.90         6.80         2.76         (0.20      2.15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00         (0.02      0.00         0.00         (0.01

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.71      0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.71      (0.02      0.00         0.00         (0.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 24.51       $ 24.32       $ 17.54       $ 14.78       $ 14.98   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.83         38.77         18.67         (1.34      16.74   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.88         0.88         0.89         0.89         0.89   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c) (d)

     0.83         0.83         0.85         0.85         0.87   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.09      (0.12      0.12         (0.09      (0.10

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     34         41         38         33         42   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 642.4       $ 615.0       $ 215.7       $ 199.5       $ 231.7   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013      2012      2011     2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 24.40      $ 17.60       $ 14.81       $ 15.00      $ 12.85   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

            

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     0.00  (e)      (0.01      0.04         0.00  (e)      (0.00 ) (e) 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     1.93        6.84         2.75         (0.19     2.17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.93        6.83         2.79         (0.19     2.17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

            

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00        (0.03      0.00         0.00        (0.02

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.71     0.00         0.00         0.00        0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.71     (0.03      0.00         0.00        (0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 24.62      $ 24.40       $ 17.60       $ 14.81      $ 15.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     8.93        38.87         18.84         (1.27     16.89   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

            

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.78        0.78         0.79         0.79        0.79   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c) (d)

     0.73        0.73         0.75         0.75        0.77   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     0.00  (f)      (0.03      0.22         0.01        (0.01

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     34        41         38         33        42   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 38.1      $ 40.1       $ 16.8       $ 16.0      $ 20.6   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) The effect of the voluntary portion of the waiver on average net assets was 0.03%, 0.03%, 0.03%, 0.03%, and 0.02% for the years ended 2014 through 2010, respectively (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(e) Net investment income (loss) was less than $0.01.
(f) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets was less than 0.01%.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions and broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 25, 2014 through April 29, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $27,681,554 in notional cost on equity index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized gains in the amount of $287,345 which are shown under Net realized gain on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 836,443,416       $ 0       $ 1,310,683,877   

The Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other accounts managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. that amounted to $276,177 in purchases of investments and $1,344,567 in sales of investments, which is included above.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $57,874,222 in sales of investments, which are included above.

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$14,891,289      0.650   Of the first $50 million
     0.600   On amounts in excess of $50 million

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows provided the Portfolio’s assets exceed $1 billion:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.030%    On the first $50 million
0.010%    On amounts between $100 million and $1.5 billion
0.025%    On amounts in excess of $1.5 billion

If the Portfolio’s average daily net assets fall below $1 billion, the per annum fee reduction would be 0.015% on the first $50 million.

An identical expense agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $399,429 and are included in the total amounts shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Effective February 17, 2005, T. Rowe Price agreed to a voluntary subadvisory fee waiver that applies if (i) assets under management by T. Rowe Price for the Trust and Met Investors Series Trust (“MIST”), an affiliate of the Trust, in the aggregate, exceed $750,000,000, (ii) T. Rowe Price subadvises three or more portfolios of the Trust and MIST in the aggregate, and (iii) at least one of those portfolios is a large cap domestic equity portfolio.

If the aforementioned conditions are met, T. Rowe Price will waive its subadvisory fee paid by MetLife Advisers by 5% for combined Trust and MIST average daily net assets over $750,000,000, 7.5% for the next $1,500,000,000 of combined assets, and 10% for amounts over $3,000,000,000. MetLife Advisers has voluntarily agreed to reduce its advisory fee for the Portfolio by the amount waived (if any) by T. Rowe Price for the Portfolio pursuant to this voluntary subadvisory fee waiver. Because these fee waivers are voluntary, and not contractual, they may be discontinued by T. Rowe Price and MetLife Advisers at any time. Amounts voluntarily waived by MetLife Advisers for the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $695,075 and are included in the total amounts shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Transactions in Securities of Affiliated Issuers

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers during the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

Security Description

  Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2013
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Number of
shares held at
December 31, 2014
    Realized
Gain on
shares sold
    Income earned
from affiliates
during the
period
 

T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Investment Fund

    21,895,777        394,507,713        (388,978,359     27,425,131      $ 0      $ 9,384   

8. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

9. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013        2014          2013        2014      2013  
$1,184,801    $ 4,999,060       $ 181,003,465       $       $ 182,188,266       $ 4,999,060   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$33,052,335    $ 378,043,024       $ 618,060,635       $       $ 1,029,155,994   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

10. Acquisition

At the close of business on April 26, 2013, the Portfolio, with aggregate Class A, Class B and Class E net assets of $1,526,495,286, $231,435,766 and $17,215,784, respectively, acquired all of the assets and liabilities of RCM Technology Portfolio of the Met Investors Series Trust (“RCM Technology”).

The acquisition was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of 2,897,854 Class A shares of the Portfolio (valued at $55,320,025) for 13,535,094 Class A shares of RCM Technology; 13,508,986 Class B shares of the Portfolio (valued at $256,400,558) for 65,404,490 of Class B shares of RCM Technology; and 826,063 Class E shares of the Portfolio (valued at $15,719,980) for 3,941,164 of Class E shares of RCM Technology. Each shareholder of RCM Technology received shares of the Portfolio with the same class designation and at the respective Class NAV, as determined at the close of business on April 26, 2013. The transaction was part of a restructuring designed to eliminate the offering of overlapping Portfolios in the MetLife, Inc. families of funds with similar investment objectives and similar investment strategies that serve as funding vehicles for insurance contracts that are offered by affiliates of MetLife. Some of the investments held by RCM Technology may have been purchased or sold prior to the acquisition for the purpose of complying with the anticipated investment policies or limitations of the Portfolio after the acquisition. If such purchases or sales occurred, the transaction costs were borne by RCM Technology. All other costs associated with the merger were not borne by the shareholders of either portfolio.

RCM Technology’s net assets on April 26, 2013, were $55,320,025, $256,400,558 and $15,719,980 for Class A, Class B and Class E shares, respectively, including investments valued at $327,542,456 with a cost basis of $314,461,180. For financial reporting purposes, assets received, liabilities assumed and shares issued by the Portfolio were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received by the Portfolio from RCM Technology were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Portfolio’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes.

The aggregate net assets of the Portfolio immediately after the acquisition were $2,102,587,399, which included $13,079,428 of acquired unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions.

Assuming the acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2013, the Portfolio’s pro-forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

Net Investment income

   $ 2,217,513 (a) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

   $ 723,537,821 (b) 
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from operations

   $ 725,755,334   
  

 

 

 

Because the combined investment portfolios have been managed as a single integrated portfolio since the acquisition was completed, it is not practicable to separate the amounts of revenue and earnings of RCM Technology that have been included in the Portfolio’s Statement of Operations since April 26, 2013.

 

(a) $1,666,425 net investment income as reported, December 31, 2013, plus $202,254 from RCM Technology pre-merger net investment income plus $350,357 in lower advisory fees, minus $1,523 of pro-forma eliminated other expenses.
(b) $829,486,247 Unrealized appreciation as reported December 31, 2013, minus $336,326,710 pro-forma December 31, 2012 Unrealized depreciation, plus $204,118,860 Net realized gain as reported December 31, 2013, plus $26,259,424 in Net Realized gain from RCM Technology pre-merger.

11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Growth Index, for the one-year period ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed its benchmark for the three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the median of the Expense Group, Expense Universe, and Sub-advised Expense Universe. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year. The Board also took into account the fact that the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are voluntarily waiving a portion of their advisory fees based on the amount of the Trusts’ assets managed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Managed By T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio returned 6.91%, 6.65%, and 6.69%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI U.S. Small Cap Growth Index1, returned 4.69%. Since its inception on November 12, 2014, the Class G shares of the T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio returned 1.35%. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI U.S. Small Cap Growth Index, returned 1.82% over the same period.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

U.S. equities rose in 2014 for the sixth consecutive year, as the economy recovered strongly from a first-quarter weather-related contraction. Falling long-term interest rates, solid employment growth, favorable corporate earnings, and expanded stimulus measures by major non-U.S. central banks boosted returns. Large-cap stocks reached new highs in December and significantly outpaced small- and mid-caps. As measured by various Russell indexes, value stocks outperformed growth among large- and mid-caps, while the opposite was true for small-cap shares. Within the MSCI U.S. Small Cap Growth Index, Health Care led returns, followed by Utilities, while Energy ended deep in negative territory.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio turned in positive absolute returns for the year and outpaced its benchmark, the MSCI U.S. Small Cap Growth Index. Stock selection was the primary cause of the relative outperformance, and sector allocations were also positive. Consumer Discretionary, Materials, and Industrials all helped relative results, while Financials detracted.

Consumer Discretionary was the primary area of relative outperformance, owing to stock choices that included Hanesbrands and Denny’s. National restaurant chain Denny’s benefited from improved revenues due to increased traffic at remodeled, company-owned restaurants.

Materials provided a boost as well, also due to stock selection. NewMarket and Berry Plastics Group were among the outperformers. One of the world’s largest producers of petroleum additives, which are used as additives in motor oils, NewMarket reported solid earnings driven by increased shipments in European and Asian markets. Berry Plastics, which focuses on packaging for U.S. food and beverage markets, benefited from improved cash flows.

In Industrials, the Portfolio’s stock holdings also outperformed their benchmark peers. A leading name here was Old Dominion Freight Line, a trucking company that focuses on small freight and regional and national delivery while also providing logistics services. An improving U.S. manufacturing environment helped the company beat estimates this past year, and the firm also announced plans for share buybacks after several years of heavy investment in network improvements.

Stock choices in Financials proved detrimental, most notably Altisource Portfolio Solutions. This mortgage real estate service provider reported declining earnings as revenues from the company’s largest client decreased and efforts to diversify the client base were met with limited success. Shares also fell significantly when the client in question agreed to a major settlement with a regulatory agency. We exited our position during the period.

The Portfolio ended the year with an overweight to Health Care and Information Technology. It was notably underweight in Industrials, Materials, Utilities, Consumer Staples, and Telecommunication Services, and roughly in line with the benchmark in Consumer Discretionary and Energy.

Sudhir Nanda

Portfolio Manager

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE MSCI U.S. SMALL CAP GROWTH INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year        Since Inception2  
T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio                      

Class A

       6.91           19.77           10.72             

Class B

       6.65           19.48           10.45             

Class E

       6.69           19.57           10.55             

Class G

                                     1.35   
MSCI U.S. Small Cap Growth Index        4.69           18.02           10.03             

1 The MSCI U.S. Small Cap Growth Index represents the growth companies of the MSCI U.S. Small Cap 1750 Index. (The MSCI U.S. Small Cap 1750 Index represents the universe of small capitalization companies in the U.S. equity market).

2 Inception dates of the Class A, Class B, Class E and Class G shares are 3/3/97, 7/30/02, 5/1/01 and 11/12/14, respectively.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
MAXIMUS, Inc.      1.0   
Middleby Corp. (The)      1.0   
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.      1.0   
Hanesbrands, Inc.      1.0   
Tyler Technologies, Inc.      0.9   
Incyte Corp.      0.9   
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The) - Class A      0.9   
Rite Aid Corp.      0.9   
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.      0.8   
J&J Snack Foods Corp.      0.8   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Information Technology      23.4   
Health Care      20.6   
Industrials      17.5   
Consumer Discretionary      17.4   
Financials      8.5   
Materials      4.8   
Energy      3.6   
Consumer Staples      3.5   
Telecommunication Services      0.3   

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.48    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,040.00         $ 2.47   
   Hypothetical*      0.48    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.79         $ 2.45   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.73    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,038.70         $ 3.75   
   Hypothetical*      0.73    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.53         $ 3.72   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,038.50         $ 3.24   
   Hypothetical*      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.03         $ 3.21   

Class G(a)(b)

   Actual      0.81    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,013.50         $ 1.12   
   Hypothetical*      0.81    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,005.74         $ 1.11   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days for Class A, Class B and Class E, and 50 days for Class G) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

(b) Commencement of operations was November 12, 2014.

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—99.6% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—2.4%

  

Esterline Technologies Corp. (a)

    38,400      $ 4,211,712   

GenCorp, Inc. (a) (b)

    122,500        2,241,750   

HEICO Corp. - Class A

    142,381        6,743,164   

Hexcel Corp. (a)

    107,400        4,456,026   

Teledyne Technologies, Inc. (a)

    88,900        9,133,586   

TransDigm Group, Inc.

    26,500        5,203,275   
   

 

 

 
      31,989,513   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.9%

  

Allegiant Travel Co.

    22,400        3,367,392   

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (a)

    114,400        8,646,352   
   

 

 

 
      12,013,744   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—0.4%

  

Tenneco, Inc. (a)

    96,700        5,474,187   
   

 

 

 

Banks—1.3%

  

Signature Bank (a)

    64,200        8,086,632   

SVB Financial Group (a)

    44,800        5,199,936   

Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (a) (b)

    71,100        3,862,863   
   

 

 

 
      17,149,431   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—0.9%

  

Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The) - Class A (a) (b)

    40,187        11,635,744   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—8.6%

  

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    107,800        3,422,650   

Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    54,000        2,103,840   

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

    43,200        1,765,584   

Alkermes plc (a)

    139,200        8,151,552   

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    53,900        5,228,300   

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    43,700        1,862,494   

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a)

    63,500        5,740,400   

Bluebird Bio, Inc. (a)

    26,200        2,403,064   

Cepheid, Inc. (a) (b)

    79,600        4,309,544   

Clovis Oncology, Inc. (a) (b)

    13,800        772,800   

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    90,300        9,088,695   

Exelixis, Inc. (a) (b)

    299,200        430,848   

Incyte Corp. (a)

    160,000        11,697,600   

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,600        1,965,600   

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    117,900        7,279,146   

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    36,700        1,952,807   

Medivation, Inc. (a)

    26,700        2,659,587   

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    165,200        3,690,568   

Novavax, Inc. (a) (b)

    268,800        1,593,984   

NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    133,600        4,778,872   

Ophthotech Corp. (a) (b)

    18,300        821,121   

Opko Health, Inc. (a) (b)

    218,500        2,182,815   

Pharmacyclics, Inc. (a) (b)

    54,500        6,663,170   

Prothena Corp. plc (a) (b)

    41,800        867,768   

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (a) (b)

    48,100        9,103,887   

Receptos, Inc. (a)

    10,900        1,335,359   

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (a) (b)

    75,600        2,429,028   

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    76,600        195,330   

Synageva BioPharma Corp. (a) (b)

    19,900        1,846,521   

Biotechnology—(Continued)

  

United Therapeutics Corp. (a)

    63,400      8,209,666   
   

 

 

 
      114,552,600   
   

 

 

 

Building Products—0.7%

  

AAON, Inc. (b)

    165,599        3,707,762   

Lennox International, Inc. (b)

    56,900        5,409,483   
   

 

 

 
      9,117,245   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—2.0%

  

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (a)

    21,449        4,552,336   

E*Trade Financial Corp. (a)

    355,260        8,616,831   

Financial Engines, Inc. (b)

    91,400        3,340,670   

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    16,400        2,796,036   

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. - Class A

    149,100        7,428,162   
   

 

 

 
      26,734,035   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—2.0%

  

NewMarket Corp. (b)

    24,700        9,967,191   

PolyOne Corp.

    206,700        7,835,997   

Stepan Co.

    71,700        2,873,736   

WR Grace & Co. (a)

    62,700        5,980,953   
   

 

 

 
      26,657,877   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services & Supplies—1.8%

  

Civeo Corp.

    97,200        399,492   

Clean Harbors, Inc. (a) (b)

    89,500        4,300,475   

Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (b)

    125,500        3,881,715   

Rollins, Inc.

    150,250        4,973,275   

Team, Inc. (a)

    62,400        2,524,704   

U.S. Ecology, Inc. (b)

    77,300        3,101,276   

Waste Connections, Inc.

    94,100        4,139,459   
   

 

 

 
      23,320,396   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—2.1%

  

ADTRAN, Inc.

    30,400        662,720   

ARRIS Group, Inc. (a)

    125,400        3,785,826   

Aruba Networks, Inc. (a) (b)

    145,500        2,645,190   

EchoStar Corp. - Class A (a) (b)

    91,400        4,798,500   

JDS Uniphase Corp. (a)

    249,300        3,420,396   

Plantronics, Inc.

    84,900        4,501,398   

Polycom, Inc. (a)

    118,186        1,595,511   

Riverbed Technology, Inc. (a)

    206,967        4,224,196   

Ubiquiti Networks, Inc. (b)

    58,800        1,742,832   
   

 

 

 
      27,376,569   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—0.6%

  

PRA Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    124,900        7,235,457   

World Acceptance Corp. (a) (b)

    6,700        532,315   
   

 

 

 
      7,767,772   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—1.4%

  

Berry Plastics Group, Inc. (a)

    248,100        7,827,555   

Graphic Packaging Holding Co. (a)

    583,400        7,945,908   

Rock-Tenn Co. - Class A

    48,600        2,963,628   
   

 

 

 
      18,737,091   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Distributors—0.6%

  

LKQ Corp. (a)

    74,700      $ 2,100,564   

Pool Corp.

    87,500        5,551,000   
   

 

 

 
      7,651,564   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Consumer Services—0.8%

  

Ascent Capital Group, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    50,100        2,651,793   

Capella Education Co.

    47,437        3,650,752   

Sotheby’s (b)

    98,100        4,235,958   

Steiner Leisure, Ltd. (a)

    10,400        480,584   
   

 

 

 
      11,019,087   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—1.3%

  

CBOE Holdings, Inc.

    121,200        7,686,504   

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. (b)

    91,200        6,539,952   

MSCI, Inc.

    59,578        2,826,380   

NewStar Financial, Inc. (a)

    60,291        771,725   
   

 

 

 
      17,824,561   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services—0.2%

  

Level 3 Communications, Inc. (a)

    68,250        3,370,185   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—1.0%

  

Acuity Brands, Inc.

    55,200        7,731,864   

Generac Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    107,900        5,045,404   
   

 

 

 
      12,777,268   
   

 

 

 

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components—2.3%

  

Anixter International, Inc. (a)

    90,700        8,023,322   

Cognex Corp. (a)

    163,000        6,736,790   

Coherent, Inc. (a)

    78,600        4,772,592   

FARO Technologies, Inc. (a)

    28,100        1,761,308   

FEI Co.

    97,200        8,782,020   
   

 

 

 
      30,076,032   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—1.2%

  

Atwood Oceanics, Inc. (a)

    58,200        1,651,134   

Core Laboratories NV

    25,300        3,044,602   

Dril-Quip, Inc. (a)

    55,200        4,235,496   

Oceaneering International, Inc.

    50,300        2,958,143   

Oil States International, Inc. (a)

    41,100        2,009,790   

Tesco Corp. (b)

    140,000        1,794,800   

Unit Corp. (a)

    25,500        869,550   
   

 

 

 
      16,563,515   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—0.9%

  

Rite Aid Corp. (a)

    1,514,700        11,390,544   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.6%

  

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    99,400        10,811,738   

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (a)

    116,500        9,964,245   
   

 

 

 
      20,775,983   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—3.9%

  

Align Technology, Inc. (a)

    132,700        7,419,257   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—(Continued)

  

Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)

    37,300      6,045,957   

DexCom, Inc. (a)

    114,100        6,281,205   

Halyard Health, Inc. (a)

    70,000        3,182,900   

HeartWare International, Inc. (a) (b)

    15,300        1,123,479   

ICU Medical, Inc. (a)

    36,700        3,005,730   

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    40,900        6,064,243   

Masimo Corp. (a)

    53,100        1,398,654   

Sirona Dental Systems, Inc. (a)

    98,400        8,597,208   

Thoratec Corp. (a)

    73,800        2,395,548   

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    111,800        5,952,232   
   

 

 

 
      51,466,413   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—3.5%

  

Air Methods Corp. (a) (b)

    111,500        4,909,345   

Centene Corp. (a)

    79,600        8,266,460   

Chemed Corp. (b)

    16,300        1,722,421   

Corvel Corp. (a)

    98,900        3,681,058   

HealthSouth Corp.

    121,500        4,672,890   

MEDNAX, Inc. (a)

    81,200        5,368,132   

MWI Veterinary Supply, Inc. (a)

    36,500        6,201,715   

Team Health Holdings, Inc. (a)

    141,200        8,123,236   

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (a)

    47,300        3,881,438   
   

 

 

 
      46,826,695   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Technology—0.2%

  

athenahealth, Inc. (a) (b)

    16,300        2,374,910   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—5.7%

  

Brinker International, Inc.

    137,400        8,064,006   

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (a) (b)

    33,500        6,042,730   

Cheesecake Factory, Inc. (The) (b)

    65,400        3,290,274   

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (b)

    101,600        5,691,632   

Denny’s Corp. (a)

    684,600        7,058,226   

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

    116,500        10,970,805   

Jack in the Box, Inc.

    68,400        5,469,264   

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.

    110,000        8,199,400   

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (a)

    57,300        4,410,667   

Six Flags Entertainment Corp. (b)

    158,300        6,830,645   

Vail Resorts, Inc.

    103,100        9,395,503   
   

 

 

 
      75,423,152   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—0.7%

  

Helen of Troy, Ltd. (a)

    108,500        7,059,010   

iRobot Corp. (a) (b)

    67,300        2,336,656   
   

 

 

 
      9,395,666   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—0.3%

  

Amtrust Financial Services, Inc. (b)

    74,378        4,183,763   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—1.7%

  

HSN, Inc.

    122,300        9,294,800   

Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    142,100        3,822,490   

Liberty Ventures - Series A (a)

    163,300        6,159,676   

Shutterfly, Inc. (a) (b)

    82,800        3,452,346   
   

 

 

 
      22,729,312   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Internet Software & Services—2.5%

  

comScore, Inc. (a)

    34,700      $ 1,611,121   

Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (a) (b)

    81,900        2,882,880   

CoStar Group, Inc. (a)

    39,400        7,235,022   

Envestnet, Inc. (a)

    107,100        5,262,894   

j2 Global, Inc. (b)

    68,600        4,253,200   

MercadoLibre, Inc. (b)

    41,500        5,298,305   

Perficient, Inc. (a)

    125,400        2,336,202   

WebMD Health Corp. (a) (b)

    124,500        4,923,975   
   

 

 

 
      33,803,599   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—6.1%

  

Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc. - Class B (a)

    80,100        3,018,969   

Cardtronics, Inc. (a) (b)

    154,900        5,976,042   

CoreLogic, Inc. (a)

    218,500        6,902,415   

DST Systems, Inc.

    50,800        4,782,820   

Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (a)

    134,600        7,389,540   

Gartner, Inc. (a)

    121,200        10,206,252   

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (b)

    142,760        7,701,902   

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

    86,900        5,399,966   

MAXIMUS, Inc.

    253,000        13,874,520   

TeleTech Holdings, Inc. (a)

    45,600        1,079,808   

Unisys Corp. (a)

    71,109        2,096,293   

VeriFone Systems, Inc. (a)

    79,700        2,964,840   

WEX, Inc. (a)

    92,800        9,179,776   
   

 

 

 
      80,573,143   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—1.0%

  

Brunswick Corp.

    114,300        5,859,018   

Polaris Industries, Inc. (b)

    49,100        7,425,884   
   

 

 

 
      13,284,902   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—1.0%

  

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. - Class A (a)

    19,800        2,387,088   

Bruker Corp. (a)

    125,400        2,460,348   

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (a)

    9,600        2,903,616   

PAREXEL International Corp. (a) (b)

    101,300        5,628,228   
   

 

 

 
      13,379,280   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—6.3%

  

Actuant Corp. - Class A

    112,500        3,064,500   

Chart Industries, Inc. (a)

    39,700        1,357,740   

Graco, Inc.

    82,100        6,582,778   

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

    33,694        2,466,401   

IDEX Corp.

    67,000        5,215,280   

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    140,800        4,626,688   

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc.

    91,800        6,342,462   

Middleby Corp. (The) (a)

    138,100        13,685,710   

Nordson Corp.

    86,300        6,727,948   

Standex International Corp.

    30,300        2,340,978   

Sun Hydraulics Corp. (b)

    60,600        2,386,428   

Toro Co. (The) (b)

    150,100        9,577,881   

Valmont Industries, Inc. (b)

    44,200        5,613,400   

Wabtec Corp.

    120,800        10,496,312   

Woodward, Inc.

    71,400        3,515,022   
   

 

 

 
      83,999,528   
   

 

 

 

Marine—0.5%

  

Kirby Corp. (a)

    83,300      6,725,642   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.1%

  

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - Class A

    20,700        1,226,268   

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (a)

    319,000        8,329,090   

Starz - Class A (a) (b)

    157,000        4,662,900   
   

 

 

 
      14,218,258   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—0.7%

  

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

    31,100        2,700,413   

Stillwater Mining Co. (a)

    165,300        2,436,522   

Worthington Industries, Inc.

    122,300        3,680,007   
   

 

 

 
      8,816,942   
   

 

 

 

Multiline Retail—0.2%

  

Big Lots, Inc. (b)

    67,300        2,693,346   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—2.4%

   

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. (a)

    35,100        842,400   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. (a)

    66,300        2,758,080   

Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (a)

    33,900        2,162,820   

Contango Oil & Gas Co. (a)

    66,800        1,953,232   

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (a)

    72,800        4,351,984   

Gran Tierra Energy, Inc. (a)

    206,000        793,100   

Oasis Petroleum, Inc. (a) (b)

    121,800        2,014,572   

Rosetta Resources, Inc. (a)

    28,800        642,528   

SemGroup Corp. - Class A

    108,000        7,386,120   

SM Energy Co.

    41,300        1,593,354   

Stone Energy Corp. (a) (b)

    119,300        2,013,784   

Targa Resources Corp.

    50,000        5,302,500   
   

 

 

 
      31,814,474   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—0.7%

  

Clearwater Paper Corp. (a)

    50,200        3,441,210   

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp.

    221,400        6,489,234   
   

 

 

 
      9,930,444   
   

 

 

 

Personal Products—0.2%

  

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (b)

    61,200        2,674,440   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—3.4%

  

Akorn, Inc. (a) (b)

    138,800        5,024,560   

Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    55,600        1,911,806   

AVANIR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Class A (a)

    333,400        5,651,130   

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (a) (b)

    16,900        2,767,037   

Mallinckrodt plc (a)

    38,376        3,800,375   

Medicines Co. (The) (a)

    67,600        1,870,492   

Nektar Therapeutics (a) (b)

    142,300        2,205,650   

Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    53,500        4,743,310   

Phibro Animal Health Corp. - Class A

    46,600        1,470,230   

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (a)

    175,400        6,089,888   

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (a)

    70,500        8,103,270   

Theravance Biopharma, Inc. (a)

    23,914        356,797   

Theravance, Inc. (b)

    68,200        965,030   

ZS Pharma, Inc. (a)

    900        37,413   
   

 

 

 
      44,996,988   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Professional Services—1.2%

  

Advisory Board Co. (The) (a)

    59,300      $ 2,904,514   

Dun & Bradstreet Corp. (The)

    27,400        3,314,304   

Exponent, Inc.

    39,600        3,267,000   

Huron Consulting Group, Inc. (a)

    85,400        5,840,506   
   

 

 

 
      15,326,324   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—1.5%

  

Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.

    123,000        6,340,650   

FelCor Lodging Trust, Inc.

    436,100        4,718,602   

Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (a)

    454,500        6,013,035   

Taubman Centers, Inc.

    31,100        2,376,662   
   

 

 

 
      19,448,949   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Management & Development—0.8%

  

Forest City Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (a)

    134,000        2,854,200   

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.

    16,600        2,488,838   

Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.

    192,243        4,863,748   
   

 

 

 
      10,206,786   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—2.5%

   

AMERCO

    24,400        6,935,944   

Avis Budget Group, Inc. (a)

    125,100        8,297,883   

Landstar System, Inc.

    69,200        5,019,076   

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (a)

    168,850        13,109,514   
   

 

 

 
      33,362,417   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—2.8%

  

Amkor Technology, Inc. (a)

    80,100        568,710   

Atmel Corp. (a)

    577,200        4,845,594   

Cabot Microelectronics Corp. (a)

    52,800        2,498,496   

Cavium, Inc. (a) (b)

    104,700        6,472,554   

Diodes, Inc. (a)

    99,300        2,737,701   

Microsemi Corp. (a)

    143,600        4,075,368   

Semtech Corp. (a)

    104,100        2,870,037   

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    44,800        2,133,376   

Synaptics, Inc. (a)

    97,400        6,705,016   

Teradyne, Inc.

    189,100        3,742,289   
   

 

 

 
      36,649,141   
   

 

 

 

Software—7.4%

  

Advent Software, Inc.

    104,300        3,195,752   

Aspen Technology, Inc. (a)

    202,600        7,095,052   

CommVault Systems, Inc. (a)

    90,400        4,672,776   

Computer Modelling Group, Ltd.

    290,800        2,988,597   

FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (b)

    43,000        6,052,250   

Fortinet, Inc. (a)

    188,300        5,773,278   

Informatica Corp. (a)

    112,600        4,294,001   

Manhattan Associates, Inc. (a)

    190,000        7,736,800   

Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.

    128,405        3,701,916   

NetScout Systems, Inc. (a) (b)

    123,000        4,494,420   

Pegasystems, Inc.

    162,600        3,377,202   

Proofpoint, Inc. (a) (b)

    79,800        3,848,754   

PTC, Inc. (a)

    183,100        6,710,615   

SolarWinds, Inc. (a)

    97,000        4,833,510   

Solera Holdings, Inc.

    23,900        1,223,202   

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    122,800        7,182,572   

Software—(Continued)

  

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (a)

    111,500      12,202,560   

Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (The) (a) (b)

    63,100        9,264,027   
   

 

 

 
      98,647,284   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—3.0%

  

Aaron’s, Inc.

    78,500        2,399,745   

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (a)

    62,200        781,232   

Buckle, Inc. (The) (b)

    55,300        2,904,356   

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

    178,700        2,896,727   

Children’s Place, Inc. (The) (b)

    33,100        1,886,700   

DSW, Inc. - Class A

    74,700        2,786,310   

Monro Muffler Brake, Inc. (b)

    135,800        7,849,240   

Murphy USA, Inc. (a)

    90,800        6,252,488   

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (a)

    226,400        6,959,536   

Tractor Supply Co.

    63,600        5,012,952   
   

 

 

 
      39,729,286   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—0.2%

  

3D Systems Corp. (a) (b)

    25,500        838,185   

Stratasys, Ltd. (a)

    19,200        1,595,712   
   

 

 

 
      2,433,897   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—2.2%

  

Deckers Outdoor Corp. (a) (b)

    51,900        4,724,976   

Fossil Group, Inc. (a)

    20,249        2,242,374   

Hanesbrands, Inc.

    117,300        13,093,026   

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (a) (b)

    121,800        4,115,622   

Steven Madden, Ltd. (a)

    163,100        5,191,473   
   

 

 

 
      29,367,471   
   

 

 

 

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance—0.7%

   

MGIC Investment Corp. (a) (b)

    481,000        4,482,920   

Radian Group, Inc. (b)

    302,300        5,054,456   
   

 

 

 
      9,537,376   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.2%

  

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (a)

    97,800        2,718,840   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $968,969,692)

      1,320,713,611   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—17.5%   

Mutual Funds—17.5%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    229,530,294        229,530,294   

T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Investment Fund (d)

    2,091,497        2,091,497   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $231,621,791)

      231,621,791   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—117.1%
(Cost $1,200,591,483) (e)

      1,552,335,402   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(17.1)%

      (227,152,888
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,325,182,514   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $235,245,303 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $229,530,294 and non-cash collateral with a value of $12,177,954. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(d) Affiliated Issuer. (See Note 7 of the Notes to Financial Statements for a summary of transactions in securities of affiliated issuers.)
(e) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,200,855,152. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $386,367,671 and $(34,887,421), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $351,480,250 for federal income tax purposes.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 1,320,713,611       $ —        $ —         $ 1,320,713,611   

Total Short-Term Investments*

     231,621,791         —          —           231,621,791   

Total Investments

   $ 1,552,335,402       $ —        $ —         $ 1,552,335,402   
                                    

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (229,530,294   $ —         $ (229,530,294

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,550,243,905   

Affiliated investments at value (c)

     2,091,497   

Cash

     1,342,388   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (d)

     21,276   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     4,559,917   

Fund shares sold

     200,241   

Dividends

     537,717   

Dividends on affiliated investments

     273   

Prepaid expenses

     3,278   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,559,000,492   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     229,530,294   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     2,676,568   

Fund shares redeemed

     842,571   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     501,344   

Distribution and service fees

     80,011   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,842   

Other expenses

     123,348   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     233,817,978   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,325,182,514   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 857,199,528   

Undistributed net investment income

     1,290,973   

Accumulated net realized gain

     114,948,180   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     351,743,833   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,325,182,514   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 938,472,956   

Class B

     369,597,504   

Class E

     17,105,193   

Class G

     6,861   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     40,113,943   

Class B

     16,591,100   

Class E

     755,764   

Class G

     315   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 23.40   

Class B

     22.28   

Class E

     22.63   

Class G

     21.78   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments, excluding affiliated investments, was $1,198,499,986.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $235,245,303.
(c) Identified cost of affiliated investments was $2,091,497.
(d) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $21,362.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 7,738,197   

Dividends from affiliated investments

     2,768   

Securities lending income

     1,268,024   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     9,008,989   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     5,782,938   

Administration fees

     28,867   

Custodian and accounting fees

     132,815   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     907,758   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     26,406   

Distribution and service fees—Class G

     1   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     31,614   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,591   

Shareholder reporting

     149,099   

Insurance

     7,089   

Miscellaneous

     13,502   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     7,158,084   

Less management fee waiver

     (278,289

Less broker commission recapture

     (6,458
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     6,873,337   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     2,135,652   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     116,534,427   

Futures contracts

     (617,324

Foreign currency transactions

     (3,427
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     115,913,676   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   

Investments

     (21,765,166

Foreign currency transactions

     386   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (21,764,780
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     94,148,896   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 96,284,548   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $25,027.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 2,135,652      $ 1,073,627   

Net realized gain

     115,913,676        81,271,677   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (21,764,780     255,807,207   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     96,284,548        338,152,511   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (116,737     (2,084,759

Class B

     0        (435,146

Class E

     0        (34,617

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (52,064,808     (32,210,993

Class B

     (28,893,533     (17,679,828

Class E

     (1,398,334     (883,139
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (82,473,412     (53,328,482
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     204,809,872        144,101,028   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     218,621,008        428,925,057   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,106,561,506        677,636,449   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,325,182,514      $ 1,106,561,506   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 1,290,973      $ 917,166   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     15,008,185      $ 316,162,633        10,721,735      $ 208,173,361   

Reinvestments

     2,508,728        52,181,545        1,939,805        34,295,752   

Redemptions

     (7,447,917     (163,971,248     (4,687,332     (94,950,297
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     10,068,996      $ 204,372,930        7,974,208      $ 147,518,816   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     1,553,570      $ 33,767,444        1,937,054      $ 37,911,446   

Reinvestments

     1,456,327        28,893,533        1,067,471        18,114,974   

Redemptions

     (2,823,945     (60,841,837     (3,017,882     (58,976,676
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     185,952      $ 1,819,140        (13,357   $ (2,950,256
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     81,824      $ 1,800,257        119,207      $ 2,364,626   

Reinvestments

     69,431        1,398,334        53,389        917,756   

Redemptions

     (208,909     (4,587,639     (189,722     (3,749,914
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (57,654   $ (1,389,048     (17,126   $ (467,532
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class G (a)

        

Sales

     315      $ 6,850        0      $ 0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     315      $ 6,850        0      $ 0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 204,809,872        $ 144,101,028   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(a) Commencement of operations was November 12, 2014.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 23.77      $ 17.53       $ 16.68       $ 16.39       $ 12.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     0.06        0.04         0.10         (0.02      0.00  (b) 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.35        7.37         2.52         0.31         4.24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.41        7.41         2.62         0.29         4.24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.00 )(c)      (0.07      0.00         0.00         0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.78     (1.10      (1.77      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.78     (1.17      (1.77      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 23.40      $ 23.77       $ 17.53       $ 16.68       $ 16.39   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (d)

     6.91        44.55         16.18         1.77         34.90   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.51        0.52         0.55         0.55         0.57   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (e)

     0.48        0.49         0.52         0.53         0.55   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     0.25        0.21         0.56         (0.09      0.02   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25        29         26         29         33   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 938.5      $ 714.2       $ 387.0       $ 263.8       $ 281.0   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 22.77      $ 16.84       $ 16.12       $ 15.89       $ 11.80   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     (0.00 )(b)      (0.01      0.04         (0.06      (0.03

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.29        7.07         2.45         0.29         4.12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.29        7.06         2.49         0.23         4.09   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00        (0.03      0.00         0.00         0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.78     (1.10      (1.77      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.78     (1.13      (1.77      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.28      $ 22.77       $ 16.84       $ 16.12       $ 15.89   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (d)

     6.65        44.17         15.91         1.45         34.66   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.76        0.77         0.80         0.80         0.82   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (e)

     0.73        0.74         0.77         0.78         0.80   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     (0.01     (0.05      0.25         (0.34      (0.22

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25        29         26         29         33   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 369.6      $ 373.6       $ 276.5       $ 268.4       $ 266.0   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 23.09      $ 17.06       $ 16.29       $ 16.04       $ 11.91   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     0.02        0.01         0.06         (0.04      (0.02

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.30        7.16         2.48         0.29         4.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     1.32        7.17         2.54         0.25         4.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     0.00        (0.04      0.00         0.00         0.00   

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (1.78     (1.10      (1.77      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (1.78     (1.14      (1.77      0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.63      $ 23.09       $ 17.06       $ 16.29       $ 16.04   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (d)

     6.69        44.32         16.06         1.56         34.68   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.66        0.67         0.70         0.70         0.72   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (e)

     0.63        0.64         0.67         0.68         0.70   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     0.09        0.05         0.34         (0.24      (0.14

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25        29         26         29         33   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 17.1      $ 18.8       $ 14.2       $ 14.2       $ 16.3   
     Class G                             
     Period Ended
December 31,
                            
     2014(f)                             

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 21.49              
  

 

 

            

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

     0.01              

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     0.28              
  

 

 

            

Total from investment operations

     0.29              
  

 

 

            

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 21.78              
  

 

 

            

Total Return (%) (d)

     1.35  (g)            

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.83  (h)            

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (e)

     0.81  (h)            

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.40  (h)            

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     25              

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 0.0  (i)            

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Net investment income (loss) was less than $0.01.
(c) Distributions from net investment income were less than $0.01.
(d) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(e) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(f) Commencement of operations was November 12, 2014.
(g) Periods less than one year are not computed on an annualized basis.
(h) Computed on an annualized basis.
(i) Net assets, end of period rounds to less than $0.1 million.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers four classes of shares: Class A, B, E, and G shares. Class G commenced operations on November 12, 2014. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, return of capital adjustments, real estate investment trust (REIT) adjustments, and broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio entered into equity index futures contracts which were subject to equity price risk. During the period April 29, 2014 through April 30, 2014, the Portfolio had bought and sold $114,581,628 in notional cost on equity index futures contracts. At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio did not have any open futures contracts. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had realized losses in the amount of $617,324 which are shown under Net realized loss on futures contracts in the Statement of Operations.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 446,223,339       $ 0       $ 313,851,858   

The Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other accounts managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. that amounted to $473,991 in purchases of investments, which is included above.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $103,942,578 in purchases of investments, which are included above.

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$5,782,938      0.550   Of the first $100 million
     0.500   Of the next $300 million
     0.450   On amounts in excess of $400 million

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Effective February 17, 2005, T. Rowe Price agreed to a voluntary subadvisory fee waiver that applies if (i) assets under management by T. Rowe Price for the Trust and Met Investors Series Trust (“MIST”), an affiliate of the Trust, in the aggregate, exceed $750,000,000, (ii) T. Rowe Price subadvises three or more portfolios of the Trust and MIST in the aggregate, and (iii) at least one of those portfolios is a large cap domestic equity portfolio.

If the aforementioned conditions are met, T. Rowe Price will waive its subadvisory fee paid by MetLife Advisers by 5% for combined Trust and MIST average daily net assets over $750,000,000, 7.5% for the next $1,500,000,000 of combined assets, and 10% for amounts over $3,000,000,000. MetLife Advisers has voluntarily agreed to reduce its advisory fee for the Portfolio by the amount waived (if any) by T. Rowe Price for the Portfolio pursuant to this voluntary subadvisory fee waiver. Because these fee waivers are voluntary, and not contractual, they may be discontinued by T. Rowe Price and MetLife Advisers at any time. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B, E and G Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B, E and G Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B, E and G Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B, E and G Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares, 0.15% per year for Class E Shares and 0.30% per year for Class G Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Transactions in Securities of Affiliated Issuers

A summary of the Portfolio’s transactions in the securities of affiliated issuers during the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:

 

Security Description

   Number of shares
held at December 31,
2013
     Shares
purchased
     Shares sold     Number of shares
held at December 31,
2014
     Realized
Gain/(Loss) on
shares sold
     Income for the
year ended
December 31,
2014
 

T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Investment Fund

     3,163,723         125,814,640         (126,886,866     2,091,497       $ 0       $ 2,768   

8. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

9. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$439,885    $ 6,905,254       $ 82,033,527       $ 46,423,228       $ 82,473,412       $ 53,328,482   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$7,059,675    $ 109,506,988       $ 351,480,164       $       $ 468,046,827   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the
Past 5 Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May 2006 (President and Chief Executive Officer)/ August 2006 (Trustee and Chairman of the Board) to present   Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April 2012 to present   Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April 2012 to present   Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April 2012 to present   Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May 2003 to present   Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From January 2014 to present   President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From August 2009 to present   Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May 2000 to present   Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May 2009 to present   Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May
2006 (President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisors, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May
2011 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President , MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

T. Rowe Price Small Cap Growth Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also considered that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI U.S. Small Cap Growth Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the median of the Expense Group, Expense Universe, and Sub-advised Expense Universe. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size and were the lowest in the Expense Group. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year. The Board also took into account the fact that the Adviser and Sub-Adviser are voluntarily waiving a portion of their advisory fees based on the amount of the Trusts’ assets managed by the Sub-Adviser.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Managed by Van Eck Associates Corporation

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A and B shares of the Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio returned -18.63% and -18.82%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) North American Natural Resources Sector Index1, returned -9.77%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

The most significant factor influencing the markets in which the Portfolio invested over the past 12 months was a deceleration in growth nearly everywhere except for the U.S. First and foremost, Europe continued to stagnate and faced disinflation/deflation. In addition, however, growth in the emerging markets failed to accelerate, Japan fell back into recession toward the end of the year, following two quarters of negative growth, concerns about the headwinds faced by China persisted, the threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Middle East became even more apparent, and the Russia/Ukraine crisis lead both to significant Ruble weakness, and penal interest rates.

Given this backdrop, commodities suffered accordingly. As the expectations for global growth sank further toward the end of the year, sell-offs in crude oil and oil-related stocks accelerated. While West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices fell nearly 46% over the 12-month period to end the year at $53.27 per barrel, North American (Henry Hub) natural gas also fell significantly, ending the year down around 32%.

Gold also declined during the year, as did platinum and palladium prices following the labor strife in South Africa and on the back of moderating growth outlooks. The base metal markets, including iron ore and copper, also followed the trajectory of lower global growth, especially in the latter part of the year. Additionally, one of the best recent growing seasons in the U.S. caused grain prices to decline throughout the summer and into the fall.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The two key aspects of the Portfolio that detracted from performance relative to the S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index were an overweight position and underperformance within oil & gas exploration and production, and an underweight position in oil & gas storage and transportation.

The three weakest-contributing sub-sectors to the Portfolio’s performance relative to the benchmark were oil & gas exploration and production, oil & gas storage and transport, and oil & gas drilling.

The Portfolio’s three weakest-contributing companies were diversified metals and mining company First Quantum Minerals, which suffered because of a large presence in Zambia, where the threat of a potentially adverse change in the tax regime overhung the stock, and two oil & gas exploration and production companies, SM Energy and Afren. While the former fell on instances of missed guidance, the latter faced corporate governance issues in which both the CEO and COO left the company.

The three strongest positive-contributing sub-sectors to the Portfolio’s performance relative to the benchmark were fertilizers and agricultural chemicals, construction machinery and heavy trucks, and agricultural products. While the Portfolio had exposure to each of the above sub-sectors, the benchmark index had no exposure to any of them over the one year period.

The Portfolio’s three strongest contributors were all energy-related companies. The strongest contributors were EOG Resources and Diamondback Energy, both oil & gas exploration and production companies, and both of which, despite being leveraged to shale oil, were able to increase significantly reserves and production. Oil & gas refining and marketing company Tesoro, which benefited from access to cheaper crude feedstocks, contributed to Portfolio performance over the year.

Significant purchases by the Portfolio were made in the oil & gas storage and transportation and the oil & gas refining and marketing sub-sectors, which saw the establishment of two new positions in Kinder Morgan and Valero Energy, respectively. During the one year period, a new position was also established in Freeport-McMoRan in the diversified metals & mining sub-sector.

The Portfolio’s largest sales during the period were the integrated oil & gas marketing company Occidental Petroleum, and oil & gas refining and marketing companies Tesoro and HollyFrontier (all eliminated by the Portfolio at period end). The Portfolio’s overall exposure to Energy was reduced because of the rapid decline in the price of oil during the last four months of the year.

Broadly speaking, on both an absolute and relative basis, the Portfolio decreased its weighting to the oil & gas refining and marketing, oil & gas equipment and services, integrated oil & gas, and oil & gas drilling sub-industries. The Portfolio increased its weighting to the gold, diversified metals & mining, fertilizers and agriculture chemicals, steel, railroads, and semiconductor equipment sub-industries.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no allocation to the integrated oil & gas sub-industry, making that a substantially underweight position in relation to its benchmark. As of the same date, the Portfolio’s next most substantially underweight position was in the oil & gas storage and transportation sub-industry. The Portfolio held a slightly underweight position in the oil & gas equipment and services sub-industry.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Managed by Van Eck Associates Corporation

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio’s most substantially overweight positions relative to the Index were in the diversified metals & mining industry as well as gold miners. As of the same date, the Portfolio held overweight positions in the oil & gas exploration and production industry and the coal and consumable fuels sub-industry.

Charles Cameron

Shawn Reynolds

Portfolio Managers

Van Eck Associates Corporation

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE S&P NORTH AMERICAN NATURAL RESOURCES SECTOR INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        Since Inception2  
Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio                 

Class A

       -18.63           0.09           6.95   

Class B

       -18.82           -0.17           6.16   
S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index        -9.77           4.28           8.22   

1 The S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index was developed as an equity benchmark for U.S. traded natural resource related stocks.

2 Inception dates of the Class A and Class B shares are 10/31/08 and 4/28/09, respectively. Index since inception return is based on the Class A inception date.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Glencore plc      5.4   
Schlumberger, Ltd.      4.3   
Cimarex Energy Co.      4.1   
CONSOL Energy, Inc.      3.9   
Concho Resources, Inc.      3.8   
EOG Resources, Inc.      3.8   
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.      3.7   
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.      3.7   
First Quantum Minerals, Ltd.      3.6   
Halliburton Co.      3.1   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Energy      58.8   
Materials      28.4   
Industrials      3.6   
Information Technology      1.0   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

       Annualized
Expense
Ratio
    Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
     Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
     Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual     0.80   $ 1,000.00       $ 715.50       $ 3.46   
   Hypothetical*     0.80   $ 1,000.00       $ 1,021.17       $ 4.08   

Class B(a)

   Actual     1.05   $ 1,000.00       $ 714.70       $ 4.54   
   Hypothetical*     1.05   $ 1,000.00       $ 1,019.91       $ 5.35   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—91.8% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Building Products—0.5%

  

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.

    228,600      $ 5,253,228   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—3.0%

  

Agrium, Inc. (a)

    174,600        16,538,112   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

    45,700        12,455,078   
   

 

 

 
      28,993,190   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—14.6%

  

Baker Hughes, Inc.

    170,400        9,554,328   

Cameron International Corp. (b)

    99,800        4,985,010   

Dril-Quip, Inc. (b)

    128,900        9,890,497   

Halliburton Co.

    760,700        29,918,331   

Nabors Industries, Ltd.

    1,193,000        15,485,140   

National Oilwell Varco, Inc.

    220,300        14,436,259   

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    486,300        41,534,883   

Seadrill, Ltd. (a)

    257,724        3,077,225   

Superior Energy Services, Inc.

    685,900        13,820,885   
   

 

 

 
      142,702,558   
   

 

 

 

Machinery—2.0%

  

Cummins, Inc.

    133,000        19,174,610   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—23.6%

  

Agnico Eagle Mines, Ltd.

    67,933        1,691,016   

Barrick Gold Corp.

    715,000        7,686,250   

Commercial Metals Co.

    715,000        11,647,350   

Eldorado Gold Corp.

    2,032,700        12,358,816   

First Quantum Minerals, Ltd. (a)

    2,460,800        34,969,709   

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

    777,300        18,157,728   

Glencore plc (b)

    11,377,037        52,365,622   

Goldcorp, Inc.

    1,122,300        20,784,996   

Kinross Gold Corp. (b)

    1,195,004        3,369,911   

New Gold, Inc. (b)

    2,070,100        8,901,430   

Osisko Gold Royalties, Ltd.

    93,479        1,317,943   

Randgold Resources, Ltd. (ADR)

    249,400        16,812,054   

Royal Gold, Inc. (a)

    191,200        11,988,240   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    521,400        10,292,436   

United States Steel Corp. (a)

    419,800        11,225,452   

Yamana Gold, Inc.

    237,962        960,614   

Yamana Gold, Inc. (U.S. Listed Shares)

    1,373,000        5,519,460   
   

 

 

 
      230,049,027   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—44.2%

  

Afren plc (b)

    8,205,601        5,893,827   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    440,650        36,353,625   

Cimarex Energy Co.

    374,100        39,654,600   

Cloud Peak Energy, Inc. (b)

    315,900        2,899,962   

Concho Resources, Inc. (b)

    369,950        36,902,513   

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    1,134,800        38,367,588   

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (b)

    399,100        23,858,198   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    399,100        36,745,137   

Genel Energy plc (b)

    370,000        3,960,466   

Golar LNG, Ltd. (a)

    270,200        9,854,194   

Gulfport Energy Corp. (b)

    245,300        10,238,822   

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    478,000        20,224,180   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—(Continued)

  

Laredo Petroleum, Inc. (a) (b)

    336,700      3,484,845   

Marathon Oil Corp.

    648,500        18,346,065   

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

    103,900        9,378,014   

Newfield Exploration Co. (b)

    315,900        8,567,208   

Ophir Energy plc (b)

    2,243,003        4,870,287   

Parsley Energy, Inc. - Class A (a) (b)

    295,100        4,709,796   

Peabody Energy Corp. (a)

    731,600        5,662,584   

Phillips 66

    133,900        9,600,630   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    245,300        36,512,905   

Scorpio Tankers, Inc. (a)

    453,100        3,937,439   

SemGroup Corp. - Class A

    137,200        9,383,108   

SM Energy Co.

    486,300        18,761,454   

Valero Energy Corp.

    394,000        19,503,000   

Westmoreland Coal Co. (b)

    74,800        2,484,108   

Whiting Petroleum Corp. (b)

    345,000        11,385,000   
   

 

 

 
      431,539,555   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—1.8%

  

Louisiana-Pacific Corp. (a) (b)

    1,084,900        17,965,944   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.1%

  

CSX Corp.

    141,300        5,119,299   

Union Pacific Corp.

    42,400        5,051,112   
   

 

 

 
      10,170,411   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—1.0%

  

SunEdison, Inc. (a) (b)

    514,000        10,028,140   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,019,274,367)

      895,876,663   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—17.6%   

Mutual Funds—17.6%

   

AIM STIT-STIC Prime Portfolio

    80,194,576        80,194,576   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (c)

    91,846,193        91,846,193   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $172,040,769)

      172,040,769   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—109.4%
(Cost $1,191,315,136) (d)

      1,067,917,432   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(9.4)%

      (91,651,458
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 976,265,974   
   

 

 

 

 

(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $89,678,612 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $91,846,193. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,194,173,121. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $67,152,347 and $(193,408,036), respectively, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of $(126,255,689) for federal income tax purposes.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks           

Building Products

   $ 5,253,228       $ —        $ —         $ 5,253,228   

Chemicals

     28,993,190         —          —           28,993,190   

Energy Equipment & Services

     142,702,558         —          —           142,702,558   

Machinery

     19,174,610         —          —           19,174,610   

Metals & Mining

     177,683,405         52,365,622        —           230,049,027   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     416,814,975         14,724,580        —           431,539,555   

Paper & Forest Products

     17,965,944         —          —           17,965,944   

Road & Rail

     10,170,411         —          —           10,170,411   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

     10,028,140         —          —           10,028,140   

Total Common Stocks

     828,786,461         67,090,202        —           895,876,663   

Total Short-Term Investments*

     172,040,769         —          —           172,040,769   

Total Investments

   $ 1,000,827,230       $ 67,090,202      $ —         $ 1,067,917,432   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (91,846,193   $ —         $ (91,846,193

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,067,917,432   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     2,892   

Receivable for:

  

Fund shares sold

     673,709   

Dividends and interest

     501,398   

Prepaid expenses

     3,164   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,069,098,595   

Liabilities

  

Collateral for securities loaned

     91,846,193   

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     167,156   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     629,021   

Distribution and service fees

     27,601   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,842   

Other expenses

     98,808   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     92,832,621   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 976,265,974   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,113,909,015   

Undistributed net investment income

     4,196,493   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (18,441,806

Unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     (123,397,728
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 976,265,974   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 840,972,753   

Class B

     135,293,221   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     74,303,650   

Class B

     12,027,290   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 11.32   

Class B

     11.25   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,191,315,136.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $89,678,612.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $2,919.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 15,200,755   

Interest

     20,195   

Securities lending income

     582,931   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     15,803,881   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     9,035,999   

Administration fees

     27,335   

Custodian and accounting fees

     132,580   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     382,270   

Audit and tax services

     51,510   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     34,845   

Shareholder reporting

     75,924   

Insurance

     7,305   

Miscellaneous

     19,625   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     9,797,407   

Less management fee waiver

     (124,158

Less broker commission recapture

     (37,275
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     9,635,974   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     6,167,907   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss

  
Net realized loss on:   

Investments

     (17,198,368

Foreign currency transactions

     (434,678
  

 

 

 

Net realized loss

     (17,633,046
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   

Investments

     (192,833,632

Foreign currency transactions

     200,733   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (192,632,899
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss

     (210,265,945
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets From Operations

   $ (204,098,038
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $254,091.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 6,167,907      $ 6,495,823   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (17,633,046     22,755,918   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (192,632,899     92,971,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     (204,098,038     122,223,398   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (5,357,330     (8,129,244

Class B

     (406,516     (1,089,226

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (16,643,439     0   

Class B

     (2,559,953     0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (24,967,238     (9,218,470
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     27,679,329        71,526,494   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (201,385,947     184,531,422   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,177,651,921        993,120,499   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 976,265,974      $ 1,177,651,921   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 4,196,493      $ 4,260,240   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     7,104,572      $ 91,685,348        8,667,519      $ 109,883,439   

Reinvestments

     1,531,021        22,000,769        680,841        8,129,244   

Redemptions

     (6,039,682     (91,891,949     (1,759,833     (23,803,281
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     2,595,911      $ 21,794,168        7,588,527      $ 94,209,402   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     2,502,897      $ 31,178,841        1,616,477      $ 20,813,286   

Reinvestments

     207,446        2,966,469        91,609        1,089,226   

Redemptions

     (1,931,512     (28,260,149     (3,320,396     (44,585,420
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     778,831      $ 5,885,161        (1,612,310   $ (22,682,908
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 27,679,329        $ 71,526,494   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011     2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 14.21       $ 12.91       $ 13.52       $ 18.06      $ 15.05   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (a)

     0.08         0.08         0.13         0.04        0.01   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.66      1.34         0.25         (2.56     4.19   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (2.58      1.42         0.38         (2.52     4.20   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.08      (0.12      0.00         (0.24     (0.08

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.23      0.00         (0.99      (1.78     (1.11
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.31      (0.12      (0.99      (2.02     (1.19
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.32       $ 14.21       $ 12.91       $ 13.52      $ 18.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (18.63      11.06         2.80         (16.45     29.39   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.81         0.81         0.82         0.82        0.84   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.80         0.80         0.82         0.82        0.84   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     0.56         0.64         0.98         0.25        0.10   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     39         36         23         42        72   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 841.0       $ 1,018.8       $ 828.1       $ 695.7      $ 575.6   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011     2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 14.12       $ 12.83       $ 13.47       $ 18.01      $ 15.03   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

             

Net investment income (loss) (a)

     0.04         0.05         0.09         0.00  (d)      (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (2.64      1.33         0.26         (2.55     4.15   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (2.60      1.38         0.35         (2.55     4.14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

             

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.04      (0.09      0.00         (0.21     (0.05

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (0.23      0.00         (0.99      (1.78     (1.11
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.27      (0.09      (0.99      (1.99     (1.16
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 11.25       $ 14.12       $ 12.83       $ 13.47      $ 18.01   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     (18.82      10.76         2.58         (16.67     29.02   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

             

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     1.06         1.06         1.07         1.07        1.09   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     1.05         1.05         1.07         1.07        1.09   

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (%)

     0.31         0.38         0.72         0.01        (0.09

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     39         36         23         42        72   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 135.3       $ 158.8       $ 165.1       $ 153.0      $ 108.0   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Net investment income (loss) was less than $0.01.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers two classes of shares: Class A and B shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, return of capital adjustments, passive foreign investment companies (PFICs), broker commission recapture, and re-designation of distributions. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Natural Resource and Foreign Investment Risk: The Portfolio may concentrate its investments in companies which are significantly engaged in the exploration, development, production and distribution of gold and other natural resources such as strategic and other metals, minerals, forest products, oil, natural gas and coal and by investing in gold bullion and coins. Since the Portfolio may concentrate, it may be subject to greater risks and market fluctuations than other more diversified portfolios. The production and marketing of gold and other natural resources may be affected by actions and changes in governments. In addition, gold and natural resources may be cyclical in nature. In addition, the investments by the Portfolio in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Since securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies and pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Portfolio. Foreign investments may also subject the Portfolio to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. In addition to the risks described above, risks may arise from forward foreign currency contracts with respect to the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 433,472,095       $ 0       $ 439,678,512   

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$9,035,999      0.800   Of the first $250 million
     0.775   Of the next $750 million
     0.750   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Van Eck Associates Corporation is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, the Adviser has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.025%    On amounts over $500 million and under $1 billion

An identical agreement was in place for the period January 1, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A and B Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$6,134,646    $ 9,218,470       $ 18,832,592       $       $ 24,967,238       $ 9,218,470   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
    Total  
$4,401,254    $       $ (126,255,713   $ (15,724,515   $ (137,578,974

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as shortterm losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the post-enactment accumulated short-term capital losses were $10,107,464 and the post-enactment accumulated long-term capital losses were $5,617,051.

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Van Eck Global Natural Resources Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Van Eck Associates Corporation regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014 and underperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the S&P North American Natural Resources Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were below the Expense Group median and Sub-advised Expense Universe median and above the Expense Universe median. The Board further considered that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, the Expense Universe median, and the Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. In addition, the Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Managed by Western Asset Management Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio returned 5.47%, 5.29%, and 5.40%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index1, returned 5.97%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

The U.S. economy saw widespread improvement on a number of fronts in 2014. Despite one bad quarter, growth appeared to be on the upswing, labor markets continued to improve and the S&P 500 Index gained over 13% on the year. The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) remained highly accommodative throughout the year, keeping interest rates extremely low, even after completing its quantitative easing (“QE”) program and beginning to discuss an eventual increase in interest rates.

The year began with the first installment of the much anticipated tapering of the Fed’s large-scale QE program. The Fed reduced its monthly asset purchases by $10 billion, bringing the level of new monthly purchases of U.S. Treasuries (“USTs”) and agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) down to $75 billion per month. Throughout the year, the Fed kept to its pre-set tapering schedule, removing another $10 billion at each Fed meeting, until completing the program in October. Under the new leadership of Chair Janet Yellen, the Fed maintained its “data-dependent” strategy of using economic developments to help direct monetary policy. Inflation remained stubbornly low throughout 2014 and was pulled down further late in the year as global energy prices plummeted. The Fed believes that current low inflation is transitory and will move back towards its longer term target of about 2% over the next couple of years. While low inflation gives the Fed more wiggle-room to keep rates low for longer, it can also be troublesome if it portends a descent into actual deflation, a worry that’s currently afflicting Europe and Japan.

After growth of 3.5% during the fourth quarter of 2013, the U.S. economic recovery picked up steam over the course of 2014 despite a shaky start in the first quarter of 2014, when growth fell by 2.1%, due largely to atypically harsh winter weather in a large swath of the U.S. known as the Polar Vortex. Second quarter growth picked up to 4.6% but it was unclear how much of it was due to a one-time rebound effect versus meaningful economic growth. After receiving two upward revisions, third quarter growth was surprisingly strong at 5%, which helped bolster confidence that recent economic strength was genuine and could be sustained. Preliminary growth data for the fourth quarter of 2014, which was not released until the end of January, will likely result in final overall growth for 2014 of about 2.5%.

Americans continued to find work in 2014 as the unemployment rate fell. Nonfarm payrolls averaged 246,000 over the year, up from 194,300 in 2013, and managing to remain above the 200,000-level for every month except January. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate ended the year at 5.6%, down from 6.7% a year earlier. However, good news in the labor market was tempered by lingering concerns. Long-term unemployment remains elevated, the unemployment rate is low in part because a large number of potential workers have removed themselves from the labor market for a variety of reasons, and the quality of many new jobs is not optimal. For example, many people have accepted part-time work even though they would prefer full-time jobs.

The price of crude oil plunged by about 46% over the year as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil ended the year at $53 per barrel—its lowest level since mid-2009. While this was good news for consumers, the plunge put significant stress on energy producers, a major component of high-yield bond indices, and on oil-exporting emerging market (“EM”) nations. The U.S. dollar gained significant strength over the year (the U.S. Trade-Weighted Dollar Index was up over 10%) while many EM currencies fell, which placed additional stress on EM countries.

U.S. Treasury rates ended the year much lower and the yield curve flattened significantly—neither of which had been anticipated by most market participants going into 2014 given the Fed’s moves, albeit gradual ones, towards monetary policy normalization. Typically, higher yields would have been expected because markets tend to get ahead of themselves, anticipating the actual events, as they did during the “taper tantrums” in 2013. However, it appears that the growing disparity between the apparent strength of the U.S. economy and that of much of the rest of the world was a major factor in pushing yields down as USTs appeared much more attractive than the bonds of other major governments.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Portfolio underperformed its benchmark over calendar year 2014. Spread sectors ended the year generally wider with spread widening more as quality decreased. Several higher quality sectors, such as agency MBS, slightly tightened.

The Portfolio’s non-agency MBS allocation was the single largest contributor to performance as the sector benefited from price improvement and positive carry, as well as from continued coupon and principal payments. Mortgage default rates fell nationwide. Home prices, as measured by the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, increased at a slower rate than in 2013 but still appreciated by over 4%. We continued to find opportunities in non-agency MBS.

An overweight exposure to high-yield bonds was a large detractor from performance as plummeting oil prices negatively impacted energy-related sectors. This, in turn, contributed to high-yield spreads widening by 101 basis points (“bps”) over the year to end 483 bps over USTs.

While Investment Grade credit spreads widened by 14 bps, the Portfolio’s selection of financial and industrial company bonds aided performance.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Managed by Western Asset Management Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

Commercial MBS outperformed during the year. The Portfolio’s overweight position, which we increased over the year, contributed to performance. The Portfolio’s underweight allocation to agency MBS slightly detracted from performance. Agency MBS outperformed USTs of similar interest rate risk over the year. We focused on selecting mortgage pools and coupon stacks that avoided the exaggerated risk of government-sponsored mortgage refinancing, thus decreasing the risk of loss of interest income through prepayments.

The Portfolio’s overall tactical exposure to interest rate risk had a small positive impact on performance as rates, especially long rates, ended the year significantly lower. The Portfolio’s overweight to longer-dated rates was especially helpful even though this overweight was scaled back over the second half of the year. At period end, the Portfolio remained overweight to certain spread sectors that have demonstrated strong fundamentals. Importantly, the Fed remains highly accommodative. However, given possible Fed normalization this year, we will continue to be active in adjusting Portfolio interest rate sensitivity.

Derivative positions, in net, which were primarily used to manage interest rate exposure, contributed to Portfolio performance.

S. Kenneth Leech

Carl L. Eichsteadt

Mark S. Lindbloom

Christophe Orndorff

Michael Buchanan

Keith J. Gardner

Portfolio Managers

Western Asset Management Company

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE BARCLAYS U.S. AGGREGATE BOND INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio                 

Class A

       5.47           7.30           6.03   

Class B

       5.29           7.05           5.77   

Class E

       5.40           7.15           5.87   
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.97           4.45           4.71   

1 Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Sectors

 

     % of Net
Assets
 
Corporate Bonds & Notes      42.5   
Mortgage-Backed Securities      27.4   
Foreign Government      8.5   
U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies      7.0   
Asset-Backed Securities      6.7   
Preferred Stocks      0.6   
Floating Rate Loans      0.6   
Purchased Options      0.1   
Municipals      0.1   
Common Stocks      0.1   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Western Asset Management Strategic
Bond Opportunities Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014

to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.60    $ 1,000.00         $ 994.80         $ 3.02   
   Hypothetical*      0.60    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.18         $ 3.06   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.85    $ 1,000.00         $ 994.00         $ 4.27   
   Hypothetical*      0.85    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.92         $ 4.33   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.75    $ 1,000.00         $ 994.80         $ 3.77   
   Hypothetical*      0.75    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.43         $ 3.82   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—42.5% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Advertising—0.2%

  

Alliance Data Systems Corp.

   

5.375%, 08/01/22 (144A)

    840,000      $ 829,500   

CBS Outdoor Americas Capital LLC / CBS Outdoor Americas Capital Corp.

   

5.250%, 02/15/22 (144A) (a)

    430,000        433,225   

5.625%, 02/15/24 (144A) (a)

    430,000        432,150   

WPP Finance 2010

   

5.125%, 09/07/42

    240,000        256,633   
   

 

 

 
      1,951,508   
   

 

 

 

Aerospace/Defense—0.1%

  

Boeing Co. (The)

   

4.875%, 02/15/20

    540,000        608,730   

6.000%, 03/15/19

    50,000        57,705   

Raytheon Co.

   

3.125%, 10/15/20

    30,000        30,984   

Triumph Group, Inc.

   

5.250%, 06/01/22

    350,000        349,125   

United Technologies Corp.

   

4.500%, 06/01/42

    360,000        391,964   
   

 

 

 
      1,438,508   
   

 

 

 

Agriculture—1.3%

  

Altria Group, Inc.

   

4.000%, 01/31/24 (a)

    2,650,000        2,762,840   

4.750%, 05/05/21

    890,000        984,359   

5.375%, 01/31/44

    490,000        557,776   

10.200%, 02/06/39

    1,328,000        2,312,235   

Lorillard Tobacco Co.

   

3.750%, 05/20/23

    3,000,000        2,971,431   

8.125%, 06/23/19

    390,000        472,807   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

   

2.500%, 08/22/22

    2,910,000        2,843,731   

Reynolds American, Inc.

   

3.250%, 11/01/22

    270,000        262,991   

4.850%, 09/15/23 (a)

    2,960,000        3,186,064   
   

 

 

 
      16,354,234   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.3%

  

Delta Air Lines Pass-Through Trust

   

6.821%, 02/10/24

    528,394        612,938   

8.021%, 02/10/24

    2,252,439        2,601,567   

Northwest Airlines Pass-Through Trust

   

7.575%, 09/01/20

    18,682        21,017   

UAL Pass-Through Trust

   

9.750%, 07/15/18

    64,756        71,879   

United Airlines Pass Through Trust

   

4.625%, 03/03/24

    840,000        823,200   
   

 

 

 
      4,130,601   
   

 

 

 

Auto Manufacturers—0.2%

  

Chrysler Group LLC / CG Co.-Issuer, Inc.

   

8.250%, 06/15/21

    610,000        675,575   

Auto Manufacturers—(Continued)

  

Ford Motor Co.

   

4.750%, 01/15/43

    1,610,000      1,698,743   
   

 

 

 
      2,374,318   
   

 

 

 

Auto Parts & Equipment—0.1%

  

Schaeffler Holding Finance B.V.

   

6.750%, 11/15/22 (144A) (a) (b)

    870,000        909,150   
   

 

 

 

Banks—7.0%

  

Bank of America Corp.

   

3.300%, 01/11/23

    270,000        270,021   

4.000%, 04/01/24

    1,260,000        1,311,944   

4.100%, 07/24/23

    1,730,000        1,821,950   

4.125%, 01/22/24

    880,000        924,136   

4.200%, 08/26/24

    1,480,000        1,507,713   

4.875%, 04/01/44

    2,290,000        2,529,960   

5.000%, 01/21/44

    2,330,000        2,609,192   

5.625%, 07/01/20

    190,000        216,332   

6.250%, 09/29/49 (c)

    2,090,000        2,065,833   

Barclays Bank plc

   

10.179%, 06/12/21 (144A)

    100,000        134,259   

BNP Paribas S.A.

   

4.250%, 10/15/24 (a)

    730,000        737,514   

BPCE S.A.

   

5.150%, 07/21/24 (144A) (a)

    420,000        432,798   

CIT Group, Inc.

   

5.000%, 08/01/23 (a)

    2,030,000        2,085,825   

Citigroup, Inc.

   

4.050%, 07/30/22

    3,470,000        3,590,270   

5.300%, 05/06/44

    4,460,000        4,886,684   

5.350%, 04/29/49 (a) (c)

    560,000        516,600   

5.500%, 09/13/25

    990,000        1,095,440   

5.900%, 12/29/49 (a) (c)

    320,000        312,000   

5.950%, 07/29/49 (c)

    590,000        581,150   

6.300%, 12/29/49 (c)

    850,000        837,250   

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank BA

   

4.625%, 12/01/23

    1,400,000        1,485,000   

5.750%, 12/01/43

    1,480,000        1,766,325   

11.000%, 12/29/49 (144A) (c)

    415,000        534,105   

Credit Agricole S.A.

   

8.375%, 10/29/49 (144A) (a) (c)

    890,000        1,025,725   

Goldman Sachs Capital II

   

4.000%, 12/29/49 (c)

    3,490,000        2,565,150   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

   

4.000%, 03/03/24

    3,780,000        3,924,203   

5.250%, 07/27/21

    1,680,000        1,896,152   

6.250%, 02/01/41

    210,000        265,470   

6.750%, 10/01/37

    400,000        502,950   

7.500%, 02/15/19

    20,000        23,789   

HSBC Holdings plc

   

4.250%, 03/14/24

    850,000        884,495   

5.250%, 03/14/44

    3,400,000        3,808,527   

6.375%, 09/17/24 (a) (c)

    1,290,000        1,302,900   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Banks—(Continued)

  

ING Bank NV

   

5.800%, 09/25/23 (144A)

    1,290,000      $ 1,430,970   

Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.

   

5.017%, 06/26/24 (144A)

    4,820,000        4,677,882   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   

3.375%, 05/01/23

    780,000        771,665   

3.625%, 05/13/24

    6,390,000        6,540,823   

4.350%, 08/15/21

    160,000        173,868   

4.500%, 01/24/22

    160,000        174,680   

M&T Bank Corp.

   

6.875%, 12/29/49

    2,540,000        2,597,150   

Nordea Bank AB

   

4.875%, 05/13/21 (144A)

    950,000        1,029,200   

Novo Banco S.A.

   

5.875%, 11/09/15 (EUR)

    1,300,000        1,584,860   

Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc

   

5.125%, 05/28/24

    820,000        834,097   

6.000%, 12/19/23

    460,000        497,903   

6.100%, 06/10/23

    780,000        845,984   

6.125%, 12/15/22

    790,000        859,841   

7.648%, 08/29/49 (a) (c)

    120,000        139,800   

Royal Bank of Scotland NV

   

4.650%, 06/04/18

    530,000        549,850   

Royal Bank of Scotland plc

   

13.125%, 03/19/22 (AUD) (c)

    1,580,000        1,511,348   

Standard Chartered plc

   

5.700%, 03/26/44 (144A)

    4,950,000        5,148,955   

State Street Corp.

   

4.956%, 03/15/18

    320,000        346,576   

Wachovia Capital Trust III

   

5.570%, 03/29/49 (a) (c)

    1,321,000        1,275,426   

Wells Fargo & Co.

   

3.450%, 02/13/23

    680,000        689,176   

4.480%, 01/16/24

    2,596,000        2,767,868   

4.600%, 04/01/21

    110,000        122,392   

4.650%, 11/04/44 (a)

    380,000        392,107   

5.375%, 11/02/43

    660,000        750,891   

5.606%, 01/15/44

    2,770,000        3,260,877   

Wells Fargo Capital X

   

5.950%, 12/01/86

    600,000        610,500   
   

 

 

 
      88,036,351   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—0.8%

   

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc.

   

3.700%, 02/01/24 (a)

    1,900,000        1,973,656   

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.

   

2.500%, 07/15/22

    280,000        272,127   

5.000%, 04/15/20

    260,000        290,699   

Constellation Brands, Inc.

   

4.750%, 11/15/24 (a)

    1,260,000        1,275,750   

6.000%, 05/01/22

    840,000        928,200   

Diageo Capital plc

   

2.625%, 04/29/23

    2,000,000        1,944,550   

Diageo Investment Corp.

   

2.875%, 05/11/22

    670,000        669,595   

Beverages—(Continued)

   

Molson Coors Brewing Co.

   

3.500%, 05/01/22 (a)

    60,000      60,602   

PepsiCo, Inc.

   

4.000%, 03/05/42

    670,000        674,902   

Pernod-Ricard S.A.

   

4.450%, 01/15/22 (144A)

    940,000        1,006,437   

5.500%, 01/15/42 (144A) (a)

    1,130,000        1,314,361   
   

 

 

 
      10,410,879   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—0.3%

   

Amgen, Inc.

   

3.625%, 05/22/24 (a)

    190,000        193,124   

Celgene Corp.

   

3.625%, 05/15/24

    250,000        255,282   

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

   

3.700%, 04/01/24

    3,060,000        3,209,423   
   

 

 

 
      3,657,829   
   

 

 

 

Building Materials—0.6%

   

Cemex Finance LLC

   

9.375%, 10/12/22 (144A)

    6,470,000        7,214,050   

Hardwoods Acquisition, Inc.

   

7.500%, 08/01/21 (144A)

    700,000        689,500   
   

 

 

 
      7,903,550   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—0.4%

   

Alpek S.A.B. de C.V.

   

4.500%, 11/20/22 (144A) (a)

    890,000        896,675   

Axiall Corp.

   

4.875%, 05/15/23 (a)

    1,620,000        1,528,875   

Braskem Finance, Ltd.

   

5.375%, 05/02/22 (144A)

    1,980,000        1,920,600   

Ecolab, Inc.

   

4.350%, 12/08/21

    70,000        76,271   

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

   

4.875%, 03/30/20 (a)

    40,000        44,457   
   

 

 

 
      4,466,878   
   

 

 

 

Coal—0.6%

   

Arch Coal, Inc.

   

7.000%, 06/15/19 (a)

    210,000        61,950   

9.875%, 06/15/19 (a)

    1,110,000        377,400   

Cloud Peak Energy Resources LLC / Cloud Peak Energy Finance Corp.

   

6.375%, 03/15/24

    480,000        446,400   

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

   

5.875%, 04/15/22 (144A)

    720,000        669,600   

8.250%, 04/01/20 (a)

    3,720,000        3,859,500   

Murray Energy Corp.

   

9.500%, 12/05/20 (144A)

    1,690,000        1,690,000   

Natural Resource Partners L.P. / NRP Finance Corp.

   

9.125%, 10/01/18 (a)

    720,000        698,400   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Coal—(Continued)

   

SunCoke Energy Partners L.P. / SunCoke Energy Partners Finance Corp.

   

7.375%, 02/01/20 (144A)

    340,000      $ 353,175   
   

 

 

 
      8,156,425   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services—0.5%

   

Ashtead Capital, Inc.

   

5.625%, 10/01/24 (144A) (a)

    2,420,000        2,480,500   

Interactive Data Corp.

   

5.875%, 04/15/19 (144A) (a)

    540,000        535,950   

NES Rentals Holdings, Inc.

   

7.875%, 05/01/18 (144A)

    990,000        999,900   

Service Corp. International

   

7.500%, 04/01/27 (a)

    350,000        393,750   

7.625%, 10/01/18

    125,000        139,425   

UBM plc

   

5.750%, 11/03/20 (144A)

    50,000        54,543   

WEX, Inc.

   

4.750%, 02/01/23 (144A)

    2,000,000        1,930,000   
   

 

 

 
      6,534,068   
   

 

 

 

Computers—0.2%

  

Compiler Finance Sub, Inc.

   

7.000%, 05/01/21 (144A)

    2,750,000        2,365,000   
   

 

 

 

Cosmetics/Personal Care—0.0%

  

First Quality Finance Co., Inc.

   

4.625%, 05/15/21 (144A)

    490,000        448,350   
   

 

 

 

Distribution/Wholesale—0.1%

  

Rexel S.A.

   

5.250%, 06/15/20 (144A) (a)

    1,400,000        1,410,500   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—2.5%

  

AerCap Ireland Capital, Ltd. / AerCap Global Aviation Trust

   

3.750%, 05/15/19 (144A)

    1,080,000        1,069,200   

American Express Co.

   

6.800%, 09/01/66 (c)

    1,650,000        1,728,375   

Ausdrill Finance Pty, Ltd.

   

6.875%, 11/01/19 (144A)

    3,050,000        2,501,000   

CIMPOR Financial Operations B.V.

   

5.750%, 07/17/24 (144A)

    2,340,000        2,053,116   

Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC

   

3.664%, 09/08/24

    720,000        721,439   

General Electric Capital Corp.

   

4.375%, 09/16/20

    70,000        76,666   

4.625%, 01/07/21

    40,000        44,584   

6.375%, 11/15/67 (c)

    1,850,000        1,984,125   

6.875%, 01/10/39

    4,391,000        6,211,100   

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.

   

2.750%, 05/15/16

    30,000        30,487   

4.375%, 09/25/21 (a)

    3,340,000        3,486,125   

Globe Luxembourg SCA

   

9.625%, 05/01/18 (144A)

    1,500,000        1,162,500   

Diversified Financial Services—(Continued)

  

ILFC E-Capital Trust II

   

6.250%, 12/21/65 (144A) (c)

    330,000      318,450   

International Lease Finance Corp.

   

6.250%, 05/15/19

    1,150,000        1,256,375   

6.750%, 09/01/16 (144A)

    250,000        266,250   

8.250%, 12/15/20 (a)

    3,150,000        3,795,750   

8.750%, 03/15/17

    1,550,000        1,716,625   

Navient Corp.

   

5.875%, 10/25/24 (a)

    3,150,000        3,000,375   

8.000%, 03/25/20

    150,000        166,125   

TMX Finance LLC / TitleMax Finance Corp.

   

8.500%, 09/15/18 (144A)

    560,000        470,400   
   

 

 

 
      32,059,067   
   

 

 

 

Electric—1.5%

  

AES Corp.

   

5.500%, 03/15/24

    650,000        659,620   

8.000%, 06/01/20

    1,000,000        1,142,500   

Calpine Corp.

   

5.875%, 01/15/24 (144A)

    874,000        930,810   

Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S.A.

   

5.750%, 10/27/21 (144A)

    1,930,000        1,852,800   

Duke Energy Carolinas LLC

   

5.300%, 02/15/40

    980,000        1,213,629   

Dynegy Roseton LLC / Dynegy Danskammer LLC Pass-Through Trust

   

Escrow (d) (g)

    500,000        0   

Exelon Corp.

   

5.625%, 06/15/35

    375,000        438,426   

FirstEnergy Corp.

   

4.250%, 03/15/23 (a)

    1,910,000        1,970,765   

7.375%, 11/15/31

    4,200,000        5,083,537   

Mirant Mid Atlantic Pass-Through Trust

   

10.060%, 12/30/28

    5,056,588        5,486,398   

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

   

6.050%, 03/01/34

    430,000        547,435   
   

 

 

 
      19,325,920   
   

 

 

 

Electronics—0.2%

  

Sanmina Corp.

   

4.375%, 06/01/19 (144A)

    2,320,000        2,302,600   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

   

3.600%, 08/15/21

    200,000        206,534   
   

 

 

 
      2,509,134   
   

 

 

 

Energy-Alternate Sources—0.1%

  

First Wind Capital LLC

   

10.250%, 06/01/18 (144A)

    610,000        646,600   
   

 

 

 

Engineering & Construction—0.6%

  

AECOM Technology Corp.

   

5.875%, 10/15/24 (144A)

    1,240,000        1,267,900   

Empresas ICA S.A.B. de C.V.

   

8.875%, 05/29/24 (144A) (a)

    1,540,000        1,409,100   

8.900%, 02/04/21

    1,250,000        1,200,000   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Engineering & Construction—(Continued)

  

Michael Baker International LLC / CDL Acquisition Co., Inc.

   

8.250%, 10/15/18 (144A)

    980,000      $ 975,100   

OAS Finance, Ltd.

   

8.000%, 07/02/21 (144A)

    2,600,000        832,000   

OAS Investments GmbH

   

8.250%, 10/19/19 (144A)

    1,930,000        656,200   

Odebrecht Offshore Drilling Finance, Ltd.

   

6.625%, 10/01/23 (144A)

    866,160        775,213   
   

 

 

 
      7,115,513   
   

 

 

 

Entertainment—0.0%

  

Greektown Holdings LLC / Greektown Mothership Corp.

   

8.875%, 03/15/19 (144A) (a)

    540,000        538,650   
   

 

 

 

Environmental Control—0.1%

  

Waste Management, Inc.

   

3.500%, 05/15/24

    1,230,000        1,245,455   

4.600%, 03/01/21

    180,000        199,329   

7.375%, 05/15/29

    190,000        257,699   
   

 

 

 
      1,702,483   
   

 

 

 

Food—1.3%

  

Dole Food Co., Inc.

   

7.250%, 05/01/19 (144A)

    850,000        847,875   

Hearthside Group Holdings LLC / Hearthside Finance Co.

   

6.500%, 05/01/22 (144A)

    980,000        955,500   

HJ Heinz Co.

   

4.250%, 10/15/20 (a)

    1,920,000        1,939,200   

Kraft Foods Group, Inc.

   

3.500%, 06/06/22

    690,000        707,051   

Kroger Co. (The)

   

6.900%, 04/15/38

    300,000        399,201   

Marfrig Holding Europe B.V.

   

6.875%, 06/24/19 (144A)

    2,260,000        2,101,800   

8.375%, 05/09/18 (a)

    2,200,000        2,167,000   

Mondelez International, Inc.

   

4.000%, 02/01/24 (a)

    1,830,000        1,914,669   

5.375%, 02/10/20

    534,000        604,917   

Simmons Foods, Inc.

   

7.875%, 10/01/21 (144A) (a)

    1,280,000        1,257,600   

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance S.A.

   

10.875%, 01/13/20 (144A) (f)

    4,470,000        2,015,970   

WM Wrigley Jr. Co.

   

3.375%, 10/21/20 (144A)

    1,480,000        1,512,748   
   

 

 

 
      16,423,531   
   

 

 

 

Forest Products & Paper—0.7%

   

Appvion, Inc.

   

9.000%, 06/01/20 (144A)

    2,060,000        1,411,100   

Fibria Overseas Finance, Ltd.

   

5.250%, 05/12/24

    3,720,000        3,695,820   

Forest Products & Paper—(Continued)

  

Klabin Finance S.A.

   

5.250%, 07/16/24 (144A)

    1,980,000      1,910,700   

Resolute Forest Products, Inc.

   

5.875%, 05/15/23

    1,250,000        1,187,500   

Smurfit Kappa Treasury Funding, Ltd.

   

7.500%, 11/20/25

    275,000        322,437   
   

 

 

 
      8,527,557   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Products—0.6%

   

ConvaTec Finance International S.A.

   

8.250%, 01/15/19 (144A) (a) (b)

    1,280,000        1,299,200   

DJO Finance LLC / DJO Finance Corp.

   

9.750%, 10/15/17

    560,000        560,000   

9.875%, 04/15/18

    2,145,000        2,177,175   

Medtronic, Inc.

   

3.125%, 03/15/22

    60,000        60,753   

3.500%, 03/15/25 (144A)

    2,500,000        2,557,425   

4.450%, 03/15/20

    340,000        373,034   

Teleflex, Inc.

   

5.250%, 06/15/24 (144A)

    320,000        320,000   

Universal Hospital Services, Inc.

   

7.625%, 08/15/20

    1,010,000        868,600   
   

 

 

 
      8,216,187   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Services—1.1%

   

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.

   

5.125%, 07/01/22

    860,000        847,100   

Anthem, Inc.

   

3.125%, 05/15/22

    2,170,000        2,168,694   

3.700%, 08/15/21

    130,000        135,893   

7.000%, 02/15/19

    170,000        200,316   

Centene Corp.

   

4.750%, 05/15/22

    960,000        962,400   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.

   

5.125%, 07/15/24 (a)

    730,000        744,600   

Fresenius Medical Care U.S. Finance, Inc.

   

6.500%, 09/15/18 (144A) (a)

    3,709,000        4,098,445   

HCA, Inc.

   

5.000%, 03/15/24

    1,840,000        1,890,600   

7.500%, 02/15/22

    360,000        411,300   

Humana, Inc.

   

3.150%, 12/01/22

    190,000        184,749   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   

2.875%, 03/15/23 (a)

    1,700,000        1,689,044   

5.800%, 03/15/36

    10,000        12,382   

6.875%, 02/15/38

    10,000        14,033   
   

 

 

 
      13,359,556   
   

 

 

 

Holding Companies-Diversified—0.5%

   

DH Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l.

   

7.750%, 12/15/20 (144A)

    5,670,000        5,939,325   
   

 

 

 

Home Builders—0.6%

   

Taylor Morrison Communities, Inc. /Monarch Communities, Inc.

   

5.250%, 04/15/21 (144A)

    1,180,000        1,162,300   

7.750%, 04/15/20 (144A)

    3,252,000        3,447,120   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Home Builders—(Continued)

  

William Lyon Homes, Inc.

   

7.000%, 08/15/22 (144A)

    650,000      $ 656,500   

8.500%, 11/15/20

    2,430,000        2,618,325   
   

 

 

 
      7,884,245   
   

 

 

 

Household Products/Wares—0.1%

   

Century Intermediate Holding Co. 2

   

9.750%, 02/15/19 (144A) (b)

    1,280,000        1,344,000   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—0.1%

   

American International Group, Inc.

   

6.250%, 03/15/87

    620,000        691,889   

Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America

   

6.850%, 12/16/39 (144A)

    700,000        956,080   
   

 

 

 
      1,647,969   
   

 

 

 

Internet—0.3%

   

Cogent Communications Group, Inc.

   

8.375%, 02/15/18 (144A)

    3,480,000        3,636,600   
   

 

 

 

Iron/Steel—0.6%

   

ArcelorMittal

   

5.000%, 02/25/17

    380,000        395,200   

Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc.

   

4.800%, 10/01/20 (a)

    420,000        226,800   

5.700%, 01/15/18 (a)

    1,130,000        734,500   

Ryerson, Inc. / Joseph T Ryerson & Son, Inc.

   

9.000%, 10/15/17

    2,120,000        2,178,300   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

   

7.625%, 03/15/20

    3,710,000        3,867,675   
   

 

 

 
      7,402,475   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Time—0.0%

   

24 Hour Holdings III LLC

   

8.000%, 06/01/22 (144A) (a)

    360,000        288,000   
   

 

 

 

Lodging—0.6%

   

Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties LLC / Caesars Entertainment Resort Property

   

11.000%, 10/01/21 (144A) (a)

    670,000        609,700   

Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC / Hilton Worldwide Finance Corp.

   

5.625%, 10/15/21

    3,800,000        3,971,000   

MGM Resorts International

   

6.625%, 12/15/21

    2,520,000        2,646,000   
   

 

 

 
      7,226,700   
   

 

 

 

Media—2.1%

   

21st Century Fox America, Inc.

   

6.200%, 12/15/34

    10,000        12,769   

6.650%, 11/15/37

    70,000        93,468   

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

   

6.500%, 04/30/21 (a)

    1,740,000        1,827,000   

Media—(Continued)

  

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

   

7.000%, 01/15/19

    90,000      93,375   

CCOH Safari LLC

   

5.500%, 12/01/22 (a)

    330,000        334,950   

5.750%, 12/01/24

    540,000        546,075   

Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc.

   

9.455%, 11/15/22

    230,000        330,658   

Comcast Corp.

   

5.650%, 06/15/35

    10,000        12,392   

6.500%, 11/15/35

    490,000        654,147   

6.550%, 07/01/39

    390,000        532,632   

6.950%, 08/15/37

    250,000        352,224   

CSC Holdings LLC

   

5.250%, 06/01/24 (144A)

    1,000,000        1,005,000   

6.750%, 11/15/21

    2,010,000        2,221,050   

DISH DBS Corp.

   

5.000%, 03/15/23 (a)

    1,285,000        1,243,237   

5.875%, 07/15/22

    470,000        481,750   

5.875%, 11/15/24 (144A)

    2,450,000        2,462,250   

6.750%, 06/01/21

    75,000        80,625   

Gannett Co., Inc.

   

4.875%, 09/15/21 (144A)

    490,000        486,325   

NBCUniversal Media LLC

   

4.375%, 04/01/21

    470,000        516,905   

Numericable-SFR

   

6.000%, 05/15/22 (144A)

    570,000        573,135   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

   

4.125%, 02/15/21

    10,000        10,702   

5.500%, 09/01/41

    330,000        383,435   

5.875%, 11/15/40

    10,000        11,924   

6.750%, 06/15/39

    170,000        222,238   

8.250%, 04/01/19

    850,000        1,040,522   

8.750%, 02/14/19

    80,000        99,028   

Time Warner, Inc.

   

7.625%, 04/15/31

    1,300,000        1,812,375   

7.700%, 05/01/32

    1,410,000        1,992,103   

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG / Unitymedia NRW GmbH

   

5.500%, 01/15/23 (144A)

    3,000,000        3,135,000   

Univision Communications, Inc.

   

6.875%, 05/15/19 (144A)

    680,000        708,050   

7.875%, 11/01/20 (144A)

    2,700,000        2,875,500   

Viacom, Inc.

   

4.250%, 09/01/23

    600,000        618,660   
   

 

 

 
      26,769,504   
   

 

 

 

Mining—1.5%

   

Barminco Finance Pty, Ltd.

   

9.000%, 06/01/18 (144A) (a)

    630,000        573,300   

Barrick Gold Corp.

   

3.850%, 04/01/22 (a)

    280,000        269,456   

4.100%, 05/01/23 (a)

    1,200,000        1,167,838   

6.950%, 04/01/19

    380,000        432,710   

Barrick North America Finance LLC

   

4.400%, 05/30/21

    400,000        403,901   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Mining—(Continued)

  

BHP Billiton Finance USA, Ltd.

   

3.250%, 11/21/21

    590,000      $ 609,331   

5.000%, 09/30/43

    750,000        850,141   

FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty, Ltd.

   

6.000%, 04/01/17 (144A) (a)

    1,620,000        1,549,125   

6.875%, 04/01/22 (144A) (a)

    2,320,000        1,931,400   

8.250%, 11/01/19 (144A) (a)

    3,000,000        2,730,000   

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

   

3.550%, 03/01/22

    545,000        515,085   

Midwest Vanadium Pty, Ltd.

   

11.500%, 02/15/18 (144A) (e) (f)

    1,000,000        150,000   

Mirabela Nickel, Ltd.

   

1.000%, 09/10/44 (g)

    3,418        0   

Rio Tinto Finance USA plc

   

2.250%, 12/14/18

    240,000        240,484   

Rio Tinto Finance USA, Ltd.

   

1.875%, 11/02/15

    10,000        10,080   

3.500%, 11/02/20

    100,000        103,757   

4.125%, 05/20/21

    130,000        136,705   

St Barbara, Ltd.

   

8.875%, 04/15/18 (144A) (a)

    560,000        448,000   

Thompson Creek Metals Co., Inc.

   

9.750%, 12/01/17 (a)

    2,060,000        2,142,400   

Vedanta Resources plc

   

6.750%, 06/07/16 (144A) (a)

    2,960,000        3,056,200   

8.250%, 06/07/21 (a)

    1,120,000        1,108,800   
   

 

 

 
      18,428,713   
   

 

 

 

Miscellaneous Manufacturing—0.3%

  

Eaton Corp.

   

2.750%, 11/02/22

    3,510,000        3,448,214   

General Electric Co.

   

4.500%, 03/11/44

    380,000        417,704   
   

 

 

 
      3,865,918   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas—5.2%

  

Anadarko Finance Co.

   

7.500%, 05/01/31

    80,000        105,207   

Antero Resources Corp.

   

5.125%, 12/01/22 (144A) (a)

    1,200,000        1,131,000   

Apache Corp.

   

3.250%, 04/15/22

    774,000        760,475   

Blue Racer Midstream LLC / Blue Racer Finance Corp.

   

6.125%, 11/15/22 (144A) (a)

    1,310,000        1,264,150   

BP Capital Markets plc

   

3.245%, 05/06/22

    390,000        383,385   

3.561%, 11/01/21 (a)

    100,000        102,169   

California Resources Corp.

   

6.000%, 11/15/24 (144A) (a)

    1,040,000        878,800   

Calumet Specialty Products Partners L.P. / Calumet Finance Corp.

   

7.625%, 01/15/22

    780,000        721,500   

9.625%, 08/01/20 (a)

    1,155,000        1,201,200   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.

   

7.500%, 09/15/20

    2,100,000        2,016,000   

Oil & Gas—(Continued)

  

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

   

5.750%, 03/15/23 (a)

    3,300,000      3,399,000   

Cimarex Energy Co.

   

4.375%, 06/01/24

    710,000        678,050   

Concho Resources, Inc.

   

6.500%, 01/15/22

    1,400,000        1,463,000   

ConocoPhillips Holding Co.

   

6.950%, 04/15/29

    495,000        659,431   

Continental Resources, Inc.

   

7.125%, 04/01/21

    1,090,000        1,171,750   

Devon Energy Corp.

   

3.250%, 05/15/22 (a)

    280,000        275,060   

Devon Financing Corp. LLC

   

7.875%, 09/30/31

    140,000        190,981   

Ecopetrol S.A.

   

5.875%, 09/18/23 (a)

    441,000        466,909   

5.875%, 05/28/45

    950,000        878,750   

EXCO Resources, Inc.

   

7.500%, 09/15/18

    630,000        481,556   

Gulfport Energy Corp.

   

7.750%, 11/01/20 (144A) (a)

    290,000        283,475   

Halcon Resources Corp.

   

8.875%, 05/15/21 (a)

    4,240,000        3,190,600   

Hercules Offshore, Inc.

   

6.750%, 04/01/22 (144A) (a)

    530,000        227,900   

7.500%, 10/01/21 (144A)

    140,000        61,600   

Hess Corp.

   

8.125%, 02/15/19

    90,000        107,081   

KCA Deutag UK Finance plc

   

7.250%, 05/15/21 (144A)

    1,430,000        1,011,725   

Kerr-McGee Corp.

   

6.950%, 07/01/24

    360,000        439,998   

7.875%, 09/15/31

    405,000        553,674   

Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp.

   

8.125%, 12/01/19

    3,250,000        3,306,875   

Linn Energy LLC / Linn Energy Finance Corp.

   

6.500%, 05/15/19 (a)

    1,380,000        1,179,900   

Magnum Hunter Resources Corp.

   

9.750%, 05/15/20

    1,740,000        1,374,600   

MEG Energy Corp.

   

6.375%, 01/30/23 (144A) (a)

    3,600,000        3,213,000   

6.500%, 03/15/21 (144A)

    290,000        264,625   

Murphy Oil USA, Inc.

   

6.000%, 08/15/23

    1,150,000        1,201,750   

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   

2.700%, 02/15/23

    510,000        484,742   

3.125%, 02/15/22

    110,000        108,726   

Pacific Drilling V, Ltd.

   

7.250%, 12/01/17 (144A)

    2,000,000        1,800,000   

Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp.

   

5.375%, 01/26/19 (144A) (a)

    1,660,000        1,430,090   

Parker Drilling Co.

   

6.750%, 07/15/22 (a)

    830,000        622,500   

Parsley Energy LLC / Parsley Finance Corp.

   

7.500%, 02/15/22 (144A) (a)

    1,000,000        947,500   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Oil & Gas—(Continued)

  

Petrobras International Finance Co. S.A.

   

5.375%, 01/27/21

    6,020,000      $ 5,577,952   

5.750%, 01/20/20

    513,000        495,409   

Puma International Financing S.A.

   

6.750%, 02/01/21 (144A)

    2,050,000        1,986,450   

QEP Resources, Inc.

   

5.250%, 05/01/23

    2,650,000        2,477,750   

6.875%, 03/01/21 (a)

    2,130,000        2,183,250   

Quicksilver Resources, Inc.

   

11.000%, 07/01/21 (a)

    1,140,000        285,000   

Range Resources Corp.

   

5.000%, 08/15/22 (a)

    870,000        870,000   

Reliance Holdings USA, Inc.

   

5.400%, 02/14/22

    1,860,000        2,014,953   

Rice Energy, Inc.

   

6.250%, 05/01/22 (144A) (a)

    1,120,000        1,041,600   

Samson Investment Co.

   

9.750%, 02/15/20 (a)

    3,750,000        1,553,906   

Sanchez Energy Corp.

   

6.125%, 01/15/23 (144A)

    2,610,000        2,192,400   

7.750%, 06/15/21 (a)

    1,500,000        1,395,000   

SandRidge Energy, Inc.

   

7.500%, 02/15/23 (a)

    200,000        126,000   

Sidewinder Drilling, Inc.

   

9.750%, 11/15/19 (144A)

    2,000,000        1,115,000   

Sinopec Group Overseas Development, Ltd.

   

2.750%, 05/17/17 (144A)

    690,000        702,261   

Teine Energy, Ltd.

   

6.875%, 09/30/22 (144A)

    390,000        300,300   

Transocean, Inc.

   

6.375%, 12/15/21

    60,000        55,347   

Ultra Petroleum Corp.

   

5.750%, 12/15/18 (144A)

    780,000        719,550   
   

 

 

 
      65,130,862   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas Services—0.8%

  

Baker Hughes, Inc.

   

3.200%, 08/15/21

    480,000        484,305   

CGG S.A.

   

6.500%, 06/01/21 (a)

    2,840,000        2,158,400   

7.750%, 05/15/17

    187,000        160,820   

Exterran Holdings, Inc.

   

7.250%, 12/01/18

    1,780,000        1,744,400   

Freeport-McMoran Oil & Gas LLC / FCX Oil & Gas, Inc.

   

6.500%, 11/15/20

    163,000        176,443   

FTS International, Inc.

   

6.250%, 05/01/22 (144A)

    1,770,000        1,292,100   

Gulfmark Offshore, Inc.

   

6.375%, 03/15/22

    2,080,000        1,549,600   

Hiland Partners L.P. / Hiland Partner Finance Corp.

   

7.250%, 10/01/20 (144A)

    520,000        494,000   

Key Energy Services, Inc.

   

6.750%, 03/01/21

    2,150,000        1,333,000   

Oil & Gas Services—(Continued)

  

SESI LLC

   

7.125%, 12/15/21

    1,050,000      1,008,000   
   

 

 

 
      10,401,068   
   

 

 

 

Packaging & Containers—0.7%

  

Ardagh Finance Holdings S.A.

   

8.625%, 06/15/19 (144A) (a) (b)

    751,567        740,294   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc

   

9.125%, 10/15/20 (144A)

    1,845,000        1,964,925   

Ardagh Packaging Finance plc / Ardagh MP Holdings USA, Inc.

   

9.125%, 10/15/20 (144A)

    540,000        572,400   

Ball Corp.

   

5.750%, 05/15/21 (a)

    930,000        974,175   

Pactiv LLC

   

8.375%, 04/15/27

    2,050,000        2,060,250   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc. / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC

   

6.875%, 02/15/21

    480,000        501,000   

9.000%, 04/15/19

    1,710,000        1,769,850   

Rock Tenn Co.

   

3.500%, 03/01/20

    230,000        233,400   

4.000%, 03/01/23

    210,000        213,938   
   

 

 

 
      9,030,232   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—0.4%

  

AbbVie, Inc.

   

2.900%, 11/06/22

    590,000        580,871   

GlaxoSmithKline Capital plc

   

2.850%, 05/08/22

    590,000        590,032   

JLL/Delta Dutch Newco B.V.

   

7.500%, 02/01/22 (144A) (a)

    830,000        842,450   

Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.

   

9.750%, 05/15/17 (a)

    2,510,000        2,409,600   

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Co. B.V.

   

3.650%, 11/10/21

    50,000        51,236   

Wyeth LLC

   

5.950%, 04/01/37

    290,000        371,971   

Zoetis, Inc.

   

3.250%, 02/01/23

    240,000        236,742   
   

 

 

 
      5,082,902   
   

 

 

 

Pipelines—1.6%

   

Access Midstream Partners L.P. / ACMP Finance Corp.

   

4.875%, 05/15/23

    3,400,000        3,451,000   

Atlas Pipeline Partners L.P. / Atlas Pipeline Finance Corp.

   

5.875%, 08/01/23

    3,290,000        3,257,100   

El Paso Natural Gas Co. LLC

   

8.375%, 06/15/32

    190,000        249,847   

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

   

5.625%, 11/15/23 (144A)

    3,180,000        3,403,955   

7.800%, 08/01/31

    67,000        81,581   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Pipelines—(Continued)

  

MarkWest Energy Partners L.P. / MarkWest Energy Finance Corp.

   

4.875%, 12/01/24 (a)

    3,040,000      $ 2,971,600   

6.250%, 06/15/22

    970,000        1,003,950   

6.500%, 08/15/21 (a)

    910,000        937,300   

Regency Energy Partners L.P. / Regency Energy Finance Corp.

   

5.000%, 10/01/22

    570,000        538,650   

5.875%, 03/01/22 (a)

    1,200,000        1,197,000   

6.500%, 07/15/21 (a)

    360,000        367,200   

Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC

   

5.625%, 02/01/21

    820,000        805,650   

Southern Natural Gas Co. LLC

   

5.900%, 04/01/17 (144A)

    10,000        10,752   

8.000%, 03/01/32

    25,000        32,389   

Targa Resources Partners L.P. / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp.

   

4.250%, 11/15/23

    410,000        373,100   

Tesoro Logistics L.P. / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp.

   

6.250%, 10/15/22 (144A)

    670,000        668,325   

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

   

7.500%, 01/15/31

    45,000        47,747   

7.750%, 06/15/31

    14,000        14,993   

7.875%, 09/01/21

    436,000        503,656   

8.750%, 03/15/32

    255,000        297,602   
   

 

 

 
      20,213,397   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate—0.4%

  

Country Garden Holdings Co., Ltd.

   

11.125%, 02/23/18 (a)

    324,000        343,605   

Howard Hughes Corp. (The)

   

6.875%, 10/01/21 (144A)

    1,350,000        1,397,250   

Yuzhou Properties Co., Ltd.

   

8.750%, 10/04/18

    3,100,000        3,030,250   
   

 

 

 
      4,771,105   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.3%

  

CTR Partnership L.P. / CareTrust Capital Corp.

   

5.875%, 06/01/21

    2,410,000        2,440,125   

Geo Group, Inc. (The)

   

5.875%, 10/15/24

    870,000        880,875   
   

 

 

 
      3,321,000   
   

 

 

 

Retail—1.0%

  

BC ULC / New Red Finance, Inc.

   

6.000%, 04/01/22 (144A)

    1,960,000        2,009,000   

CST Brands, Inc.

   

5.000%, 05/01/23 (a)

    340,000        343,400   

CVS Health Corp.

   

2.750%, 12/01/22

    2,490,000        2,425,215   

CVS Pass-Through Trust

   

6.943%, 01/10/30

    721,145        874,388   

Dufry Finance SCA

   

5.500%, 10/15/20 (144A)

    2,130,000        2,215,647   

Retail—(Continued)

  

First Cash Financial Services, Inc.

   

6.750%, 04/01/21

    370,000      384,800   

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

   

5.000%, 06/01/22 (144A)

    610,000        596,275   

Guitar Center, Inc.

   

9.625%, 04/15/20 (144A) (a)

    1,940,000        1,261,000   

L Brands, Inc.

   

6.950%, 03/01/33

    60,000        62,700   

Neiman Marcus Group, Ltd. LLC

   

8.750%, 10/15/21 (144A) (b)

    1,250,000        1,325,000   

Suburban Propane Partners L.P. / Suburban Energy Finance Corp.

   

5.500%, 06/01/24

    1,570,000        1,515,050   
   

 

 

 
      13,012,475   
   

 

 

 

Software—0.5%

  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

   

5.625%, 09/15/21 (144A)

    3,130,000        3,286,500   

6.125%, 09/15/23 (144A) (a)

    580,000        624,950   

First Data Corp.

   

8.250%, 01/15/21 (144A)

    1,070,000        1,144,900   

11.750%, 08/15/21

    650,000        745,875   
   

 

 

 
      5,802,225   
   

 

 

 

Telecommunications—3.0%

  

AT&T, Inc.

   

4.350%, 06/15/45

    1,250,000        1,178,443   

4.450%, 05/15/21

    300,000        322,324   

CenturyLink, Inc.

   

6.750%, 12/01/23 (a)

    1,290,000        1,412,550   

Hughes Satellite Systems Corp.

   

7.625%, 06/15/21

    1,500,000        1,650,000   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A.

   

7.500%, 04/01/21

    1,000,000        1,070,000   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

   

6.125%, 01/15/21

    1,380,000        1,428,300   

Rogers Communications, Inc.

   

6.800%, 08/15/18

    280,000        323,160   

Sprint Capital Corp.

   

6.875%, 11/15/28

    5,290,000        4,655,200   

8.750%, 03/15/32

    2,520,000        2,438,100   

Sprint Corp.

   

7.125%, 06/15/24

    410,000        381,300   

7.875%, 09/15/23

    2,750,000        2,714,800   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

   

6.000%, 03/01/23

    1,200,000        1,203,000   

6.125%, 01/15/22

    880,000        893,200   

6.633%, 04/28/21

    1,000,000        1,026,250   

Telecom Italia Capital S.A.

   

7.175%, 06/18/19 (a)

    40,000        45,800   

Telefonica Emisiones S.A.U.

   

5.134%, 04/27/20

    140,000        154,981   

5.877%, 07/15/19 (a)

    140,000        159,330   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Telecommunications—(Continued)

  

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   

2.450%, 11/01/22

    390,000      $ 365,921   

3.500%, 11/01/24

    560,000        550,199   

4.150%, 03/15/24

    90,000        93,171   

4.862%, 08/21/46 (144A)

    1,709,000        1,755,531   

5.150%, 09/15/23

    4,880,000        5,388,657   

6.400%, 09/15/33

    2,166,000        2,668,042   

6.550%, 09/15/43

    559,000        716,162   

West Corp.

   

5.375%, 07/15/22 (144A)

    3,070,000        2,939,525   

Windstream Corp.

   

7.500%, 04/01/23

    2,000,000        1,990,000   
   

 

 

 
      37,523,946   
   

 

 

 

Transportation—0.5%

  

CMA CGM S.A.

   

8.500%, 04/15/17 (144A) (a)

    1,500,000        1,526,250   

Dynagas LNG Partners L.P. / Dynagas Finance, Inc.

   

6.250%, 10/30/19

    200,000        186,000   

Florida East Coast Holdings Corp.

   

6.750%, 05/01/19 (144A)

    2,080,000        2,059,200   

Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp. / Navios Acquisition Finance U.S., Inc.

   

8.125%, 11/15/21 (144A)

    980,000        955,500   

Watco Cos. LLC / Watco Finance Corp.

   

6.375%, 04/01/23 (144A)

    1,280,000        1,267,200   

XPO Logistics, Inc.

   

7.875%, 09/01/19 (144A)

    700,000        731,500   
   

 

 

 
      6,725,650   
   

 

 

 

Trucking & Leasing—0.0%

  

Jurassic Holdings III, Inc.

   

6.875%, 02/15/21 (144A)

    550,000        511,500   
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(Cost $553,455,922)

      536,932,158   
   

 

 

 
Mortgage-Backed Securities—27.4%   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—16.8%

  

American Home Mortgage Assets Trust

   

0.360%, 12/25/46 (c)

    4,307,722        3,012,032   

American Home Mortgage Investment Trust

   

0.390%, 06/25/45 (c)

    861,821        800,379   

0.750%, 11/25/45 (c)

    793,774        683,034   

Banc of America Funding Trust

   

0.336%, 05/20/36 (c)

    561,324        541,486   

Banc of America Mortgage Trust

   

2.616%, 12/25/34 (c)

    12,429        12,123   

2.691%, 09/25/35 (c)

    211,203        194,091   

BCAP LLC

   

2.895%, 05/26/47 (144A) (c)

    8,449,399        5,693,062   

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust

   

0.400%, 04/25/36 (c)

    1,085,063        972,035   

32.849%, 07/25/36 (c)

    1,044,716        1,597,506   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

   

0.548%, 12/25/35 (c)

    2,541,065      2,219,209   

CitiMortgage Alternative Loan Trust

   

34.653%, 07/25/37 (c)

    2,489,391        4,355,783   

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust

   

0.396%, 07/20/35 (c)

    2,749,492        2,393,617   

0.440%, 01/25/36 (c)

    371,588        330,234   

5.500%, 10/25/33

    14,897        15,194   

5.500%, 02/25/35

    3,736,322        3,679,298   

5.750%, 01/25/37

    4,430,287        3,759,865   

6.000%, 01/25/37

    4,882,074        4,404,192   

16.567%, 06/25/35 (c)

    3,341,644        4,034,183   

22.292%, 02/25/36 (c)

    3,132,047        4,273,942   

27.922%, 07/25/36 (c)

    5,242,085        8,690,396   

37.983%, 08/25/37 (c)

    5,074,889        9,273,071   

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust Resecuritization

   

6.000%, 08/25/37

    10,881,868        8,693,717   

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust

   

2.389%, 11/25/34 (c)

    146,838        124,646   

Countrywide Home Loan Reperforming Loan REMIC Trust

   

0.530%, 03/25/35 (144A) (c)

    911,558        813,412   

0.590%, 11/25/34 (144A) (c)

    118,019        103,708   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Backed Trust

   

29.593%, 02/25/36 (c)

    3,118,906        4,579,836   

CSMC Trust

   

0.352%, 06/27/46 (144A) (c)

    5,151,456        4,893,857   

2.403%, 01/27/36 (144A) (c)

    4,480,000        4,549,175   

Deutsche ALT-A Securities, Inc. Mortgage Loan Trust

   

1.810%, 08/25/35 (c)

    73,080        58,079   

DSLA Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.374%, 03/19/45 (c)

    243,824        215,893   

1.033%, 03/19/46 (c)

    1,868,951        1,428,960   

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities

   

3.170%, 07/25/24 (c)

    8,670,000        7,832,062   

5.420%, 10/25/23 (c)

    2,780,000        3,006,542   

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes

   

4.670%, 02/25/24 (c)

    2,210,000        2,186,262   

4.920%, 10/25/24 (c)

    2,460,000        2,430,005   

GreenPoint MTA Trust

   

0.610%, 06/25/45 (c)

    2,163,913        1,884,386   

GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.520%, 09/25/35 (144A) (c)

    4,421,463        3,770,862   

0.570%, 04/25/36 (144A) (c)

    1,170,305        986,557   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust

   

2.767%, 10/25/35 (c)

    532,344        471,166   

HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.414%, 01/19/36 (c)

    1,372,484        944,358   

0.964%, 11/19/34 (c)

    2,695,904        2,241,553   

1.170%, 10/25/37 (c)

    2,364,165        2,072,418   

Impac Secured Assets CMN Owner Trust

   

0.490%, 03/25/36 (c)

    1,288,351        933,932   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

Impac Secured Assets Trust

   

0.520%, 08/25/36 (c)

    136,279      $ 133,764   

IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.890%, 01/25/35 (c)

    1,493,994        1,177,599   

2.490%, 03/25/35 (c)

    842,381        825,082   

4.351%, 08/25/37 (c)

    2,354,282        1,975,695   

JP Morgan Resecuritization Trust

   

0.379%, 07/27/46 (144A) (c)

    7,344,713        7,003,693   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust

   

6.500%, 01/25/36

    154,569        133,194   

Lehman Mortgage Trust

   

6.461%, 02/25/37 (c) (h)

    10,715,542        2,915,528   

Lehman XS Trust

   

0.330%, 03/25/47 (c)

    4,343,462        3,308,415   

0.370%, 08/25/46 (c)

    3,876,564        3,225,216   

Luminent Mortgage Trust

   

0.360%, 05/25/46 (c)

    1,658,252        1,289,639   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust

   

2.564%, 11/25/35 (144A) (c)

    94,114        68,679   

MASTR Seasoned Securitization Trust

   

3.277%, 10/25/32 (c)

    272,656        267,134   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust

   

2.430%, 08/25/33 (c)

    1,324,905        1,222,867   

2.581%, 05/25/34 (c)

    175,886        175,264   

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.490%, 01/25/35 (c)

    1,691,730        1,607,526   

Nomura Resecuritization Trust

   

2.414%, 08/26/34 (144A) (c)

    3,321,513        2,749,841   

NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust

   

0.360%, 09/25/46 (c)

    1,365,212        1,159,148   

Opteum Mortgage Acceptance Corp. Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates

   

0.740%, 02/25/35 (c)

    5,000,000        4,779,395   

Prime Mortgage Trust

   

5.500%, 05/25/35 (144A)

    2,046,780        2,126,995   

6.000%, 05/25/35 (144A)

    3,405,268        3,437,291   

RBSGC Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.620%, 01/25/37 (c)

    1,380,172        956,873   

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. Trust

   

0.350%, 12/25/36 (c)

    3,089,726        2,364,830   

0.360%, 05/25/47 (c)

    2,134,687        1,751,270   

0.370%, 05/25/47 (c)

    4,168,647        3,423,306   

0.380%, 04/25/46 (c)

    2,102,898        1,056,683   

0.430%, 04/25/46 (c)

    1,091,118        556,989   

0.500%, 04/25/46 (c)

    1,527,190        796,616   

1.406%, 11/25/37 (c)

    6,887,925        4,380,858   

Residential Asset Securitization Trust

   

5.750%, 02/25/36

    3,978,123        3,753,705   

6.381%, 12/25/36 (c) (h)

    16,779,054        4,403,378   

Sequoia Mortgage Trust

   

1.003%, 06/20/33 (c)

    206,332        200,475   

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.815%, 04/25/35 (c)

    5,197,221        4,425,246   

1.656%, 09/25/37 (c)

    5,983,888        5,437,751   

2.373%, 01/25/35 (c)

    1,050,040        1,042,466   

2.633%, 09/25/35 (c)

    1,254,719        1,066,670   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust

   

0.380%, 05/25/46 (c)

    319,225      232,934   

0.450%, 02/25/36 (c)

    6,164,901        4,940,330   

2.520%, 08/25/35 (c)

    159,452        157,679   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust

   

0.520%, 03/25/35 (c)

    3,866,344        3,054,249   

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust
0.440%, 12/25/45 (c)

    1,097,234        1,046,892   

0.460%, 07/25/45 (c)

    31,689        29,593   

0.460%, 10/25/45 (c)

    1,010,661        926,094   

0.923%, 07/25/47 (c)

    266,278        102,437   

1.913%, 03/25/47 (c)

    4,573,114        3,693,247   

2.060%, 09/25/36 (c)

    1,486,357        1,317,843   

2.426%, 10/25/34 (c)

    1,356,364        1,349,972   

6.511%, 04/25/37 (c) (h)

    16,813,926        4,373,924   

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
2.592%, 06/25/35 (c)

    108,946        109,623   

2.600%, 04/25/36 (c)

    188,228        183,956   

2.605%, 10/25/35 (c)

    140,026        140,502   
   

 

 

 
      212,014,474   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—10.6%

  

Americold 2010 LLC Trust

   

4.954%, 01/14/29 (144A)

    500,000        548,924   

BAMLL Mezzanine Securities Trust

   

8.644%, 12/15/19 (144A) (c)

    5,700,000        5,685,750   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

6.151%, 06/11/50 (c)

    1,040,000        1,014,153   

BLCP Hotel Trust

   

5.889%, 08/15/29 (144A) (c)

    12,000,000        11,920,961   

Carefree Portfolio Trust

   

6.137%, 11/15/19 (144A) (c)

    1,000,000        1,000,006   

7.883%, 11/15/29 (144A) (c)

    6,000,000        5,999,948   

CD Mortgage Trust

   

5.346%, 01/15/46 (c)

    100,000        104,028   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

6.142%, 12/10/49 (c)

    2,970,000        2,989,056   

COBALT CMBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.766%, 05/15/46 (c)

    3,260,000        3,358,882   

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates

   

5.085%, 10/10/46 (c)

    70,000        75,678   

5.377%, 12/10/46

    3,309,000        3,368,870   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.373%, 12/15/39

    1,360,209        1,311,508   

5.607%, 01/15/49 (c)

    950,000        957,945   

5.806%, 06/15/38 (c)

    3,160,000        3,201,690   

Credit Suisse European Mortgage

   

7.165%, 07/20/22 (144A) (EUR)

    2,116,000        2,560,466   

CSMC Trust

   

3.993%, 09/15/38 (144A) (c)

    6,600,000        6,600,264   

4.373%, 09/15/37 (144A)

    1,620,000        1,496,384   

DBUBS Mortgage Trust

   

3.750%, 08/10/44 (144A)

    5,180,000        3,222,530   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

  

FREMF Mortgage Trust

   

3.420%, 06/25/21 (144A) (c)

    6,389,179      $ 6,390,284   

4.156%, 09/25/22 (144A) (c)

    6,900,241        6,904,773   

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc.

   

5.349%, 11/10/45 (c)

    2,210,000        2,156,027   

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II

   

4.271%, 11/10/46

    620,000        679,598   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

   

5.553%, 04/10/38 (c)

    1,270,000        1,273,614   

5.622%, 11/10/39

    1,175,143        1,205,309   

Hyatt Hotel Portfolio Trust

   

6.386%, 11/15/19 (144A) (c)

    6,100,000        6,095,045   

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

3.461%, 08/15/27 (144A) (c)

    920,000        915,119   

4.061%, 08/15/27 (144A) (c)

    1,280,000        1,267,221   

6.386%, 10/15/29 (144A) (c)

    4,900,000        4,910,328   

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

3.928%, 11/15/47 (144A) (c)

    1,520,000        1,333,110   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

3.761%, 06/15/29 (144A) (c)

    3,540,000        3,494,285   

5.386%, 05/15/47 (c)

    2,280,000        1,979,927   

5.411%, 05/15/47

    2,360,000        1,994,200   

5.502%, 06/12/47 (c)

    3,120,000        3,112,300   

6.389%, 06/15/29 (c)

    1,805,000        1,806,173   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

6.125%, 07/15/40 (c)

    257,000        264,383   

6.248%, 09/15/45 (c)

    1,100,000        1,063,583   

ML-CFC Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.450%, 08/12/48 (c)

    1,318,000        1,280,892   

5.882%, 08/12/49 (c)

    235,000        256,313   

6.193%, 09/12/49 (c)

    3,473,000        3,403,540   

6.217%, 09/12/49 (c)

    5,780,000        5,665,776   

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

  

 

2.918%, 02/15/46

    260,000        260,010   

3.456%, 05/15/46

    510,000        520,025   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

   

5.399%, 12/15/43

    3,561,053        3,264,784   

5.908%, 06/11/49 (c)

    1,680,000        1,644,426   

PFP III, Ltd.

   

4.261%, 06/14/31 (144A) (c)

    1,280,000        1,282,167   

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

4.890%, 05/10/63 (144A) (c)

    1,640,000        1,076,545   

5.000%, 05/10/63 (144A) (c)

    2,890,000        1,014,679   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

0.362%, 12/15/43 (144A) (c)

    646,000        618,659   

5.413%, 12/15/43 (c)

    2,393,290        2,438,590   

5.549%, 01/15/45 (144A) (c)

    6,466,500        6,006,143   

5.825%, 07/15/45 (c)

    1,720,000        1,740,146   

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

3.909%, 09/15/57 (144A) (c)

    1,520,000        1,329,345   
   

 

 

 
      134,064,362   
   

 

 

 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $340,030,004)

      346,078,836   
   

 

 

 
Foreign Government—8.5%   
Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Regional Government—0.2%

  

Japan Finance Organization for Municipalities

   

4.000%, 01/13/21

    1,900,000      2,098,303   
   

 

 

 

Sovereign—8.3%

  

Argentina Boden Bond

   

7.000%, 10/03/15

    6,065,000        5,882,376   

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional

   

10.000%, 01/01/17 (BRL)

    68,271,000        23,219,710   

Hungary Government International Bonds

   

5.750%, 11/22/23

    2,424,000        2,684,580   

Indonesia Government International Bonds

   

3.750%, 04/25/22 (144A)

    280,000        275,800   

3.750%, 04/25/22

    430,000        423,550   

4.875%, 05/05/21

    400,000        422,500   

5.875%, 03/13/20

    300,000        332,250   

5.875%, 01/15/24 (144A)

    887,000        1,002,310   

Japan Bank for International Cooperation

   

2.875%, 02/02/15

    1,580,000        1,582,841   

Mexican Bonos

   

6.500%, 06/09/22 (MXN)

    540,143,700        38,385,340   

8.000%, 06/11/20 (MXN)

    90,954,000        6,938,661   

Portugal Government International Bond

   

5.125%, 10/15/24 (144A)

    14,000,000        14,707,252   

South Africa Government International Bond

   

5.875%, 09/16/25

    2,310,000        2,601,637   

Turkey Government International Bond

   

6.250%, 09/26/22

    4,810,000        5,489,412   

Venezuela Government International Bond

   

7.750%, 10/13/19

    1,840,000        816,960   
   

 

 

 
      104,765,179   
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Government
(Cost $122,341,974)

   

    106,863,482   
   

 

 

 
U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—7.0%   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—6.2%

  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

   

3.500%, TBA (i)

    2,500,000        2,641,016   

5.500%, 12/01/16

    4,913        5,187   

6.500%, 03/01/16

    236        237   

6.500%, 09/01/16

    3,537        3,621   

6.500%, 12/01/16

    5,326        5,507   

6.500%, 01/01/17

    3,823        3,971   

Fannie Mae 20 Yr. Pool

   

4.500%, 04/01/31

    254,605        277,969   

4.500%, 05/01/31

    755,284        824,819   

4.500%, 06/01/31

    264,351        288,666   

8.500%, 08/01/19

    15,800        17,010   

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

2.500%, 10/01/42

    1,043,301        1,020,057   

3.500%, TBA (i)

    1,500,000        1,563,633   

4.000%, TBA (i)

    14,400,000        15,368,456   

4.500%, 10/01/41

    1,291,411        1,403,709   

4.500%, TBA (i)

    7,700,000        8,358,110   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

5.000%, 01/01/39

    22,490      $ 25,110   

5.000%, 08/01/39

    56,526        63,199   

5.000%, 11/01/39

    14,973        16,741   

5.000%, 12/01/39

    42,487        47,526   

5.000%, 05/01/40

    72,583        80,156   

5.000%, 07/01/40

    65,804        73,556   

5.000%, 11/01/40

    2,001,687        2,235,078   

5.000%, 01/01/41

    76,377        85,436   

5.000%, 02/01/41

    89,205        99,373   

5.000%, 04/01/41

    201,389        225,259   

5.000%, 05/01/41

    4,450,276        4,973,858   

5.000%, 06/01/41

    422,955        473,115   

6.000%, 04/01/32

    80,325        91,635   

6.500%, 08/01/31

    1,398        1,592   

6.500%, 10/01/31

    2,122        2,416   

6.500%, 03/01/32

    14,303        16,289   

6.500%, 06/01/37

    49,354        56,206   

7.000%, 05/01/26

    1,837        2,038   

7.000%, 07/01/30

    297        307   

7.000%, 01/01/31

    445        507   

7.000%, 09/01/31

    5,890        6,764   

7.000%, 10/01/31

    3,613        4,204   

7.000%, 11/01/31

    47,607        55,329   

7.000%, 01/01/32

    6,253        6,467   

7.000%, 02/01/32

    4,918        5,150   

7.500%, 12/01/29

    526        541   

7.500%, 02/01/30

    369        375   

7.500%, 06/01/30

    742        748   

7.500%, 08/01/30

    95        98   

7.500%, 09/01/30

    927        1,044   

7.500%, 11/01/30

    11,184        11,966   

7.500%, 02/01/31

    4,886        5,185   

8.000%, 08/01/27

    1,480        1,689   

8.000%, 07/01/30

    1,064        1,230   

8.000%, 09/01/30

    821        905   

8.000%, 01/01/31

    4,272        4,288   

Fannie Mae Pool

   

3.500%, 08/01/42

    1,329,396        1,387,597   

3.500%, 12/01/42

    704,835        736,765   

3.500%, 05/01/43

    183,162        191,489   

4.000%, 10/01/42

    354,402        382,289   

5.000%, 05/01/40

    80,480        89,967   

Fannie Mae REMICS (CMO)

   

Zero Coupon, 03/25/42 (j)

    256,592        234,035   

0.520%, 05/25/34 (c)

    233,632        234,399   

6.361%, 12/25/40 (c) (h)

    1,583,605        244,440   

6.361%, 01/25/41 (c) (h)

    1,048,300        186,373   

6.381%, 10/25/41 (c) (h)

    3,283,625        563,138   

9.750%, 11/25/18

    359,194        399,665   

9.750%, 08/25/19

    121,431        134,549   

Freddie Mac 15 Yr. Gold Pool

   

7.000%, 02/01/15

    280        280   

7.000%, 05/01/16

    3,994        4,031   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.500%, TBA (i)

    900,000        935,789   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

5.000%, 12/01/34

    19,763      21,893   

5.000%, 11/01/41

    1,473,096        1,630,721   

6.000%, 12/01/36

    1,942        2,194   

6.000%, 02/01/37

    61,598        69,767   

6.500%, 09/01/31

    9,933        11,285   

7.000%, 03/01/39

    293,366        331,613   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Pool

   

7.000%, 07/01/31

    2,128        2,454   

Freddie Mac ARM Non-Gold Pool

   

1.838%, 05/01/37 (c)

    60,061        62,995   

1.945%, 02/01/37 (c)

    27,512        28,965   

1.945%, 04/01/37 (c)

    58,694        61,939   

1.949%, 03/01/37 (c)

    117,223        123,489   

2.285%, 01/01/38 (c)

    34,235        36,516   

2.495%, 05/01/37 (c)

    79,382        84,698   

2.534%, 02/01/36 (c)

    68,004        73,048   

Freddie Mac Gold Pool

   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    281,415        294,167   

4.000%, 10/01/42

    2,119,535        2,285,040   

Freddie Mac REMICS (CMO)

   

1,156.500%, 06/15/21 (h)

    9        136   

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.500%, TBA (i)

    1,100,000        1,154,656   

5.000%, 01/15/40

    296,336        329,338   

6.000%, 07/15/38

    26,966        30,512   

6.500%, 09/15/28

    1,831        2,089   

6.500%, 10/15/28

    1,543        1,761   

6.500%, 01/15/29

    12,062        13,772   

6.500%, 02/15/29

    38,193        43,582   

6.500%, 06/15/29

    6,995        8,046   

6.500%, 10/15/30

    2,146        2,449   

7.000%, 06/15/28

    22,393        25,055   

7.000%, 07/15/29

    1,364        1,540   

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.500%, TBA (i)

    3,400,000        3,568,938   

4.500%, 01/20/40

    42,692        46,959   

4.500%, 05/20/40

    44,117        48,498   

4.500%, 03/20/41

    43,403        47,621   

5.000%, 07/20/40

    1,378,850        1,538,875   

5.000%, 08/20/40

    696,322        777,215   

5.000%, 09/20/40

    76,211        85,060   

5.000%, 11/20/40

    37,451        41,805   

6.000%, 12/20/36

    17,534        19,755   

6.000%, 09/20/39

    477,307        540,043   

6.000%, 09/20/40

    24,194        27,267   

6.000%, 11/20/40

    434,901        493,497   

6.000%, 09/20/41

    76,963        87,808   

Ginnie Mae II ARM Pool

   

1.540%, 01/20/60 (c)

    919,885        944,536   

1.907%, 05/20/60 (c)

    877,473        907,104   

Government National Mortgage Association (CMO)

   

0.486%, 10/20/60 (c)

    4,049,273        4,011,392   

0.606%, 02/20/61 (c)

    286,748        285,502   

0.656%, 01/20/61 (c)

    614,101        612,784   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Government National Mortgage Association (CMO)

   

0.656%, 03/20/61 (c)

    244,672      $ 244,116   

1.156%, 05/20/60 (c)

    1,740,951        1,773,322   

1.197%, 04/16/52 (c) (h)

    22,199,312        1,237,723   

1.263%, 03/16/47 (c) (h)

    25,050,828        1,211,433   

1.316%, 11/20/59 (c)

    5,555,056        5,675,906   

6.335%, 03/20/39 (c) (h)

    375,423        47,032   

6.485%, 01/20/40 (c) (h)

    1,510,803        249,722   
   

 

 

 
      77,439,787   
   

 

 

 

Federal Agencies—0.5%

  

Federal National Mortgage Association

   

6.250%, 05/15/29 (a)

    1,890,000        2,633,248   

Tennessee Valley Authority

   

3.875%, 02/15/21

    150,000        165,197   

5.250%, 09/15/39

    400,000        509,226   

5.980%, 04/01/36

    2,490,000        3,482,327   
   

 

 

 
      6,789,998   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—0.3%

  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

   

3.375%, 05/15/44

    600,000        675,469   

3.625%, 02/15/44

    60,000        70,608   

3.750%, 11/15/43

    30,000        36,063   

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

0.250%, 10/31/15

    70,000        69,995   

0.375%, 11/15/15 (a)

    270,000        270,253   

1.500%, 08/31/18

    220,000        221,066   

1.625%, 04/30/19

    550,000        551,891   

1.625%, 07/31/19

    460,000        460,718   

1.750%, 09/30/19

    1,330,000        1,337,792   

2.250%, 07/31/21 (a)

    340,000        346,747   

2.250%, 11/15/24 (a)

    10,000        10,067   
   

 

 

 
      4,050,669   
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies
(Cost $86,552,730)

   

    88,280,454   
   

 

 

 
Asset-Backed Securities—6.7%   

Asset-Backed - Automobile—0.4%

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP LLC

   

1.920%, 09/20/19 (144A)

    570,000        564,056   

2.100%, 03/20/19 (144A)

    1,100,000        1,100,346   

2.460%, 07/20/20 (144A)

    3,290,000        3,300,262   

Hertz Vehicle Financing LLC

   

1.830%, 08/25/19 (144A)

    790,000        779,542   
   

 

 

 
      5,744,206   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Home Equity—0.8%

  

ABFC Trust

   

0.830%, 03/25/35 (c)

    2,482,334        1,954,445   

Asset-Backed - Home Equity—(Continued)

  

ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust

   

0.510%, 01/25/36 (c)

    622,966      98,242   

Asset Backed Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust

   

3.011%, 04/15/33 (c)

    20,387        19,449   

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Trust

   

0.895%, 01/25/34 (c)

    29,171        28,050   

EMC Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.620%, 05/25/43 (144A) (c)

    848,949        822,272   

0.820%, 05/25/43 (144A) (c)

    7,660,000        6,434,400   

0.870%, 01/25/41 (144A) (c)

    132,863        129,716   

SASCO Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.715%, 04/25/35 (c)

    20,438        20,193   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.375%, 02/25/36 (144A) (c)

    2,710,992        159,783   
   

 

 

 
      9,666,550   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Manufactured Housing—1.0%

  

Access Financial Manufactured Housing Contract Trust

   

7.650%, 05/15/21

    1,978,766        1,539,999   

Greenpoint Manufactured Housing

   

2.907%, 03/18/29 (c)

    550,000        485,980   

3.520%, 06/19/29 (c)

    375,000        326,250   

3.655%, 02/20/30 (c)

    350,000        304,500   

Manufactured Housing Contract Trust Pass-Through Certificates

   

3.653%, 03/13/32 (c)

    550,000        497,231   

3.657%, 02/20/32 (c)

    325,000        297,905   

Mid-State Trust

   

7.340%, 07/01/35

    278,540        299,206   

Origen Manufactured Housing Contract Trust

   

2.497%, 04/15/37 (c)

    2,138,770        1,883,354   

2.645%, 10/15/37 (c)

    2,328,041        2,098,905   

UCFC Manufactured Housing Contract

   

7.095%, 04/15/29 (c)

    4,850,000        4,789,744   
   

 

 

 
      12,523,074   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Other—3.4%

  

ACE Home Equity Loan Trust

   

0.430%, 02/25/31 (c)

    189,817        177,057   

Amortizing Residential Collateral Trust

   

1.970%, 08/25/32 (c)

    90,304        64,720   

Bear Stearns Asset-Backed Securities Trust

   

6.000%, 10/25/36

    2,290,596        1,859,817   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

   

0.440%, 08/25/36 (c)

    11,420,512        9,219,197   

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates

   

2.045%, 06/25/34 (c)

    203,017        179,877   

Countrywide Revolving Home Equity Loan Resecuritization Trust

   

0.461%, 12/15/33 (144A) (c)

    331,812        270,619   

Countrywide Revolving Home Equity Loan Trust

   

0.301%, 07/15/36 (c)

    694,852        588,091   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Asset-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description  

Principal
Amount*

    Value  

Asset-Backed - Other—(Continued)

  

First Horizon Asset-Backed Trust

   

0.330%, 10/25/34 (c)

    105,795      $ 93,385   

GSAMP Trust

   

0.370%, 01/25/36 (c)

    106,450        28,673   

1.145%, 06/25/34 (c)

    670,000        628,217   

GSRPM Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.470%, 03/25/35 (144A) (c)

    843,567        828,456   

HLSS Servicer Advance Receivables Backed Notes

   

1.979%, 08/15/46 (144A)

    1,470,000        1,474,851   

Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Notes

   

0.340%, 04/25/36 (c)

    228,255        164,200   

HSI Asset Securitization Corp. Trust

   

0.590%, 11/25/35 (c)

    4,000,000        3,287,580   

JGWPT XXXIII LLC

   

3.500%, 06/15/77 (144A)

    2,297,412        2,296,425   

Lehman XS Trust

   

5.150%, 05/25/37 (c)

    6,116,584        4,796,503   

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.686%, 01/21/31 (c)

    24,729        22,953   

Magnus Dritte Immobilienbesitz und Verwaltungs 1 GmbH

   

7.250%, 07/01/24 (144A) (EUR)

    4,300,000        5,284,193   

Magnus Relda Holding Vier GmbH

   

7.000%, 10/28/24 (144A) (EUR)

    6,000,000        7,226,991   

RAAC Trust

   

0.420%, 02/25/37 (144A) (c)

    613,553        606,273   

SACO I Trust

   

0.430%, 06/25/36 (c)

    518,645        838,406   

0.510%, 03/25/36 (c)

    144,650        193,658   

SpringCastle America Funding LLC

   

2.700%, 05/25/23 (144A)

    1,588,807        1,586,276   

Structured Asset Securities Corp.

   

0.830%, 02/25/35 (c)

    1,137,426        1,131,731   
   

 

 

 
      42,848,149   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Student Loan—1.1%

  

 

National Collegiate Student Loan Trust

   

0.440%, 03/26/29 (c)

    2,250,000        2,063,300   

1.020%, 03/25/38 (c)

    9,030,000        5,801,363   

Nelnet Student Loan Trust

   

0.498%, 03/22/32 (c)

    6,650,000        6,206,312   

Northstar Education Finance, Inc.

   

1.273%, 10/30/45 (c)

    100,000        81,454   
   

 

 

 
      14,152,429   
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $84,312,435)

      84,934,408   
   

 

 

 
Preferred Stocks—0.6%    
Security Description  

Shares/

Principal/
Contracts/
Notional
Amount*

    Value  

Banks—0.5%

   

GMAC Capital Trust I, 8.125% (c)

    244,339      6,445,663   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.1%

  

 

Citigroup Capital XIII, 7.875% (c)

    35,900        954,222   
   

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $7,190,437)

      7,399,885   
   

 

 

 
Floating Rate Loans (n)—0.6%                

Electric—0.5%

   

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co. LLC

   

Term Loan, 4.250%, 06/19/16

    6,240,991        6,250,746   
   

 

 

 

Software—0.1%

   

First Data Corp.

   

Extended Term Loan, 3.667%, 03/23/18

    1,047,353        1,027,715   
   

 

 

 

Total Floating Rate Loans
(Cost $7,223,811)

      7,278,461   
   

 

 

 
Purchased Options—0.1%                

Call Option—0.0%

   

Markit CDX North America Investment Grade Index, Series 23, Exercise Rate 0.650%, Expires 01/21/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

    205,000,000        190,430   
   

 

 

 

Put Options—0.1%

   

Eurodollar Futures @ 99.500, Expires 06/15/15

    7,293        1,048,369   

OTC - 30 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise
Rate 3.290%, Expires 09/04/15
(Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

    31,710,000        457,548   

OTC - 30 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise
Rate 3.380%, Expires 08/12/15
(Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.)

    31,710,000        300,049   
   

 

 

 
      1,805,966   
   

 

 

 

Total Purchased Options
(Cost $5,040,793)

      1,996,396   
   

 

 

 
Municipals—0.1%                

Virginia Housing Development Authority

   

6.000%, 06/25/34
(Cost $1,107,986)

    1,123,755        1,216,825   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—0.1%

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Marine—0.1%

   

Deep Ocean Group Holding
A/S (d) (g) (k)

    44,744      $ 1,095,718   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—0.0%

   

Mirabela Nickel, Ltd. (g) (k)

    901,134        21,335   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,010,298)

      1,117,053   
   

 

 

 
Convertible Bond—0.1%   

Mining—0.1%

  

Mirabela Nickel, Ltd.

   

9.500%, 06/20/19 (144A) (f)
(Cost $922,848)

    922,848        738,278   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—13.7%   

Discount Notes—3.0%

  

Federal National Mortgage Association

   

0.089%, 02/02/11 (l)

    12,500,000        12,499,000   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

   

0.101%, 05/07/15 (l)

    25,000,000        24,991,250   
   

 

 

 
      37,490,250   
   

 

 

 

Mutual Fund—7.0%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (m)

    88,878,727        88,878,727   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreements—3.7%

  

Bank of America Securities LLC
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.040% to be repurchased at $46,000,102 on 01/02/15 collateralized by $38,935,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 3.750% due 11/15/43 with a value of $46,804,114.

    46,000,000        46,000,000   

Fixed Income Clearing Corp.
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $1,255,533 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $1,300,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750% due 03/31/18 with a value of $1,281,847.

    1,255,533        1,255,533   
   

 

 

 
      47,255,533   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $173,624,510)

      173,624,510   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—107.4%
(Cost $1,382,813,748) (o)

      1,356,460,746   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(7.4)%

      (93,698,609
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,262,762,137   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal and notional amounts stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $89,994,850 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $88,878,727 and non-cash collateral with a value of $5,072,295. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Payment-in-kind security for which part of the income earned may be paid as additional principal.
(c) Variable or floating rate security. The stated rate represents the rate at December 31, 2014. Maturity date shown for callable securities reflects the earliest possible call date.
(d) Illiquid security. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.1% of net assets.
(e) Non-income producing; Security is in default and/or issuer is in bankruptcy.
(f) Restricted securities are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to legal restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are subsequently registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of restricted securities was $2,904,248, which is 0.2% of net assets. See details shown in the Restricted Securities table that follows.
(g) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.1% of net assets.
(h) Interest only security.
(i) TBA (To Be Announced) Securities are purchased on a forward commitment basis with an approximate principal amount and no defined maturity date. The actual principal and maturity date will be determined upon settlement date.
(j) Principal only security.
(k) Non-income producing security.
(l) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(m) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(n) Floating rate loans (Senior Loans) often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrowers to repay at their election. The degree to which borrowers repay, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown. However, Senior Loans will have an expected average life of approximately two to four years. The stated interest rate represents the weighted average interest rate of all contracts within the senior loan facility and includes commitment fees on unfunded loan commitments, if any. Senior Loans typically have rates of interest which are determined either daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium. These base rates are primarily the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and secondarily, the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks (the “Prime Rate”) and the certificate of deposit (“CD”) rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.
(o) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,386,460,246. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $43,135,460 and $(73,134,960), respectively, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of $(29,999,500) for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

(144A)— Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of 144A securities was $346,661,746, which is 27.5% of net assets.
(ARM)— Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
(AUD)— Australian Dollar
(BRL)— Brazilian Real
(CMO)— Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
(EUR)— Euro
(MXN)— Mexican Peso
(REMIC)— Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

 

Restricted Securities

   Acquisition Date      Principal
Amount
     Cost      Value  

Midwest Vanadium Pty, Ltd.

     05/05/11—05/24/11       $ 1,000,000       $ 1,031,250       $ 150,000   

Mirabela Nickel, Ltd.

     06/06/14—06/30/14         922,848         922,848         738,278   

Virgolino de Oliveira Finance S.A.

     06/09/14         4,470,000         4,447,743         2,015,970   
           

 

 

 
            $ 2,904,248   
           

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Contracts to Buy

    

Counterparty

   Settlement
Date
     In Exchange
for
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
AUD     13,730,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15       $ 12,040,249       $ (840,057
AUD     33,990,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         29,981,219         (2,254,013
AUD     2,060,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         1,808,124         (127,687
COP     25,677,860,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         12,530,064         (1,727,738
COP     13,179,300,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         6,428,927         (884,575
EUR     30,240,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         37,538,484         (942,275
EUR     25,130,000      

Barclays Bank plc

     01/16/15         31,769,974         (1,357,847
EUR     4,000,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         5,063,708         (222,940
EUR     2,510,000      

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     01/16/15         3,179,819         (142,236
EUR     2,160,759      

UBS AG

     02/13/15         2,697,085         (81,428
INR     782,620,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         12,515,912         (146,338
JPY     1,562,130,000      

Barclays Bank plc

     01/16/15         14,590,482         (1,547,723
MXN     195,200,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         14,384,990         (1,163,280
NZD     17,000,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         13,138,705         109,115   
PHP     560,150,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         12,425,688         89,578   
PHP     284,720,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         6,314,482         46,933   
PHP     300,970,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         6,676,353         48,131   
SGD     10,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         7,780         (233
SGD     16,300,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         12,739,053         (437,540
ZAR     108,700,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         9,667,120         (286,793
ZAR     29,199,600      

Barclays Bank plc

     01/16/15         2,603,149         (83,353
ZAR     66,960,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         5,893,329         (114,978

Contracts to Deliver

                           
AUD     40,990,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         35,631,336         2,193,908   
AUD     6,730,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         5,709,550         219,580   
AUD     2,060,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         1,785,649         105,212   
BRL     43,940,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         17,737,052         1,256,130   
BRL     25,650,000      

Barclays Bank plc

     01/16/15         10,369,502         748,754   
BRL     665,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         267,520         18,093   
COP     25,677,860,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         11,571,816         769,490   
COP     13,179,300,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         5,941,975         397,623   
EUR     30,240,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         37,754,852         1,158,643   
EUR     28,047,070      

Barclays Bank plc

     01/16/15         35,528,233         1,585,891   
EUR     6,400,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         8,109,120         363,890   
EUR     5,220,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         6,688,386         371,183   
INR     782,620,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         12,220,800         (148,775
JPY     2,718,480,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         25,431,787         2,734,265   
JPY     610,000,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         5,763,318         670,219   
JPY     2,334,800,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         21,816,279         2,322,233   
MXN     476,080,000      

Barclays Bank plc

     01/16/15         35,311,352         3,064,467   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts—(Continued)

 

Contracts to Deliver

    

Counterparty

   Settlement
Date
     In Exchange
for
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
NZD     1,470,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     02/13/15       $ 1,128,817       $ (13,586
PHP     560,150,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         12,511,727         (3,539
PHP     585,690,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         13,088,045         2,146   
ZAR     108,700,000      

Bank of America N.A.

     01/16/15         9,710,212         329,885   
ZAR     29,199,600      

Barclays Bank plc

     01/16/15         2,608,132         88,336   
ZAR     66,960,000      

Citibank N.A.

     01/16/15         5,981,295         202,945   
             

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation

  

   $ 6,369,716   
             

 

 

 

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

90 Day EuroDollar Futures

     12/19/16         311        USD         75,966,898      $ 329,177   

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures

     03/20/15         108        USD         15,134,499        478,251   

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures

     03/20/15         679        USD         107,315,988        4,846,324   

Futures Contracts—Short

                         

U.S. Treasury Note 10 Year Futures

     03/20/15         (114     USD         (14,340,059     (114,784

U.S. Treasury Note 2 Year Futures

     03/31/15         (211     USD         (46,175,346     52,064   

U.S. Treasury Note 5 Year Futures

     03/31/15         (1,304     USD         (154,872,177     (212,137
            

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation

  

  $ 5,378,895   
            

 

 

 

Written Options

 

Credit Default
Swaptions

  Exercise
Rate
   

Counterparty

 

Reference
Obligation

  Buy/Sell
Protection
  Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
 

Put - OTC 5-Year Credit
Default Swap

    0.800   JPMorgan
Chase Bank N.A.
  Markit CDX
North America
Investment Grade,
Series 23
  Sell     01/21/15        USD        (205,000,000   $ (297,250   $ (56,883   $ 240,367   
               

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts

   Strike
Price
     Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
  Premiums
Received
    Market
Value
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

Put - Eurodollar Futures

   $ 99.250         06/15/15       (7,293)   $ (249,785   $ (273,488   $ (23,703
          

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Swap Agreements

Cross-Currency Swaps

 

Receive

  Pay   Maturity
Date (a)
  Counterparty  

Notional
Amount of
Currency
Received

  Notional
Amount of
Currency
Delivered
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
 

Fixed Rate equal to 9.005%
based on the notional
amount of currency
delivered

  Fixed rate equal to 7.250%
based on the notional
amount of currency
received
  07/01/24   Barclays Bank plc   $5,848,000     EUR        4,300,000      $ 896,495      $ (4,084   $ 900,579   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) At the maturity date, the notional amount of the the currency received will be exchanged back for the notional amount of the currency delivered.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements

 

Pay/Receive Floating Rate

   Floating
Rate Index
     Fixed
Rate
    Maturity
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Pay

     3-Month SEK-STIBOR         1.418     06/17/19         SEK         204,442,000       $ 996,579   

Receive

     3-Month USD-LIBOR         3.383     02/15/40         USD         42,750,000         (5,725,296
                

 

 

 

Total

  

   $ (4,728,717
                

 

 

 

Securities in the amount of $1,886,680 have been received at the custodian bank as collateral for swap contracts.

 

(AUD)— Australian Dollar
(BRL)— Brazilian Real
(COP)— Colombian Peso
(EUR)— Euro
(INR)— Indian Rupee
(JPY)— Japanese Yen
(LIBOR)— London Interbank Offered Rate
(MXN)— Mexican Peso
(NZD)— New Zealand Dollar
(PHP)— Philippine Peso
(SEK)— Swedish Krona
(SGD)— Singapore Dollar
(STIBOR)—Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate
(USD)— United States Dollar
(ZAR)— South African Rand

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes*

   $ —         $ 536,932,158       $ 0       $ 536,932,158   

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities*

     —           346,078,836         —           346,078,836   

Total Foreign Government*

     —           106,863,482         —           106,863,482   

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies*

     —           88,280,454         —           88,280,454   

Total Asset-Backed Securities*

     —           84,934,408         —           84,934,408   

Total Preferred Stocks*

     7,399,885         —           —           7,399,885   

Total Floating Rate Loans*

     —           7,278,461         —           7,278,461   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

Description    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Purchased Options          

Call Option

   $ —        $ 190,430      $ —         $ 190,430   

Put Options

     1,048,369        757,597        —           1,805,966   

Total Purchased Options

     1,048,369        948,027        —           1,996,396   

Total Municipals

     —          1,216,825        —           1,216,825   

Total Common Stocks*

     —          —          1,117,053         1,117,053   

Total Convertible Bond*

     —          738,278        —           738,278   
Short-Term Investments          

Discount Notes

     —          37,490,250        —           37,490,250   

Mutual Fund

     88,878,727        —          —           88,878,727   

Repurchase Agreements

     —          47,255,533        —           47,255,533   

Total Short-Term Investments

     88,878,727        84,745,783        —           173,624,510   

Total Investments

   $ 97,326,981      $ 1,258,016,712      $ 1,117,053       $ 1,356,460,746   
                                   

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —        $ (88,878,727   $ —         $ (88,878,727
Forward Contracts          

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ —        $ 18,896,650      $ —         $ 18,896,650   

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     —          (12,526,934     —           (12,526,934

Total Forward Contracts

   $ —        $ 6,369,716      $ —         $ 6,369,716   
Futures Contracts          

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 5,705,816      $ —        $ —         $ 5,705,816   

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     (326,921     —          —           (326,921

Total Futures Contracts

   $ 5,378,895      $ —        $ —         $ 5,378,895   
Written Options          

Credit Default Swaptions at Value

   $ —        $ (56,883   $ —         $ (56,883

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contracts at Value

     (273,488     —          —           (273,488

Total Written Options

   $ (273,488   $ (56,883   $ —         $ (330,371
Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts          

Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ —        $ 996,579      $ —         $ 996,579   

Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     —          (5,725,296     —           (5,725,296

Total Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts

   $ —        $ (4,728,717   $ —         $ (4,728,717
OTC Swap Contracts          

OTC Swap Contracts at Value (Assets)

   $ —        $ 896,495      $ —         $ 896,495   

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
    Purchases      Balance as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation) from
Investments Still Held at
December 31, 2014
 
Common Stocks              

Marine

   $ 1,474,561       $ (378,843   $       $ 1,095,718       $ (378,843

Metals & Mining

             (743     22,078         21,335         (743
Corporate Bonds & Notes              

Mining

             0        0         0         0   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,474,561       $ (379,586   $ 22,078       $ 1,117,053       $ (379,586
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 1,356,460,746   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     6,723,632   

Cash collateral (d)

     5,761,840   

OTC swap contracts at market value (e)

     896,495   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     18,896,650   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     520,111   

Fund shares sold

     621,051   

Interest

     12,743,990   

Variation margin on futures contracts

     36,866   

Interest on OTC swap contracts

     236,942   

Variation margin on swap contracts

     13,742   

Prepaid expenses

     3,268   

Other assets

     208,573   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,403,123,906   

Liabilities

  

Due to custodian

     77,391   

Written options at value (f)

     330,371   

Cash collateral on swap contracts

     830,000   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     12,526,934   

Collateral for securities loaned

     88,878,727   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     3,042,377   

TBA securities purchased

     33,394,957   

Fund shares redeemed

     200,880   

Interest on OTC swap contracts

     189,645   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     585,768   

Distribution and service fees

     54,511   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,605   

Other expenses

     186,603   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     140,361,769   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,262,762,137   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 1,248,642,020   

Undistributed net investment income

     61,273,900   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (28,782,315

Unrealized depreciation on investments, written options, futures contracts, swap contracts and foreign currency transactions

     (18,371,468
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 1,262,762,137   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 982,590,105   

Class B

     220,681,610   

Class E

     59,490,422   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     73,157,989   

Class B

     16,526,581   

Class E

     4,447,429   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 13.43   

Class B

     13.35   

Class E

     13.38   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,382,813,748.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $89,994,850.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $7,052,023.
(d) Includes collateral of $1,841,088 for futures contracts and $3,920,752 for centrally cleared swap contracts.
(e) Net premium received on OTC swap contracts was $4,084.
(f) Premiums received on written options were $547,035.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends

   $ 594,292   

Interest (a)

     62,655,592   

Securities lending income

     385,251   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     63,635,135   
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Management fees

     7,012,520   

Administration fees

     27,835   

Custodian and accounting fees

     313,185   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     583,707   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     96,281   

Audit and tax services

     86,787   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,623   

Shareholder reporting

     125,516   

Insurance

     7,298   

Miscellaneous

     13,316   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     8,335,082   

Less management fee waiver

     (492,285
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     7,842,797   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     55,792,338   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     (15,037,305

Futures contracts

     1,677,778   

Written options

     3,554,675   

Swap contracts

     3,829,580   

Foreign currency transactions

     6,946,766   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     971,494   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   

Investments

     (3,619,532

Futures contracts

     6,420,270   

Written options

     (1,473,870

Swap contracts

     (3,891,784

Foreign currency transactions

     2,306,657   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (258,259
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     713,235   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 56,505,573   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $767.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 55,792,338      $ 45,585,771   

Net realized gain

     971,494        3,410,176   

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (258,259     (36,795,977
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     56,505,573        12,199,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (37,728,630     (31,203,024

Class B

     (12,189,599     (12,259,852

Class E

     (3,425,851     (3,437,042
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (53,344,080     (46,899,918
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

     272,226,470        (28,460,603
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     275,387,963        (63,160,551

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     987,374,174        1,050,534,725   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,262,762,137      $ 987,374,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 61,273,900      $ 48,570,607   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     22,407,536      $ 297,920,274        7,876,373      $ 106,738,077   

Reinvestments

     2,849,594        37,728,630        2,282,591        31,203,024   

Redemptions

     (2,869,098     (38,836,945     (10,051,818     (142,052,123
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     22,388,032      $ 296,811,959        107,146      $ (4,111,022
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     1,021,688      $ 13,797,670        1,436,217      $ 19,527,805   

Reinvestments

     924,154        12,189,599        900,136        12,259,852   

Redemptions

     (3,253,590     (43,797,559     (3,780,484     (51,107,823
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (1,307,748   $ (17,810,290     (1,444,131   $ (19,320,166
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     206,398      $ 2,794,964        490,593      $ 6,636,938   

Reinvestments

     259,534        3,425,851        252,167        3,437,042   

Redemptions

     (962,994     (12,996,014     (1,114,219     (15,103,395
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (497,062   $ (6,775,199     (371,459   $ (5,029,415
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 272,226,470        $ (28,460,603
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.45      $ 13.98      $ 13.01      $ 12.90       $ 12.19   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.64        0.63        0.50        0.53         0.63   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.09        (0.47     0.96        0.24         0.87   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.73        0.16        1.46        0.77         1.50   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.75     (0.69     (0.49     (0.66      (0.79
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.75     (0.69     (0.49     (0.66      (0.79
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.43      $ 13.45      $ 13.98      $ 13.01       $ 12.90   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.47        1.09        11.50        6.14         12.73   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.65        0.66        0.65        0.67         0.67   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.61        0.62        0.61        0.63         0.63   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     4.77        4.65        3.70        4.13         5.00   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     98  (d)      132  (d)      228  (d)      473         295   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 982.6      $ 682.7      $ 708.5      $ 578.9       $ 343.2   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.37      $ 13.90      $ 12.93      $ 12.83       $ 12.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.61        0.59        0.46        0.49         0.59   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.08        (0.46     0.97        0.24         0.87   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.69        0.13        1.43        0.73         1.46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.71     (0.66     (0.46     (0.63      (0.76
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.71     (0.66     (0.46     (0.63      (0.76
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.35      $ 13.37      $ 13.90      $ 12.93       $ 12.83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.29        0.83        11.29        5.83         12.45   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.90        0.91        0.90        0.92         0.92   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.86        0.87        0.86        0.88         0.88   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     4.53        4.39        3.45        3.83         4.70   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     98  (d)      132  (d)      228  (d)      473         295   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 220.7      $ 238.4      $ 268.0      $ 273.6       $ 227.6   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data                                
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 13.39      $ 13.93      $ 12.96      $ 12.85       $ 12.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.62        0.61        0.48        0.50         0.60   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.09        (0.48     0.96        0.25         0.88   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.71        0.13        1.44        0.75         1.48   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.72     (0.67     (0.47     (0.64      (0.78
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.72     (0.67     (0.47     (0.64      (0.78
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 13.38      $ 13.39      $ 13.93      $ 12.96       $ 12.85   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     5.40        0.94        11.30        5.92         12.62   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.80        0.81        0.80        0.82         0.82   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.76        0.77        0.76        0.78         0.78   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     4.63        4.49        3.55        3.90         4.81   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     98  (d)      132  (d)      228  (d)      473         295   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 59.5      $ 66.2      $ 74.0      $ 75.9       $ 89.9   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Includes mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions; excluding these transactions the portfolio turnover rate would have been 57%, 62% and 84% for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946- Financial Services- Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Swap contracts (other than centrally cleared swaps) are marked-to-market daily based on quotations and prices supplied by market makers, broker-dealers and other pricing services. Such quotations and prices are derived utilizing significant observable data, including the underlying reference securities or indices, credit spread quotations and expected default recovery rates determined by the pricing service. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Centrally cleared swaps listed or traded on a multilateral or trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange, are valued at the daily settlement price determined by the respective exchange or an independent pricing service when the exchange price is not available. For centrally cleared credit default swaps, the clearing facility requires its members to provide actionable price levels across complete term structures. These levels along with external third party prices are used to produce daily settlement prices. These securities are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Centrally cleared interest rate swaps are valued using a pricing model that references the underlying rates, including the overnight index swap rate and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) forward rate to produce the daily settlement price. These securities are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to amortization of debt securities, paydown reclasses, swap transactions, and foreign currency transactions. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $47,255,533, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls - The Portfolio may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which a Portfolio sells to-be-announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon, and maturity) securities on a specified future date. For the duration of the transaction, or roll period, the Portfolio foregoes principal (including prepayments of principal) and interest paid on the securities sold. Dollar rolls are accounted for as purchase and sale transactions; gain or loss is recognized at the commencement of the term of the dollar roll and each time the mortgage-backed security is rolled.

Mortgage dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities that the Portfolio is required to reacquire may be less than the agreed-upon repurchase price of those securities and that the investment performance of securities purchased with proceeds from these transactions does not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities transferred or sold, as applicable, as part of the treasury or mortgage dollar roll.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities - The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. These securities may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage backed securities (“SMBS”), and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by or payable from, mortgage loans on real property or other receivables. The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.

In one type of SMBS, one class receives all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). Because principal will not be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the book value of the security until maturity. These adjustments are netted against payments received for the IOs and the net amount is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities. Details of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are included in the Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments.

The Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers that hold mortgage and asset-backed securities and direct investments in securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets. The value and related income of these securities are sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults, and may be negatively impacted by increased volatility of market prices and periods of illiquidity.

TBA Purchase & Forward Sale Commitments - The Portfolio may enter into TBA commitments to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date. TBA commitments are considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased or sold declines or increases prior to settlement date, which is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolio’s other assets. TBA forward sale commitments are valued at the current market value of the underlying securities, according to the procedures described under “Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements”.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities - The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase commitment is made. The Portfolio may purchase securities under such conditions only with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Portfolio may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.

Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Portfolio will hold liquid assets in a segregated account with the Portfolio’s custodian, or set aside liquid assets in the Portfolio’s records, worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary value.

High Yield Debt Securities - The Portfolio may invest in high yield debt securities, or “junk bonds,” which are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if not rated, are of equivalent quality. A portfolio with high yield debt securities generally will be exposed to greater market risk and credit risk than a portfolio that invests only in investment grade debt securities because issuers of high yield debt securities are generally less secure financially, are more likely to default on their obligations, and their securities are more sensitive to interest rate changes and downturns in the economy. In addition, the secondary market for lower-rated debt securities may not be as liquid as that for more highly rated debt securities. As a result, the Portfolio’s Subadviser may find it more difficult to value lower-rated debt securities or sell them and may have to sell them at prices significantly lower than the values assigned to them by the Portfolio.

Floating Rate Loans - The Portfolio may invest in loans arranged through private negotiation between one or more financial institutions. The Portfolio’s investment in any such loan may be in the form of a participation in or an assignment of the loan. In connection with purchasing participations or an assignment, the Portfolio generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower. The Portfolio may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation or assignment.

The Portfolio will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the participation, the Portfolio may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts - The Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to obtain investment exposure, enhance return or hedge or protect its portfolio holdings against the risk of future movements in certain foreign currency exchange rates. When entering into these contracts, the Portfolio agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Portfolio’s net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward foreign exchange rates at the valuation date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When a contract is closed, the Portfolio recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in the Statement of Operations. These contracts involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities of the Portfolio, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the currency holdings, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase. In addition, the Portfolio could be exposed to losses if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of the contracts. The Portfolio’s maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

 

MSF-32


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Options Contracts - An option contract purchased by the Portfolio gives the Portfolio the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying instrument at a fixed exercise price during a specified period. Call options written by the Portfolio give the holder the right to buy the underlying instrument from the Portfolio at a fixed exercise price; put options written by the Portfolio give the holder the right to sell the underlying instrument to the Portfolio at a fixed exercise price.

The Portfolio may use options to hedge against changes in values of securities the Portfolio owns or expects to purchase, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. Writing puts or buying calls tends to increase the Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument and writing calls or buying puts tends to decrease the Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument, and can be used to hedge other Portfolio investments. For options used to hedge the Portfolio’s investments, the potential risk to the Portfolio is that the change in value of options contracts may not correspond perfectly to the change in value of the hedged instruments. The Portfolio also bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the value of the underlying instrument or the risk that the Portfolio may not be able to enter into a closing transaction due to an illiquid market. The Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk, as opposed to investment and other types of risk, in respect of purchased options is typically the premium initially paid for the option plus any unrealized gains.

The main risk associated with purchasing an option is that the option expires without being exercised. In this case, the option is worthless when it expires and the premium paid for the option is considered a realized loss. The risk associated with writing a call option is that the Portfolio may forgo the opportunity for a profit if the market value of the underlying instrument increases and the option is exercised, requiring the Portfolio to sell the underlying instrument at a price below its market value. When the Portfolio writes a call option on a security it does not own, its exposure on such an option is theoretically unlimited. The risk in writing a put option is that the Portfolio may incur a loss if the market value of the underlying instrument decreases and the option is exercised, requiring the Portfolio to purchase the underlying instrument at a price above its market value. In addition, the Portfolio risks not being able to enter into a closing transaction for the written option as the result of an illiquid market for the option.

Purchases of put and call options are recorded as investments, the value of which are marked-to-market daily. When the Portfolio enters into a closing sale transaction, the Portfolio will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the sales proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the premium initially paid for the option. When the Portfolio exercises a put option, it will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying instrument and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid for the put option. When the Portfolio exercises a call option, the cost of the security which the Portfolio purchases upon exercise will be increased by the premium originally paid for the call option.

The premium received for a written option is recorded as an asset and an equivalent liability. The liability is subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires without being exercised or the Portfolio enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Portfolio realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying instrument and the liability related to such option is eliminated. When a written call option is exercised, the Portfolio realizes a gain or loss, as adjusted for the premium received, from the sale of the underlying instrument. When a written put option is exercised, the premium received is offset against the amount paid for the purchase of the underlying instrument.

Options on Exchange-Traded Futures Contract (“Futures Option”) is an option contract in which the underlying instrument is a single futures contract.

The purpose of inflation-capped options is to protect the buyer from inflation, above a specified rate, eroding the value of investments in inflation-linked products with a given notional exposure. Inflation-capped options are used to give downside protection to investments in inflation-linked products by establishing a floor on the value of such products.

Options on swaps (“swaptions”) are similar to options on securities except that instead of selling or purchasing the right to buy or sell a security, the writer or purchaser of the swaptions is granting or buying the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate or credit default swap agreement (interest rate risk and/or credit risk) at any time before the expiration of the option.

Swap Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into swap agreements in which the Portfolio and a counterparty agree to either make periodic net payments on a specified notional amount or net payment upon termination. Swap agreements are either privately negotiated in the OTC market (“OTC swaps”) or executed in a multilateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered commodities exchange (“centrally-cleared swaps”). The Portfolio may enter into swap agreements for the purposes of managing exposure to interest rate, credit or market risk, or for other purposes. In connection with these agreements, securities or cash may be paid or received, as applicable, by the Portfolio as collateral or margin in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements to provide assets of value and recourse in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency. Securities posted by the Portfolio as collateral for swap contracts are identified in the Schedule of Investments and restricted cash, if any, is reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Centrally Cleared Swaps: Certain clearinghouses currently offer clearing for limited types of derivatives transactions, principally credit derivatives. In a cleared derivative transaction, a Portfolio typically enters into the transaction with a financial institution

 

MSF-33


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

counterparty, and performance of the transaction is effectively guaranteed by a central clearinghouse, thereby reducing or eliminating the Portfolio’s exposure to the credit risk of the original counterparty. The Portfolio typically will be required to post specified levels of margin with the clearinghouse or at the instruction of the clearinghouse; the margin required by a clearinghouse may be greater than the margin the Portfolio would be required to post in an uncleared derivative transaction. Only a limited number of derivative transactions are currently eligible for clearing.

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily. The fair value of an OTC swap is reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The changes in value, if any, are reflected as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. Daily changes in valuation of centrally cleared swaps, if any, are recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. Upfront payments paid or received upon entering into the swap agreement compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (such as credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Upon termination or maturity of the swap, upfront premiums are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap is recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Portfolio are included as part of realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.

Swap transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of interest rate, credit, and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform, or that there may be unfavorable changes in market conditions or interest rates. In addition, entering into swap agreements involves documentation risk resulting from the possibility that the parties to a swap agreement may disagree as to the meaning of contractual terms in the agreement. The Portfolio may enter into swap transactions with counterparties in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. These guidelines provide for a minimum credit rating for each counterparty and various credit enhancement techniques (for example, collateralization of amounts due from counterparties) to limit exposure to counterparties that have lower credit ratings. A Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted value of the net cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive, or the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Counterparty risk related to centrally-cleared swaps is mitigated due to the protection against defaults provided by the exchange on which these contracts trade.

Credit Default Swaps: The Portfolio is subject to credit risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults of corporate and/or sovereign issuers, or to create exposure to corporate and/or sovereign issuers to which they are not otherwise exposed. Credit default swaps involve one party making a stream of payments (referred to as the buyer of protection) to another party (the seller of protection) in exchange for the right to receive a specified return if a credit event occurs for the referenced entity, obligation or index. A credit event is defined under the terms of each swap agreement and may include, but is not limited to, underlying entity default, bankruptcy, write-down, principal shortfall or interest shortfall. As the seller of protection, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Portfolio will either pay the buyer an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index), or pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index). In return, the Portfolio would receive from the counterparty an upfront or periodic stream of payments throughout the life of the credit default swap agreement provided that no credit event has occurred. As the seller of protection, the Portfolio would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the credit default swap.

The Portfolio may also purchase credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio. This would involve the risk that the investment may be worthless when it expires and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk, whereby the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Portfolio in the event of a default. As the buyer of protection, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Portfolio will either receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index), or receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index). If no credit event occurs and the Portfolio is a buyer of protection, the Portfolio will typically recover nothing under the credit default swap agreement, but it will have had to pay the required upfront payment or stream of continuing payments under the credit default swap agreement. Recovery values are at times established through the credit event auction process in which market participants are ensured that a transparent price has been set for the defaulted obligation.

 

MSF-34


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Credit default swap agreements on credit indices involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising the credit index. A credit index is a basket of credit instruments or exposures designed to be representative of some part of the credit market as a whole. An index credit default swap references all the names in the index, and if there is a credit event involving an entity in the index, the credit event is settled based on that entity’s weight in the index. A Portfolio may use credit default swaps on credit indices as a hedge for credit default swaps or bonds held in the portfolio, which is less expensive than it would be to buy many individual credit default swaps to achieve similar effect. Credit default swaps on indices are benchmarks for protecting investors owning bonds against default, and may be used to speculate on changes in credit quality.

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on a credit index or corporate or sovereign issuer, serve as some indication of the status of the payment/performance risk and the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity or index also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads generally represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the particular swap agreement. When no implied credit spread is available for a credit default swap, the current unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the position may be used as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk.

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Portfolio as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. Notional amounts of all credit default swap agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2014, for which the Portfolio is the seller of protection, are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced entity or entities.

Currency Swaps: The Portfolio may enter into currency swap agreements to gain or mitigate exposure to currency risk. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them. Such swaps may involve initial and final exchanges that correspond to the agreed upon notional amount. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. If there is a default by the counterparty, the Portfolio may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

Interest Rate Swaps: The Portfolio may enter into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rates or to protect against currency fluctuations, to adjust the interest rate sensitivity (duration), to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment, or otherwise as a substitute for a direct investment in debt securities. The Portfolio is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Portfolio holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Portfolio may enter into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swaps are agreements in which one party pays a stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating rate, for another party’s stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating, on the same notional amount for a specified period of time. Other forms of interest rate swap agreements may include: (1) interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap”; (2) interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate, or “floor”; and (3) interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. The Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk, as opposed to investment and other types of risk, in respect of interest rate swaps is typically the discounted net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive.

 

MSF-35


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value     

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  
Interest Rate    Investments at market value (a)(d)    $ 1,805,966         
  

Unrealized appreciation on centrally

cleared swap contracts (b)*

     996,579      

Unrealized depreciation on

centrally cleared swap contracts (b)*

   $ 5,725,296   
  

Unrealized appreciation on futures

contracts**(b)

     5,705,816      

Unrealized depreciation on futures

contracts**(b)

     326,921   
         Written options at value (b)      273,488   
Credit    Investments at market value (a)      190,430      

Written options at value

     56,883   
Foreign Exchange   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

     18,896,650       Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts      12,526,934   
   OTC swap contracts at market value (c)      896,495         
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
Total       $ 28,491,936          $ 18,909,522   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

  * Represents the unrealized appreciation/depreciation of centrally cleared swaps as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  ** Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  (a) Represents purchased options which are part of investments as shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  (b) Financial instrument not subject to a master netting agreement.
  (c) Excludes OTC swap interest receivable of $236,942 and OTC swap interest payable of $189,645.
  (d) Includes an exchange traded purchased option with a value of $1,048,369 that is not subject to a master netting agreement.

The Portfolio is required to disclose the impact of offsetting assets and liabilities represented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on its financial position for recognized assets and liabilities.

The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under a master netting agreement (“MNA”) (see Note 4), or similar agreement, and net of the related collateral received by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2014.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
subject to a MNA
by Counterparty
     Financial
Instruments
available for offset
    Collateral
Received†
    Net Amount*  

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 9,530,813       $ (7,512,808   $      $ 2,018,005   

Barclays Bank plc

     6,383,943         (2,988,923     (648,833     2,746,187   

Citibank N.A.

     3,878,389         (1,787,953            2,090,436   

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     948,027         (70,469            877,558   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 20,741,172       $ (12,360,153   $ (648,833   $ 7,732,186   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under a MNA, or similar agreement, and net of the related collateral pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2014.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
subject to a MNA
by Counterparty
     Financial
Instruments
available for offset
    Collateral
Pledged†
     Net Amount**  

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 7,512,808       $ (7,512,808   $       $   

Barclays Bank plc

     2,988,923         (2,988,923               

Citibank N.A.

     1,787,953         (1,787,953               

Goldman Sachs & Co.

     142,236                        142,236   

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     70,469         (70,469               

UBS AG

     81,428                        81,428   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 12,583,817       $ (12,360,153   $       $ 223,664   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.
  ** Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.
  In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

 

MSF-36


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location— Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Interest
Rate
    Credit     Foreign
Exchange
    Total  

Investments (a)

   $ (3,122,314   $ (352,233   $ (583,513   $ (4,058,060

Forward foreign currency transactions

                   7,555,176        7,555,176   

Futures contracts

     1,677,778                      1,677,778   

Swap contracts

     3,766,601               62,979        3,829,580   

Written options

     2,079,981        1,191,977        282,717        3,554,675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 4,402,046      $ 839,744      $ 7,317,359      $ 12,559,149   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location— Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation
(Depreciation)

   Interest
Rate
    Credit     Foreign
Exchange
    Total  

Investments (a)

   $ (910,240   $ (281,069   $      $ (1,191,309

Forward foreign currency transactions

                   2,605,399        2,605,399   

Futures contracts

     6,420,270                      6,420,270   

Swap contracts

     (4,792,363            900,579        (3,891,784

Written options

     (1,714,237     240,367               (1,473,870
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (996,570   $ (40,702   $ 3,505,978      $ 2,468,706   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount
 

Investments (a)

   $ 285,484,700   

Forward foreign currency transactions

     423,694,687   

Futures contracts long

     130,644,451   

Futures contracts short

     (190,708,333

Swap contracts

     248,322,418   

Written options

     (337,231,843

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.
  (a) Represents purchased options which are part of net realized gain (loss) on investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments as shown in the Statement of Operations.

Written Options

The Portfolio transactions in written options during the year December 31, 2014:

 

Put Options

   Notional
Amount
     Number of
Contracts
     Premium
Received
 

Options outstanding December 31, 2013

     158,000,000               $ 1,690,535   

Options written

     1,163,010,000         8,978         2,919,141   

Options bought back

     (310,390,000              (1,262,183

Options expired

     (805,620,000      (1,685      (2,800,458
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding December 31, 2014

     205,000,000         7,293       $ 547,035   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements

 

MSF-37


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels. Collateral requirements may differ by type of derivative or investment, as applicable. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange-traded derivatives (e.g., futures contracts and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swap agreements and OTC options).

For derivatives traded under an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the Portfolio the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty or a termination of the agreement, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the Portfolio’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the Portfolio under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Portfolio and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Portfolio under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“MSFTA”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as To-Be-Announced securities and delayed-delivery or secured borrowings transactions by and between the Portfolio and select counterparties. The MSFTA maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, including mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions but excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  

$525,683,655

   $ 826,142,987       $ 574,836,670       $ 516,307,235   

 

MSF-38


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Purchases and sales of mortgage dollar rolls and TBA transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

   Sales  
$461,048,610    $ 479,529,473   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$7,012,520      0.650   Of the first $500 million
     0.550   On amounts in excess of $500 million

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Western Asset Management Company is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.055%    On the first $500 million
0.025%    On the next $500 million
0.050%    On amounts in excess of $1 billion

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

MSF-39


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$53,344,080    $ 46,899,918       $       $       $ 53,344,080       $ 46,899,918   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Loss Carryforwards     Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
    Total  
$70,478,730    $       $ (36,456,265   $ (16,715,740   $ (3,123,004   $ 14,183,721   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $620,227.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had post-enactment long-term accumulated capital losses of $3,123,004. The pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards and expiration dates were as follows:

 

Expiring
12/31/18

   Expiring
12/31/17
     Total  
$2,454,113    $ 14,261,627       $ 16,715,740   

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-40


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-41


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-42


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-43


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-44


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

 

MSF-45


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Western Asset Management Strategic Bond Opportunities Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Western Asset Management Company regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board also took into account that the Portfolio outperformed its blended benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were above the Expense Group median and Sub-advised Expense Universe median and below the Expense Universe median. The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-46


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Managed by Western Asset Management Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio returned 2.81%, 2.55%, and 2.56%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index1, returned 2.52%.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

The U.S. economy saw widespread improvement on a number of fronts in 2014. Despite one bad quarter, growth appeared to be on the upswing, labor markets continued to improve and the S&P 500 Index gained over 13% on the year. The Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) remained highly accommodative throughout the year, keeping interest rates extremely low, even after completing its quantitative easing (“QE”) program and beginning to discuss an eventual increase in interest rates.

The year began with the first installment of the much anticipated tapering of the Fed’s large-scale QE program. The Fed reduced its monthly asset purchases by $10 billion, bringing the level of new monthly purchases of U.S. Treasuries (“USTs”) and agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) down to $75 billion per month. Throughout the year, the Fed kept to its pre-set tapering schedule, removing another $10 billion at each Fed meeting, until completing the program in October. Under the new leadership of Chair Janet Yellen, the Fed maintained its “data-dependent” strategy of using economic developments to help direct monetary policy. Inflation remained stubbornly low throughout 2014 and was pulled down further late in the year as global energy prices plummeted. The Fed believes that current low inflation is transitory and will move back towards its longer term target of about 2% over the next couple of years. While low inflation gives the Fed more wiggle-room to keep rates low for longer, it can also be troublesome if it portends a descent into actual deflation, a worry that’s currently afflicting Europe and Japan.

After growth of 3.5% during the fourth quarter of 2013, the U.S. economic recovery picked up steam over the course of 2014 despite a shaky start in the first quarter of 2014, when growth fell by 2.1%, due largely to atypically harsh winter weather in a large swath of the U.S. known as the Polar Vortex. Second quarter growth picked up to 4.6% but it was unclear how much of it was due to a one-time rebound effect versus meaningful economic growth. After receiving two upward revisions, third quarter growth was surprisingly strong at 5%, which helped bolster confidence that recent economic strength was genuine and could be sustained. Preliminary growth data for the fourth quarter of 2014, which was not released until the end of January, will likely result in final overall growth for 2014 of about 2.5%.

Americans continued to find work in 2014 as the unemployment rate fell. Nonfarm payrolls averaged 246,000 over the year, up from 194,300 in 2013, and managing to remain above the 200,000-level for every month except January. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate ended the year at 5.6%, down from 6.7% a year earlier. However, good news in the labor market was tempered by lingering concerns. Long-term unemployment remains elevated, the unemployment rate is low in part because a large number of potential workers have removed themselves from the labor market for a variety of reasons, and the quality of many new jobs is not optimal. For example, many people have accepted part-time work even though they would prefer full-time jobs.

The price of crude oil plunged by about 46% over the year as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil ended the year at $53 per barrel—its lowest level since mid-2009. While this was good news for consumers, the plunge put significant stress on energy producers, a major component of high-yield bond indices, and on oil-exporting emerging market (“EM”) nations. The U.S. dollar gained significant strength over the year (the U.S. Trade-Weighted Dollar Index was up over 10%) while many EM currencies fell, which placed additional stress on EM countries.

U.S. Treasury rates ended the year much lower and the yield curve flattened significantly—neither of which had been anticipated by most market participants going into 2014 given the Fed’s moves, albeit gradual ones, towards monetary policy normalization. Typically, higher yields would have been expected because markets tend to get ahead of themselves, anticipating the actual events, as they did during the “taper tantrums” in 2013. However, it appears that the growing disparity between the apparent strength of the U.S. economy and that of much of the rest of the world was a major factor in pushing yields down as U.S. Treasuries appeared much more attractive than the bonds of other major governments.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

The Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio outperformed its benchmark during the period. The main contributor to performance was the Portfolio’s allocation to non-agency mortgages. Despite a weaker housing market in 2014, as measured by the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, the Portfolio’s non-agency MBS allocation was a contributor to performance as the sector benefited from price improvement and positive carry, as well as from continued coupon and principal payments.

Agency MBS outperformed USTs of similar interest rate risk during the year, and allocations to this sector contributed to the Portfolio’s outperformance. Additional value was added in this sector by actively swapping overvalued securities for undervalued ones within the coupon stack. The Portfolio’s overweight allocation to agency debt contributed to performance as the sector outperformed USTs of similar interest rate risk. The Portfolio’s duration stance, which was consistently short relative to the benchmark, had little overall impact as short-dated UST bonds generated total returns close to cash. The Portfolio’s consistent overweight to longer term interest rates helped performance as the yield curve from 5-30 years

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Managed by Western Asset Management Company

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

flattened considerably. However, these gains were partially offset by the allocation to Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, which underperformed comparable maturity nominal Treasuries.

Over the one year period, we reduced exposure to longer-dated USTs and added exposure to fixed-rate agency bonds. In the agency space, we found Agency for International Development and Federal Home Loan Bank bonds attractive on a relative basis. These subsectors captured much of the bucket’s increase. We also reduced exposure to agency MBS, specifically in the 30-year, higher coupon, Fannie Mae space.

Fredrick Marki

S. Kenneth Leech

Mark S. Lindbloom

Portfolio Managers

Western Asset Management Company

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE BARCLAYS U.S. INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT BOND INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio                 

Class A

       2.81           3.33           3.07   

Class B

       2.55           3.06           2.81   

Class E

       2.56           3.16           2.91   
Barclays U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index        2.52           2.78           3.76   

1 The Barclays U.S. Intermediate Government Bond Index includes most obligations of the U.S. Treasury, agencies and quasi-federal corporations having maturities between one and ten years.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies

     87.9   

Corporate Bonds & Notes

     9.3   

Foreign Government

     6.9   

Mortgage-Backed Securities

     3.8   

Asset-Backed Securities

     0.7   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

Western Asset Management U.S. Government
Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.48    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,006.70         $ 2.43   
   Hypothetical*      0.48    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.79         $ 2.45   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.73    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,005.80         $ 3.69   
   Hypothetical*      0.73    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.53         $ 3.72   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,005.80         $ 3.19   
   Hypothetical*      0.63    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.03         $ 3.21   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—87.9% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—21.6%

  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

   

2.500%, TBA (a)

    9,400,000      $ 9,570,375   

3.000%, TBA (a)

    33,800,000        35,132,197   

3.500%, TBA (a)

    15,000,000        15,846,093   

4.500%, 03/01/20

    112,747        120,151   

5.000%, 03/01/18

    139,653        147,158   

6.500%, 06/01/17

    47,570        49,364   

7.000%, 07/01/15

    179        179   

7.500%, 02/01/16

    6,182        6,221   

Fannie Mae 20 Yr. Pool

   

3.500%, 04/01/33

    701,505        740,053   

4.500%, 11/01/31

    1,511,820        1,651,353   

4.500%, 12/01/31

    1,958,912        2,139,358   

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 09/01/42

    12,971,578        13,156,720   

3.500%, TBA (a)

    42,700,000        44,511,419   

4.000%, 07/01/42

    5,455,012        5,846,320   

4.000%, 05/01/43

    25,129,580        26,852,920   

4.000%, TBA (a)

    29,000,000        30,950,363   

4.500%, 04/01/41

    17,002,622        18,479,562   

4.500%, 06/01/41

    1,476,050        1,603,461   

4.500%, 09/01/41

    2,647,891        2,876,729   

4.500%, 10/01/41

    13,019,003        14,150,789   

4.500%, 07/01/44

    389,840        430,309   

4.500%, 10/01/44

    2,560,819        2,824,115   

4.500%, TBA (a)

    4,100,000        4,450,422   

5.000%, 07/01/33

    507,143        561,825   

5.000%, 09/01/33

    613,808        680,023   

5.000%, 10/01/35

    1,704,134        1,888,021   

5.000%, 03/01/36

    2,828,743        3,126,811   

5.000%, 01/01/39

    22,490        25,110   

5.000%, 08/01/39

    56,526        63,199   

5.000%, 12/01/39

    42,487        47,526   

5.000%, 05/01/40

    72,583        80,156   

5.000%, 07/01/40

    75,309        84,181   

5.000%, 11/01/40

    1,950,362        2,177,768   

5.000%, 01/01/41

    76,377        85,436   

5.000%, 02/01/41

    89,205        99,373   

5.000%, 04/01/41

    201,389        225,259   

5.000%, 05/01/41

    4,278,483        4,781,808   

5.000%, 06/01/41

    353,761        395,715   

5.000%, 07/01/41

    4,498,787        4,966,806   

5.000%, 05/01/42

    511,126        565,496   

5.000%, TBA (a)

    13,400,000        14,804,644   

6.000%, 04/01/33

    133,399        152,416   

6.000%, 02/01/34

    29,222        33,392   

6.000%, 11/01/35

    301,307        344,150   

6.000%, 08/01/37

    655,762        749,068   

6.500%, 03/01/26

    1,702        1,938   

6.500%, 04/01/29

    90,673        103,261   

7.000%, 11/01/28

    2,676        2,984   

7.000%, 02/01/29

    2,229        2,306   

7.000%, 01/01/30

    2,406        2,488   

7.000%, 10/01/37

    42,271        47,379   

7.000%, 11/01/37

    43,817        53,504   

7.000%, 12/01/37

    37,218        41,600   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

7.000%, 02/01/38

    45,243      50,257   

7.000%, 08/01/38

    57,930        70,774   

7.000%, 09/01/38

    7,104        7,780   

7.000%, 11/01/38

    266,858        309,170   

7.000%, 02/01/39

    2,659,911        2,994,209   

7.500%, 04/01/32

    14,546        14,986   

8.000%, 05/01/28

    4,668        5,391   

8.000%, 07/01/32

    930        1,023   

11.500%, 09/01/19

    13        13   

12.000%, 10/01/15

    358        363   

Fannie Mae ARM Pool

   

1.792%, 07/01/37 (b)

    57,289        61,054   

Fannie Mae Interest Strip (CMO)

   

3.500%, 11/25/41 (c)

    4,393,311        825,679   

4.000%, 04/25/42 (c)

    6,543,504        1,430,117   

4.500%, 11/25/39 (c)

    4,364,481        784,811   

Fannie Mae Pool

   

3.500%, 09/01/42

    1,056,438        1,102,845   

3.500%, 10/01/42

    7,447,605        7,774,563   

3.500%, 12/01/42

    1,765,525        1,845,536   

3.500%, 05/01/43

    457,904        478,723   

4.000%, 10/01/42

    3,101,016        3,345,027   

4.000%, 11/01/42

    3,113,841        3,358,818   

4.000%, 07/01/43

    93,915        101,311   

4.000%, 08/01/43

    2,115,089        2,282,066   

5.000%, 05/01/40

    40,240        44,983   

6.500%, 12/01/27

    5,195        5,280   

6.500%, 05/01/32

    41,980        46,531   

12.000%, 01/15/16

    56        57   

12.500%, 09/20/15

    1        1   

Fannie Mae REMICS (CMO)

   

Zero Coupon, 03/25/42 (d)

    962,219        877,632   

3.000%, 12/25/27 (c)

    12,016,954        1,353,382   

5.500%, 07/25/41

    7,391,635        8,579,648   

5.500%, 04/25/42

    4,338,485        4,802,842   

5.931%, 09/25/42 (b) (c)

    2,131,158        438,057   

5.931%, 07/25/43 (b) (c)

    2,417,582        558,487   

5.981%, 03/25/42 (b) (c)

    15,652,099        2,680,985   

5.981%, 12/25/42 (b) (c)

    1,582,970        332,012   

6.000%, 05/25/42

    3,066,769        3,444,258   

6.331%, 02/25/42 (b) (c)

    3,593,904        829,980   

6.361%, 12/25/40 (b) (c)

    2,209,681        341,080   

6.361%, 01/25/41 (b) (c)

    2,668,401        474,404   

6.381%, 10/25/41 (b) (c)

    9,253,461        1,586,959   

6.431%, 10/25/40 (b) (c)

    6,773,973        1,260,894   

6.481%, 02/25/41 (b) (c)

    1,488,564        270,308   

6.481%, 03/25/42 (b) (c)

    3,784,729        670,434   

6.500%, 06/25/39

    650,260        728,114   

6.500%, 07/25/42

    5,463,735        6,208,781   

9.750%, 11/25/18

    1,356,954        1,509,846   

9.750%, 08/25/19

    445,247        493,346   

Fannie Mae Whole Loan

   

3.463%, 01/25/43 (b)

    427,889        435,351   

Freddie Mac 20 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.500%, 09/01/33

    3,024,104        3,182,772   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac 20 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.500%, 10/01/33

    846,368      $ 890,669   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.000%, TBA (a)

    10,000,000        10,076,171   

4.500%, 08/01/40

    561,798        609,667   

5.000%, 08/01/33

    41,196        45,696   

6.000%, 10/01/36

    1,774,814        2,029,616   

6.500%, 09/01/39

    650,523        750,851   

8.000%, 12/01/19

    2,372        2,396   

8.000%, 09/01/30

    5,604        7,005   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Non-Gold Pool

   

8.000%, 07/01/20

    4,090        4,193   

Freddie Mac ARM Non-Gold Pool

   

1.838%, 05/01/37 (b)

    43,773        45,912   

1.945%, 02/01/37 (b)

    20,009        21,066   

2.513%, 01/01/35 (b)

    23,258        24,961   

2.528%, 05/01/37 (b)

    57,733        61,599   

Freddie Mac Gold Pool

   

3.500%, 10/01/42

    1,512,034        1,578,074   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    562,830        588,333   

3.500%, 02/01/44

    692,171        722,553   

4.000%, 04/01/43

    2,243,321        2,420,128   

4.000%, 08/01/43

    1,305,217        1,407,916   

Freddie Mac REMICS (CMO)

   

4.500%, 04/15/32

    304,579        336,137   

6.000%, 05/15/36

    1,260,746        1,432,077   

6.439%, 11/15/41 (b) (c)

    4,881,012        969,642   

8.500%, 06/15/21

    18,937        20,906   

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

   

5.500%, 06/15/36

    876,048        988,707   

6.000%, 03/15/33

    1,308,939        1,514,558   

6.500%, 06/15/31

    6,631        7,566   

6.500%, 08/15/34

    281,305        323,865   

7.500%, 01/15/29

    11,477        12,458   

7.500%, 09/15/29

    2,985        3,420   

7.500%, 02/15/30

    1,788        1,885   

8.500%, 05/15/18

    7,630        7,664   

8.500%, 06/15/25

    43,510        52,655   

9.000%, 12/15/16

    1,594        1,605   

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, TBA (a)

    29,500,000        30,167,438   

3.500%, TBA (a)

    28,700,000        30,126,031   

4.000%, TBA (a)

    16,400,000        17,583,683   

4.500%, 01/20/40

    1,622,301        1,784,435   

4.500%, 05/20/40

    2,294,102        2,521,908   

4.500%, 09/20/40

    44,731        49,139   

4.500%, 01/20/41

    335,102        367,966   

4.500%, 07/20/41

    2,371,652        2,599,496   

5.000%, 07/20/40

    1,721,833        1,921,662   

6.000%, 11/20/34

    2,678        3,076   

6.000%, 06/20/35

    4,373        4,958   

6.000%, 07/20/36

    291,178        328,164   

6.000%, 09/20/36

    14,032        15,809   

6.000%, 07/20/38

    793,002        891,943   

6.000%, 09/20/38

    2,219,978        2,502,967   

6.000%, 06/20/39

    7,912        9,040   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

6.000%, 05/20/40

    182,477      208,446   

6.000%, 06/20/40

    501,815        572,204   

6.000%, 08/20/40

    251,829        287,770   

6.000%, 09/20/40

    622,408        701,472   

6.000%, 10/20/40

    401,096        452,677   

6.000%, 11/20/40

    528,933        600,198   

6.000%, 01/20/41

    528,055        601,562   

6.000%, 03/20/41

    2,283,170        2,573,197   

6.000%, 07/20/41

    445,475        501,056   

6.000%, 12/20/41

    327,571        373,124   

6.500%, 10/20/37

    605,014        684,470   

Government National Mortgage Association

   

0.554%, 10/16/54 (b) (c)

    73,953,560        3,176,010   

0.741%, 05/16/54 (b) (c)

    26,685,093        1,476,700   

0.773%, 09/16/51 (b) (c)

    94,985,114        6,040,958   

0.826%, 02/16/53 (b) (c)

    61,388,566        3,766,004   

0.861%, 02/16/53 (b) (c)

    28,573,696        1,969,356   

0.870%, 03/16/49 (b) (c)

    35,251,742        1,772,528   

0.933%, 06/16/55 (b) (c)

    15,777,887        928,450   

0.934%, 09/16/46 (b) (c)

    85,252,561        4,148,731   

0.971%, 05/16/54 (b) (c)

    36,947,572        2,458,159   

1.022%, 01/16/53 (b) (c)

    16,972,678        1,403,708   

1.037%, 09/16/55 (b) (c)

    25,266,625        1,843,731   

1.037%, 01/16/57 (b) (c)

    45,630,432        4,257,319   

1.123%, 09/16/44 (b) (c)

    23,505,558        1,791,359   

1.216%, 02/16/46 (b) (c)

    23,629,140        1,848,560   

1.381%, 02/16/48 (b) (c)

    25,632,749        2,018,297   

2.000%, 12/16/49

    4,209,721        4,189,485   

2.250%, 03/16/35

    6,235,210        6,302,987   

Government National Mortgage Association (CMO)

   

0.536%, 12/20/60 (b)

    21,782,369        21,560,973   

0.556%, 12/20/60 (b)

    7,737,794        7,692,125   

0.636%, 03/20/61 (b)

    6,144,149        6,125,508   

0.656%, 12/20/60 (b)

    57,034,525        56,906,161   

5.939%, 08/16/42 (b) (c)

    2,339,462        374,611   

6.335%, 03/20/39 (b) (c)

    938,766        117,605   

6.485%, 01/20/40 (b) (c)

    2,104,857        347,914   
   

 

 

 
      603,641,295   
   

 

 

 

Federal Agencies—35.2%

  

Federal Farm Credit Bank

   

0.250%, 01/07/15

    20,000,000        20,000,380   

0.250%, 09/10/15

    25,000,000        24,997,550   

0.375%, 03/03/16

    20,000,000        19,974,260   

0.390%, 05/09/16

    20,000,000        19,932,360   

0.450%, 02/03/16

    25,000,000        25,013,775   

0.500%, 08/23/16

    25,000,000        24,905,925   

0.540%, 06/06/16

    20,000,000        19,920,080   

0.820%, 02/21/17

    20,000,000        19,887,440   

1.500%, 11/16/15

    20,000,000        20,209,940   

1.950%, 11/15/17

    19,980,000        20,509,630   

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.340%, 01/25/16

    20,000,000        20,001,620   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Federal Agencies—(Continued)

  

Federal Home Loan Bank

   

0.500%, 10/17/16

    15,000,000      $ 14,925,450   

0.625%, 11/23/16 (e)

    20,000,000        19,976,500   

1.375%, 12/11/15

    20,000,000        20,183,760   

2.000%, 09/09/16

    20,000,000        20,443,000   

2.125%, 06/09/23

    17,700,000        17,169,407   

2.750%, 06/08/18

    15,000,000        15,642,930   

5.250%, 12/11/20

    12,000,000        14,189,688   

Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

   

5.625%, 06/13/16

    43,170,000        46,282,298   

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

   

Zero Coupon, 11/29/19

    10,000,000        8,909,650   

2.375%, 01/13/22 (e)

    31,840,000        32,167,761   

5.000%, 12/14/18 (e)

    13,241,000        14,942,296   

Federal National Mortgage Association

   

Zero Coupon, 10/09/19

    50,000,000        44,953,450   

0.500%, 10/22/15

    30,000,000        30,053,910   

0.550%, 09/06/16

    22,600,000        22,531,047   

2.250%, 10/17/22

    14,000,000        13,617,744   

2.625%, 09/06/24

    42,000,000        42,534,282   

6.000%, 04/18/36

    9,700,000        10,342,033   

Financing Corp. Fico

   

Zero Coupon, 10/06/17

    20,433,000        19,712,471   

Zero Coupon, 05/11/18

    40,000,000        38,034,200   

Zero Coupon, 12/27/18

    16,254,000        15,175,336   

Zero Coupon, 06/06/19

    27,884,000        25,713,649   

Zero Coupon, 09/26/19

    14,535,000        13,259,496   

Government Trust Certificates

   

Zero Coupon, 10/01/16

    8,567,000        8,372,898   

National Archives Facility Trust

   

8.500%, 09/01/19

    2,692,400        3,143,737   

New Valley Generation II

   

5.572%, 05/01/20

    8,744,581        9,728,347   

Overseas Private Investment Corp.

   

Zero Coupon, 11/18/16

    8,000,000        8,050,832   

Zero Coupon, 11/17/17

    15,000,000        15,808,635   

Zero Coupon, 03/15/18

    5,000,000        5,272,155   

Zero Coupon, 07/30/19

    20,000,000        20,130,000   

Zero Coupon, 11/13/20

    5,000,000        5,038,950   

Zero Coupon, 11/15/20

    4,700,000        4,882,736   

2.310%, 11/15/30

    9,068,861        8,576,567   

3.330%, 05/15/33

    7,000,000        7,160,440   

3.490%, 12/20/29

    11,771,005        12,334,918   

Residual Funding Corp. Principal Strip

   

Zero Coupon, 10/15/20 (e)

    38,159,000        33,734,044   

Tennessee Valley Authority

   

1.750%, 10/15/18 (e)

    20,000,000        20,187,040   

3.875%, 02/15/21

    35,000,000        38,545,955   

4.500%, 04/01/18

    20,000,000        22,024,120   

5.500%, 07/18/17

    21,306,000        23,683,707   
   

 

 

 
      982,788,399   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—31.1%

  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

   

3.375%, 05/15/44

    19,000,000        21,389,839   

U.S. Treasury—(Continued)

  

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds (f)

   

0.625%, 02/15/43

    26,852,800      25,245,821   

1.375%, 02/15/44

    34,640,900        39,206,467   

U.S. Treasury Notes

   

0.250%, 10/31/15 (e)

    20,000,000        19,998,440   

0.250%, 11/30/15 (e)

    337,000,000        337,000,000   

0.375%, 01/31/16 (e)

    26,000,000        26,012,194   

0.375%, 10/31/16

    35,000,000        34,855,065   

0.500%, 08/31/16 (e)

    19,000,000        18,992,571   

0.625%, 11/30/17 (e)

    15,000,000        14,807,820   

0.875%, 09/15/16 (e)

    4,000,000        4,020,936   

1.500%, 07/31/16 (e)

    105,000,000        106,607,760   

1.500%, 11/30/19 (e)

    11,000,000        10,930,392   

1.875%, 11/30/21 (e)

    32,160,000        31,971,574   

2.000%, 11/30/20

    38,000,000        38,332,500   

2.500%, 05/15/24 (e)

    12,930,000        13,319,917   

3.125%, 01/31/17 (e)

    118,000,000        123,881,592   
   

 

 

 
      866,572,888   
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies
(Cost $2,443,231,612)

      2,453,002,582   
   

 

 

 
Corporate Bonds & Notes—9.3%   

Banks—1.7%

  

National Australia Bank, Ltd.

   

1.250%, 03/08/18 (144A)

    13,000,000        12,869,909   

National Bank of Canada

   

2.200%, 10/19/16 (144A)

    13,000,000        13,286,104   

Stadshypotek AB

   

1.875%, 10/02/19 (144A) (e)

    5,000,000        4,938,665   

UBS AG

   

0.750%, 03/24/17 (144A)

    16,000,000        15,971,056   
   

 

 

 
      47,065,734   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—7.0%

  

COP I LLC

   

3.650%, 12/05/21

    9,188,733        9,727,165   

MSN 41079 & 41084, Ltd.

   

1.717%, 07/13/24

    8,289,719        7,980,687   

National Credit Union Administration Guaranteed Notes

   

3.000%, 06/12/19

    19,650,000        20,703,240   

3.450%, 06/12/21

    45,000,000        48,775,950   

Postal Square, L.P.

   

6.500%, 06/15/22

    8,533,800        9,535,079   

Private Export Funding Corp.

   

1.375%, 02/15/17

    25,000,000        25,231,725   

2.250%, 12/15/17

    40,000,000        41,060,960   

3.550%, 01/15/24

    5,000,000        5,297,990   

4.950%, 11/15/15

    25,000,000        25,999,425   
   

 

 

 
      194,312,221   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Multi-National—0.1%

  

European Investment Bank

   

2.500%, 10/15/24 (e)

    2,000,000      $ 2,028,738   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas—0.5%

  

Petrobras International Finance Co. S.A.

   

5.375%, 01/27/21 (e)

    12,000,000        11,118,840   

Petroleos Mexicanos

   

6.375%, 01/23/45

    3,610,000        4,088,325   
   

 

 

 
      15,207,165   
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(Cost $240,147,487)

      258,613,858   
   

 

 

 
Foreign Government—6.9%   

Sovereign—6.9%

  

Colombia Government International Bonds

   

5.625%, 02/26/44 (e)

    4,840,000        5,445,000   

Egypt Government AID Bond

   

4.450%, 09/15/15

    20,000,000        20,574,340   

Indonesia Government International Bonds

   

3.750%, 04/25/22 (144A)

    410,000        403,850   

3.750%, 04/25/22

    1,900,000        1,871,500   

4.875%, 05/05/21

    2,957,000        3,123,331   

5.875%, 03/13/20

    310,000        343,325   

5.875%, 01/15/24 (144A)

    1,060,000        1,197,800   

Israel Government AID Bonds

   

Zero Coupon, 08/15/16

    28,251,000        27,854,808   

Zero Coupon, 09/15/16

    10,000,000        9,848,050   

Zero Coupon, 11/15/18

    20,869,000        19,486,116   

5.500%, 12/04/23

    18,000,000        22,202,190   

5.500%, 04/26/24

    13,700,000        16,985,205   

Mexico Government International Bond

   

5.550%, 01/21/45

    11,480,000        13,345,500   

Peruvian Government International Bond

   

5.625%, 11/18/50 (e)

    4,000,000        4,710,000   

Poland Government International Bond

   

4.000%, 01/22/24 (e)

    7,870,000        8,352,037   

Turkey Government International Bonds

   

5.625%, 03/30/21

    1,078,000        1,184,453   

5.750%, 03/22/24 (e)

    4,290,000        4,794,075   

6.250%, 09/26/22

    2,205,000        2,516,456   

7.000%, 03/11/19

    1,660,000        1,892,400   

7.500%, 11/07/19

    540,000        633,015   

Ukraine Government AID Bond

   

1.844%, 05/16/19

    25,000,000        25,168,750   
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Government
(Cost $187,457,470)

      191,932,201   
   

 

 

 
Mortgage-Backed Securities—3.8%   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—2.3%

  

American Home Mortgage Assets Trust

   

0.360%, 09/25/46 (b)

    971,531        696,065   

0.360%, 12/25/46 (b)

    2,893,009        2,022,841   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

Banc of America Funding Corp.

   

2.093%, 06/20/35 (b)

    382,751      250,881   

Banc of America Mortgage 2005-F Trust

   

2.637%, 07/25/35 (b)

    154,307        142,624   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.

   

2.540%, 10/25/35 (b)

    303,761        300,576   

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust

   

0.366%, 07/20/46 (b)

    3,618,669        2,500,743   

0.396%, 07/20/35 (b)

    1,386,353        1,206,913   

0.460%, 05/25/34 (b)

    2,909,827        2,822,293   

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust

   

0.590%, 07/25/36 (144A) (b)

    1,095,880        997,677   

Deutsche Mortgage Securities, Inc.

   

5.254%, 06/26/35 (144A) (b)

    1,377,652        1,381,815   

FDIC Structured Sale Guaranteed Notes

   

0.704%, 02/25/48 (144A) (b)

    1,416,299        1,416,834   

First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities

   

0.540%, 02/25/37 (b)

    314,411        181,684   

GMAC Mortgage Corp. Loan Trust

   

2.668%, 11/19/35 (b)

    898,102        800,122   

Greenpoint Mortgage Funding Trust

   

0.250%, 02/25/47 (b)

    126,928        117,616   

GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.520%, 01/25/35 (144A) (b)

    463,371        388,211   

0.570%, 06/25/34 (144A) (b)

    804,571        697,514   

3.328%, 06/25/34 (144A) (b)

    4,718,927        4,392,038   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust

   

2.789%, 04/25/35 (b)

    902,659        880,437   

HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.344%, 11/19/46 (b)

    167,737        131,665   

0.364%, 09/19/46 (b)

    387,864        302,348   

Impac Secured Assets CMN Owner Trust

   

0.490%, 03/25/36 (b)

    5,017,903        3,637,503   

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust

   

2.074%, 06/25/34 (b)

    287,810        284,523   

Luminent Mortgage Trust

   

0.360%, 05/25/46 (b)

    3,259,323        2,534,808   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust

   

0.370%, 05/25/47 (b)

    6,738,098        5,287,264   

0.913%, 12/25/46 (b)

    5,821,147        4,225,478   

2.237%, 02/25/34 (b)

    270,010        263,365   

3.212%, 12/25/34 (b)

    22,847        22,139   

MASTR Reperforming Loan Trust

   

0.520%, 05/25/35 (144A) (b)

    386,274        318,625   

3.365%, 05/25/35 (144A) (b)

    4,799,802        3,994,976   

4.765%, 05/25/36 (144A) (b)

    3,815,153        3,594,778   

7.000%, 08/25/34 (144A)

    483,161        493,568   

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.240%, 06/25/36 (b)

    769,521        408,690   

2.514%, 07/25/35 (b)

    396,849        366,420   

NovaStar Mortgage Funding Trust

   

0.360%, 09/25/46 (b)

    2,683,347        2,278,325   

Provident Funding Mortgage Loan Trust

   

2.411%, 10/25/35 (b)

    136,300        133,083   

2.504%, 05/25/35 (b)

    1,067,313        1,066,979   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description       
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. Trust

   

0.330%, 01/25/37 (b)

    512,427      $ 386,364   

RFMSI Trust

   

4.750%, 12/25/18

    317,011        321,548   

SACO I Trust

   

8.964%, 06/25/21 (144A) (b)

    1,793,478        1,787,854   

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust

   

2.443%, 05/25/35 (b)

    4,961,963        4,642,283   

Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Trust

   

0.350%, 07/25/46 (b)

    309,588        251,644   

Structured Asset Securities Corp.

   

0.520%, 04/25/35 (144A) (b)

    3,429,590        2,820,412   

3.385%, 06/25/35 (144A) (b)

    196,363        175,656   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.970%, 09/25/33 (144A) (b)

    30,722        30,348   

Thornburg Mortgage Securities Trust

   

6.038%, 09/25/37 (b)

    75,351        77,813   

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust

   

0.430%, 11/25/45 (b)

    32,692        29,987   

0.440%, 12/25/45 (b)

    2,365,938        2,185,395   

0.460%, 12/25/45 (b)

    193,183        174,522   

0.490%, 08/25/45 (b)

    217,502        206,759   

0.570%, 08/25/45 (b)

    446,921        393,607   

2.373%, 04/25/35 (b)

    99,839        98,056   
   

 

 

 
      64,123,669   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—1.5%

  

FDIC Structured Sale Guaranteed Notes

   

2.980%, 12/06/20 (144A)

    12,031,564        12,375,089   

NCUA Guaranteed Notes Trust

   

2.900%, 10/29/20

    30,000,000        30,804,090   
   

 

 

 
      43,179,179   
   

 

 

 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $109,544,068)

      107,302,848   
   

 

 

 
Asset-Backed Securities—0.7%   

Asset-Backed - Home Equity—0.1%

  

Bayview Financial Asset Trust

   

0.770%, 12/25/39 (144A) (b)

    258,986        244,364   

EMC Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.620%, 12/25/42 (144A) (b)

    72,674        68,575   

Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust

   

0.430%, 06/25/36 (b)

    4,338,001        1,006,568   

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.260%, 12/25/36 (b)

    266,517        140,385   

0.470%, 03/25/36 (b)

    1,836,728        1,431,557   

Option One Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.750%, 06/25/33 (b)

    126,601        119,046   

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.375%, 02/25/36 (144A) (b)

    4,861,089        286,508   
   

 

 

 
      3,297,003   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Other—0.3%

  

Countrywide Home Equity Loan Trust

   

0.305%, 11/15/36 (b)

    60,741      52,844   

0.441%, 02/15/34 (b)

    302,723        265,653   

0.451%, 02/15/34 (b)

    157,728        143,402   

Countrywide Revolving Home Equity Loan Trust

   

0.301%, 07/15/36 (b)

    1,377,723        1,166,041   

GMAC Mortgage Corp. Loan Trust

   

0.350%, 12/25/36 (b)

    630,189        550,172   

0.380%, 11/25/36 (b)

    3,368,272        2,899,803   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.710%, 11/25/30 (b)

    1,623        155   

Ownit Mortgage Loan Trust

   

3.368%, 12/25/36

    1,259,248        781,176   

RAAC Series

   

0.440%, 05/25/36 (144A) (b)

    1,684,998        1,497,125   

SACO I Trust

   

0.430%, 06/25/36 (b)

    919,003        1,485,597   

0.470%, 04/25/36 (b)

    340,046        561,994   

0.690%, 06/25/36 (b)

    15,412        21,738   

Soundview Home Loan Trust

   

5.645%, 10/25/36

    167,621        168,788   
   

 

 

 
      9,594,488   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Student Loan—0.3%

  

NCUA Guaranteed Notes Trust

   

0.512%, 12/07/20 (b)

    7,690,149        7,698,839   
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $25,563,982)

      20,590,330   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investment—11.6%   

Mutual Fund—11.6%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (g)

    322,981,806        322,981,806   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investment
(Cost $322,981,806)

      322,981,806   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—120.2%
(Cost $3,328,926,425) (h)

      3,354,423,625   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(20.2)%

      (564,436,397
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 2,789,987,228   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) TBA (To Be Announced) Securities are purchased on a forward commitment basis with an approximate principal amount and no defined maturity date. The actual principal and maturity date will be determined upon settlement date.
(b) Variable or floating rate security. The stated rate represents the rate at December 31, 2014. Maturity date shown for callable securities reflects the earliest possible call date.
(c) Interest only security.
(d) Principal only security.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

(e) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $369,738,901 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $322,981,806 and non-cash collateral with a value of $55,853,050. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(f) Principal amount of security is adjusted for inflation.
(g) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(h) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $3,348,302,911. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $44,651,125 and $(38,530,411), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $6,120,714 for federal income tax purposes.
(144A)— Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of 144A securities was $85,629,351, which is 3.1% of net assets.
(ARM)— Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
(CMO)— Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
(REMIC)— Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

 

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
   Number of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

U.S. Treasury Note 2 Year Futures

   03/31/15      39        USD          8,516,142      $ 9,014   

Futures Contracts—Short

                              

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures

   03/20/15      (1,098     USD         (154,709,283     (4,020,342

U.S. Treasury Note 10 Year Futures

   03/20/15      (484     USD         (61,259,669     (110,018

U.S. Treasury Note 5 Year Futures

   03/31/15      (77     USD         (9,204,859     47,273   
            

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Depreciation

  

  $ (4,074,073
            

 

 

 

 

(USD)— United States Dollar

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies*

   $ —        $ 2,453,002,582      $ —         $ 2,453,002,582   

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes*

     —          258,613,858        —           258,613,858   

Total Foreign Government*

     —          191,932,201        —           191,932,201   

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities*

     —          107,302,848        —           107,302,848   

Total Asset-Backed Securities*

     —          20,590,330        —           20,590,330   

Total Short-Term Investment*

     322,981,806        —          —           322,981,806   

Total Investments

   $ 322,981,806      $ 3,031,441,819      $ —         $ 3,354,423,625   
                                   

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —        $ (322,981,806   $ —         $ (322,981,806
Futures Contracts          

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 56,287      $ —        $ —         $ 56,287   

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     (4,130,360     —          —           (4,130,360

Total Futures Contracts

   $ (4,074,073   $ —        $ —         $ (4,074,073

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Investments in Securities

   Balance as of
December 31,
2013
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
     Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Balance
as of
December 31,
2014
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
from Investments
Still Held at
December 31,
2014
 

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies Federal Agencies

   $ 10,000,000       $ —         $ (10,000,000   $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury & Government Agency securities in the amount of $10,000,000 were transferred out of Level 3 due to the initiation of a vendor or broker providing quotations based on market activity which has been determined to be a significant observable input.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 3,354,423,625   

Cash collateral for futures contracts

     3,192,930   

Receivable for:

  

Investments sold

     1,764,569   

TBA securities sold

     52,166,406   

Fund shares sold

     659,448   

Interest

     10,137,128   

Prepaid expenses

     7,181   

Other assets

     189,700   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     3,422,540,987   

Liabilities

  

Due to custodian

     106,493   

Collateral for securities loaned

     322,981,806   

Payables for:

  

Investments purchased

     12,359,845   

TBA securities purchased

     294,528,032   

Fund shares redeemed

     724,911   

Variation margin on futures contracts

     424,891   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,075,317   

Distribution and service fees

     109,410   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,686   

Other expenses

     179,368   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     632,553,759   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,789,987,228   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 2,777,036,287   

Undistributed net investment income

     55,579,441   

Accumulated net realized loss

     (64,241,327

Unrealized appreciation on investments and futures contracts

     21,612,827   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 2,789,987,228   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 2,263,817,646   

Class B

     493,188,287   

Class E

     32,981,295   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     186,965,237   

Class B

     40,946,028   

Class E

     2,734,457   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 12.11   

Class B

     12.04   

Class E

     12.06   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $3,328,926,425.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $369,738,901.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Interest

   $ 49,751,349   

Securities lending income

     527,791   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     50,279,140   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     12,905,869   

Administration fees

     63,798   

Custodian and accounting fees

     244,942   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,282,982   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     53,627   

Audit and tax services

     63,644   

Legal

     30,014   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     38,578   

Shareholder reporting

     179,791   

Insurance

     17,311   

Miscellaneous

     21,995   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     14,902,551   

Less management fee waiver

     (401,372
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     14,501,179   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     35,777,961   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     14,457,718   

Futures contracts

     (14,109,823
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     347,895   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:   

Investments

     45,607,727   

Futures contracts

     (8,343,448
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation

     37,264,279   
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     37,612,174   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 73,390,135   
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 35,777,961      $ 26,326,640   

Net realized gain (loss)

     347,895        (2,829,117

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     37,264,279        (42,802,921
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets from operations

     73,390,135        (19,305,398
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (40,733,256     (43,315,200

Class B

     (8,613,714     (10,582,515

Class E

     (649,143     (813,173
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (49,996,113     (54,710,888
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     109,004,508        104,703,093   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     132,398,530        30,686,807   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     2,657,588,698        2,626,901,891   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 2,789,987,228      $ 2,657,588,698   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 55,579,441      $ 49,720,491   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     17,953,364      $ 215,107,518        17,350,300      $ 209,912,604   

Reinvestments

     3,414,355        40,733,256        3,562,105        43,315,200   

Redemptions

     (8,773,537     (105,820,488     (9,856,222     (119,217,102
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

     12,594,182      $ 150,020,286        11,056,183      $ 134,010,702   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     3,516,534      $ 42,235,299        5,800,933      $ 70,153,449   

Reinvestments

     724,450        8,613,714        873,145        10,582,515   

Redemptions

     (7,216,678     (86,693,848     (8,730,200     (105,248,059
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (2,975,694   $ (35,844,835     (2,056,122   $ (24,512,095
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     100,613      $ 1,207,715        302,766      $ 3,653,423   

Reinvestments

     54,550        649,143        67,038        813,173   

Redemptions

     (584,749     (7,027,801     (765,493     (9,262,110
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (429,586   $ (5,170,943     (395,689   $ (4,795,514
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase derived from capital shares transactions

     $ 109,004,508        $ 104,703,093   
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 12.01      $ 12.36      $ 12.21      $ 12.17       $ 11.86   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.16        0.13        0.13        0.18         0.17   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.17        (0.22     0.28        0.46         0.51   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.33        (0.09     0.41        0.64         0.68   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.23     (0.26     (0.26     (0.18      (0.33

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.42      (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.23     (0.26     (0.26     (0.60      (0.37
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.11      $ 12.01      $ 12.36      $ 12.21       $ 12.17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     2.81        (0.74     3.37        5.51         5.81   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.49        0.49        0.50        0.49         0.50   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.48        0.48        0.48        0.49         0.49   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.35        1.05        1.03        1.51         1.36   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     194  (d)      317  (d)      340  (d)      549         551   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 2,263.8      $ 2,094.9      $ 2,017.9      $ 1,904.6       $ 1,830.2   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.95      $ 12.29      $ 12.15      $ 12.11       $ 11.81   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.13        0.10        0.10        0.15         0.13   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.16        (0.21     0.27        0.46         0.51   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.29        (0.11     0.37        0.61         0.64   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.20     (0.23     (0.23     (0.15      (0.30

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.42      (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.20     (0.23     (0.23     (0.57      (0.34
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.04      $ 11.95      $ 12.29      $ 12.15       $ 12.11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     2.55        (0.91     3.05        5.27         5.49   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.74        0.74        0.75        0.74         0.75   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.73        0.73        0.73        0.74         0.74   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.10        0.80        0.78        1.26         1.12   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     194  (d)      317  (d)      340  (d)      549         551   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 493.2      $ 524.9      $ 565.2      $ 538.2       $ 466.5   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 11.97      $ 12.31      $ 12.16      $ 12.13       $ 11.82   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.14        0.11        0.11        0.16         0.15   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     0.16        (0.21     0.28        0.46         0.51   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.30        (0.10     0.39        0.62         0.66   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.21     (0.24     (0.24     (0.17      (0.31

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     0.00        0.00        0.00        (0.42      (0.04
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.21     (0.24     (0.24     (0.59      (0.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 12.06      $ 11.97      $ 12.31      $ 12.16       $ 12.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     2.56        (0.75     3.15        5.28         5.67   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.64        0.64        0.65        0.64         0.65   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c)

     0.63        0.63        0.63        0.64         0.64   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.20        0.90        0.88        1.35         1.20   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     194  (d)      317  (d)      340  (d)      549         551   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 33.0      $ 37.9      $ 43.8      $ 48.7       $ 57.6   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) Includes mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions; excluding these transactions the portfolio turnover rates would have been 68%, 137% and 164% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to amortization of debt securities and paydown reclasses. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls - The Portfolio may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which a Portfolio sells to-be-announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon, and maturity) securities on a specified future date. For the duration of the transaction, or roll period, the Portfolio foregoes principal (including prepayments of principal) and interest paid on the securities sold. Dollar rolls are accounted for as purchase and sale transactions; gain or loss is recognized at the commencement of the term of the dollar roll and each time the mortgage-backed security is rolled.

Mortgage dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities that the Portfolio is required to reacquire may be less than the agreed-upon repurchase price of those securities and that the investment performance of securities purchased with proceeds from these transactions does not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities transferred or sold, as applicable, as part of the treasury or mortgage dollar roll.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities - The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. These securities may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage backed securities (“SMBS”), and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by or payable from, mortgage loans on real property or other receivables. The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.

In one type of SMBS, one class receives all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). Because principal will not be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the book value of the security until maturity. These adjustments are netted against payments received for the IOs and the net amount is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities. Details of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are included in the Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments.

The Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers that hold mortgage and asset-backed securities and direct investments in securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets. The value and related income of these securities are sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults, and may be negatively impacted by increased volatility of market prices and periods of illiquidity.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

TBA Purchase & Forward Sale Commitments - The Portfolio may enter into TBA commitments to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date. TBA commitments are considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased or sold declines or increases prior to settlement date, which is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolio’s other assets. TBA forward sale commitments are valued at the current market value of the underlying securities, according to the procedures described under “Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements”.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities - The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase commitment is made. The Portfolio may purchase securities under such conditions only with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Portfolio may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.

Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Portfolio will hold liquid assets in a segregated account with the Portfolio’s custodian, or set aside liquid assets in the Portfolio’s records, worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary value.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value     

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  

Interest Rate

   Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts*    $ 56,287      

Unrealized depreciation on futures

contracts*

   $ 4,130,360   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

  * Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location— Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Interest
Rate
 

Futures contracts

   $ (14,109,823
  

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location— Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Interest
Rate
 

Futures contracts

   $ (8,343,448
  

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Futures contracts long

   $ 27,000,000   

Futures contracts short

     (187,608,333

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels. Collateral requirements may differ by type of derivative or investment, as applicable. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

broker or exchange clearing house for exchange-traded derivatives (e.g., futures contracts and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swap agreements and OTC options).

For derivatives traded under an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the Portfolio the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty or a termination of the agreement, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the Portfolio’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the Portfolio under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Portfolio and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Portfolio under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as To-Be-Announced securities and delayed-delivery or secured borrowings transactions by and between the Portfolio and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, including mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions but excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$5,552,566,173    $ 128,939,613       $ 5,459,288,628       $ 119,036,510   

Purchases and sales of mortgage dollar rolls and TBA transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

   Sales  
$3,617,018,467    $ 3,793,296,152   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$12,905,869      0.550   Of the first $500 million
     0.450   On amounts in excess of $500 million

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Western Asset Management Company is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.050%    On amounts over $200 million and under $500 million
0.010%    On amounts over $1 billion and under $2 billion
0.020%    On amounts in excess of $2 billion

An identical agreement was in place for the period April 29, 2013 through April 27, 2014. Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$49,996,113    $ 54,710,888       $       $       $ 49,996,113       $ 54,710,888   

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Other
Accumulated
Capital Losses
    Total  
$55,688,077    $       $ 6,310,414       $ (48,983,863   $ 13,014,628   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had post-enactment short-term accumulated capital losses in the amount of $8,627,044 and post-enactment long-term accumulated capital losses in the amount of $40,356,819.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (each, an “Advisory Agreement”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) and the applicable sub-advisory agreements (each a “Sub-Advisory Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”) between the Adviser and the investment sub-advisers (each a “Sub-Adviser,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers that the Adviser and Sub-Advisers had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser and, if applicable, the Sub-Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser, and the Sub-Advisers as relevant, have provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance programs, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

With respect to the services provided by each of the Sub-Advisers, the Board considered a variety of information that the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser provided. The Board considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment process and philosophy, and the investment performance experienced by the Portfolio (as described in more detail below). The Board took into account that each Sub-Adviser’s

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

responsibilities include the development and maintenance of an investment program for the applicable Portfolio that is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objectives, the selection of investment securities and the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of such securities, as well as the implementation of compliance controls related to performance of these services. In particular, the Board considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s current level of staffing as well as its compensation program and its overall resources. The Board reviewed each Sub-Adviser’s history and investment experience, as well as information regarding the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the Sub-Adviser’s investment and compliance personnel who provide services to the Portfolios. The Board also considered, among other things, the Sub-Adviser’s compliance program and regulatory and disciplinary history. In its review, the Board also took into account information regarding any services and/or payments provided to the Adviser by the Sub-Advisers in connection with marketing activities.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report. The Board also compared the performance records of certain Portfolios to those of comparable funds that were managed by the relevant Sub-Adviser. At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board was mindful of the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management and sub-adviser fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report. The Board compared the fee payable to a Sub-Adviser by the Portfolio to the fee payable to the Sub-Adviser by other comparable funds and accounts, to the extent such information was available.

The Board noted that the sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee, and that, in the case of an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser, the Adviser negotiates the fee at arm’s length. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. The Board considered the profitability to the Sub-Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationships with the Portfolios, to the extent available, and the Board considered the ability of the Adviser to negotiate with an unaffiliated Sub-Adviser at arm’s length. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board also noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board noted that those Portfolios with advisory fee schedules containing breakpoints generally reflect the inclusion of breakpoints in the sub-advisory fee schedule for such Portfolios. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by each Sub-Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts, including the opportunity to provide advisory services to additional portfolios of the Trusts and reputational benefits. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

Western Asset Management U.S. Government Portfolio. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Agreements with the Adviser and Western Asset Management Company regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the one-year period ended June 30, 2014 and outperformed the median of its Performance Universe for the three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board also noted that the Portfolio underperformed its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Intermediate U.S. Government Bond Index, for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board also noted that the Portfolio underperformed its blended benchmark for the one-year period ended October 31, 2014 and outperformed its blended benchmark for the three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees and total expenses (exclusive of 12b 1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were above the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Managed by Wellington Management Company LLP

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the WMC Balanced Portfolio returned 10.55%, 10.28%, and 10.41%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmarks, the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index1 and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index2, returned 13.69% and 5.97%, respectively. A blend of the S&P 500 Index (60%) and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (40%) returned 10.62%.

Wellington Management Company LLP assumed management of the Portfolio on February 3, 2014, prior to which the Portfolio was sub-advised by BlackRock Advisors, LLC.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

U.S. equities and other developed-market stocks rose during the one-year period as the S&P 500 Index posted a 13.7% return and the MSCI World Index posted a 5.5% return. Emerging markets trailed, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index posting a loss of -1.8%, gross of withholding taxes. U.S. stocks began 2014 with their worst month in nearly two years. Worries about a slowdown in China and general angst surrounding emerging markets overshadowed a fairly benign domestic environment. Despite a myriad of adversely weather-influenced economic data, the S&P 500 Index rebounded from January’s pullback and finished February at a new peak. By the end of the second quarter, the S&P 500 Index was up 224.4% from its closing low on March 9, 2009. The second half of the year was also bumpy, with U.S. equities sinking in July, rebounding in August, and falling once again around mid-September before recovering in October. U.S. equities hit several all-time highs toward the end of the period, pulling back slightly on the final trading day of November and into December, led by weakness in the energy sector after Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had decided to leave production unchanged.

The fixed income markets also rose during the period as the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned 5.97%, ahead of the Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index, which returned just 0.59% (in U.S. dollar terms). The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell, beginning the year at 3.00% and ending December at 2.17%. Bond market volatility was elevated during the first part of the one year period, as the Federal Reserve’s discussion of tapering its asset purchases increased the amplitude of investors’ responses to the flow of new economic information. Clouding the outlook, severe weather in many parts of the country slowed activity and left the underlying upward trends in growth in question. This led to a tempering of higher rate expectations and an ensuing decline in U.S. rates.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

During the period Wellington Management Company LLP managed the Portfolio, it underperformed its custom benchmark, consisting of 60% S&P 500 Index / 40% Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index, for the period ended December 31, 2014.

The equity portion of the Portfolio trailed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the period. Stock selection within the Energy, Information Technology, and Industrials sectors detracted from relative results. This was partially offset by stronger selection within Health Care, Consumer Staples, and Materials.

Cobalt International Energy, Pandora Media (eliminated during the period), and Santander Consumer were among the stocks that detracted most on a relative basis during the period. Lowe’s, Monster Beverage, Altria Group, and Covidien (United Kingdom) were among the strongest contributors to relative results.

The fixed income portion of the Portfolio modestly outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, for the period. An allocation to Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities (“MBS”) aided relative performance. Overweights to high quality Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (“CMBS”) and Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”) also contributed to the fixed income portion of the Portfolio’s outperformance. Within Investment Grade Credit, an overweight to and security selection within Financials benefitted relative performance. We continued to favor U.S. financials, particularly large money center banks, based on strong credit fundamentals and attractive valuations. The Portfolio held an overweight to Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (“TIPS”) versus nominal Treasuries on the belief that inflation expectations were too low. TIPS positioning detracted from performance, particularly in the third quarter, as a strengthening U.S. dollar and tepid growth prospects in Europe imported disinflationary pressure into the U.S. Allocations to High Yield and Non-U.S. Sovereign Bonds also proved unfavorable for relative performance.

During the period, the fixed income portion of the Portfolio used Treasury futures and swaps to manage duration and yield curve positioning. The Portfolio also used currency forwards, futures, and options to implement non-U.S. rate and currency positions. Credit default swaps (“CDS”) were used to manage credit exposure and investment grade and high yield CDS index positions were used as a source of liquidity and to manage overall portfolio risk. The equity portion of the Portfolio used equity index futures for the purposes of equitizing cash. The Portfolio’s investment in derivatives aided performance.

The equity portion of the Portfolio is generally industry-neutral. However, at the industry level the Portfolio had larger positions in names within technology Hardware & Equipment, Pharmaceuticals, Biotech & Life Sciences, and Software & Services, and less exposure to names in the Telecommunication Services, Automobiles & Components, and Commercial & Professional Services industries as of the end of the period.

As of the end of the period, the fixed income portion of the Portfolio was positioned with a moderately pro-cyclical risk posture and short U.S. duration bias. The Portfolio was underweight credit, but

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Managed by Wellington Management Company LLP

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

continued to favor Financials issuers, and was underweight Agency MBS Pass-Throughs. The Portfolio was overweight CMBS, and continued to own allocations to TIPS, Non-agency MBS, high quality ABS Collaterized Loan Obligations, High Yield (favoring BB-rated), and Bank Loans as of the end of the period.

Cheryl M. Duckworth

Mark D. Mandel

Joseph F. Marvan

Lucius T. Hill III

Campe Goodman

Portfolio Managers

Wellington Management Company LLP

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE S&P 500 INDEX, THE BARCLAYS U.S. AGGREGATE BOND INDEX & THE RUSSELL 1000 INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
WMC Balanced Portfolio                 

Class A

       10.55           11.26           6.14   

Class B

       10.28           10.98           5.87   

Class E

       10.41           11.09           5.98   
S&P 500 Index        13.69           15.45           7.67   
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index        5.97           4.45           4.71   
Russell 1000 Index        13.24           15.64           7.96   

1 The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index is an unmanaged index consisting of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding) with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value.

2 Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

3 The Russell 1000 Index is an unmanaged measure of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 90% of the investable U.S. equity market.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Equity Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Apple, Inc.      3.3   
Citigroup, Inc.      1.5   
Wells Fargo & Co.      1.5   
Microsoft Corp.      1.4   
Coca-Cola Co. (The)      1.2   

 

Top Fixed Income Issuers

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool      3.5   
Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool      2.1   
Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool      1.6   
Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool      1.0   
Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool      1.0   

Top Equity Sectors

     % of
Net Assets
 
Financials      11.1   
Information Technology      11.0   
Health Care      9.3   
Consumer Discretionary      7.6   
Consumer Staples      5.9   

 

Top Fixed Income Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies      11.8   
Corporate Bonds & Notes      11.0   
Mortgage-Backed Securities      6.4   
Asset-Backed Securities      6.1   
Floating Rate Loans      2.2   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

WMC Balanced Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.51    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,041.60         $ 2.62   
   Hypothetical*      0.51    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.64         $ 2.60   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.76    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,040.30         $ 3.91   
   Hypothetical*      0.76    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.37         $ 3.87   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.66    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,040.70         $ 3.39   
   Hypothetical*      0.66    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.88         $ 3.36   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—59.8% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—2.1%

  

General Dynamics Corp.

    18,570      $ 2,555,603   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    87,373        8,730,310   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    18,390        3,541,362   

Precision Castparts Corp.

    13,550        3,263,924   

Raytheon Co.

    40,280        4,357,088   

United Technologies Corp.

    54,225        6,235,875   
   

 

 

 
      28,684,162   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—0.3%

  

Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (a)

    12,290        358,868   

FedEx Corp.

    19,410        3,370,741   
   

 

 

 
      3,729,609   
   

 

 

 

Airlines—0.1%

  

American Airlines Group, Inc.

    16,080        862,371   

United Continental Holdings, Inc. (a)

    12,560        840,138   
   

 

 

 
      1,702,509   
   

 

 

 

Automobiles—0.4%

  

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

    83,812        5,524,049   
   

 

 

 

Banks—3.8%

  

Citigroup, Inc.

    375,085        20,295,849   

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    128,800        11,750,424   

Wells Fargo & Co.

    370,090        20,288,334   
   

 

 

 
      52,334,607   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—2.1%

  

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV (ADR)

    67,538        7,585,868   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    377,930        15,956,205   

Monster Beverage Corp. (a)

    50,871        5,511,873   
   

 

 

 
      29,053,946   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—1.7%

  

Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    1,900        23,275   

Affimed NV (a)

    33,400        207,080   

Alkermes plc (a)

    75,465        4,419,230   

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    6,290        610,130   

Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    130,295        452,124   

Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,500        103,680   

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    54,180        658,829   

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,100        363,987   

Genocea Biosciences, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,120        56,840   

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)

    34,300        3,233,118   

GlycoMimetics, Inc. (a) (b)

    55,683        400,918   

Incyte Corp. (a) (b)

    3,730        272,700   

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    74,300        1,138,276   

Juno Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    6,900        360,318   

Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,887        182,920   

Kite Pharma, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,500        490,195   

Novavax, Inc. (a) (b)

    56,510        335,104   

NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    20,690        740,081   

Otonomy, Inc. (a) (b)

    11,100        369,963   

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    8,390        434,350   

Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (a) (b)

    1,190        225,231   

Biotechnology—(Continued)

  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,800      6,071,700   

Regulus Therapeutics, Inc. (a) (b)

    25,920        415,757   

TESARO, Inc. (a) (b)

    14,520        539,999   

Trevena, Inc. (a)

    70,270        420,215   

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a) (b)

    10,470        459,424   
   

 

 

 
      22,985,444   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—1.2%

  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    38,370        5,074,432   

BlackRock, Inc.

    8,550        3,057,138   

Janus Capital Group, Inc. (b)

    43,540        702,300   

Legg Mason, Inc.

    31,610        1,687,026   

Moelis & Co. - Class A

    17,129        598,316   

Northern Trust Corp.

    34,310        2,312,494   

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

    22,580        1,293,608   

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

    19,355        692,522   

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    1,420        242,096   

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (b)

    75,800        1,188,165   
   

 

 

 
      16,848,097   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—1.0%

  

Cabot Corp.

    32,840        1,440,362   

Celanese Corp. - Series A

    36,010        2,159,160   

Dow Chemical Co. (The)

    52,450        2,392,244   

LyondellBasell Industries NV - Class A

    24,600        1,952,994   

Mosaic Co. (The)

    44,310        2,022,752   

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The)

    14,980        3,940,339   
   

 

 

 
      13,907,851   
   

 

 

 

Communications Equipment—1.0%

  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    482,450        13,419,347   
   

 

 

 

Construction & Engineering—0.1%

  

AECOM Technology Corp. (a)

    32,833        997,138   
   

 

 

 

Consumer Finance—0.5%

  

Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc.

    366,245        7,182,064   
   

 

 

 

Containers & Packaging—0.5%

  

Ball Corp.

    68,900        4,696,913   

Owens-Illinois, Inc. (a)

    57,100        1,541,129   
   

 

 

 
      6,238,042   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.1%

  

McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.

    11,690        1,040,176   
   

 

 

 

Electric Utilities—2.3%

  

American Electric Power Co., Inc.

    13,360        811,219   

Duke Energy Corp.

    85,590        7,150,189   

Edison International

    50,630        3,315,252   

Exelon Corp.

    71,590        2,654,557   

FirstEnergy Corp.

    13,160        513,108   

ITC Holdings Corp.

    32,450        1,311,954   

NextEra Energy, Inc.

    71,950        7,647,566   

Northeast Utilities (b)

    37,150        1,988,268   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Electric Utilities—(Continued)

  

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

    22,640      $ 1,546,538   

Southern Co. (The)

    85,682        4,207,843   
   

 

 

 
      31,146,494   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—0.3%

  

Eaton Corp. plc

    60,530        4,113,619   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—0.4%

  

Baker Hughes, Inc.

    50,769        2,846,618   

Halliburton Co.

    20,440        803,905   

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    99,682        1,653,724   

RPC, Inc. (b)

    23,750        309,700   
   

 

 

 
      5,613,947   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—1.0%

  

CVS Health Corp.

    82,650        7,960,022   

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

    74,030        5,641,086   
   

 

 

 
      13,601,108   
   

 

 

 

Food Products—1.0%

  

Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A

    281,341        10,219,712   

Post Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    52,361        2,193,402   

SunOpta, Inc. (a)

    101,270        1,200,050   
   

 

 

 
      13,613,164   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—2.2%

  

Abbott Laboratories

    40,850        1,839,067   

Covidien plc

    85,280        8,722,438   

Medtronic, Inc. (b)

    125,240        9,042,328   

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (a) (b)

    22,000        517,440   

St. Jude Medical, Inc.

    93,890        6,105,667   

Stryker Corp.

    42,690        4,026,948   
   

 

 

 
      30,253,888   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—2.1%

  

Aetna, Inc.

    69,640        6,186,121   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    38,200        3,083,886   

Cigna Corp.

    36,093        3,714,331   

HCA Holdings, Inc. (a)

    85,790        6,296,128   

McKesson Corp.

    28,270        5,868,287   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    35,628        3,601,634   
   

 

 

 
      28,750,387   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—0.8%

  

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

    18,900        1,099,224   

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. (a)

    28,787        1,346,080   

Starbucks Corp.

    62,830        5,155,202   

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

    39,170        3,359,219   
   

 

 

 
      10,959,725   
   

 

 

 

Household Durables—0.5%

  

Mohawk Industries, Inc. (a)

    13,650        2,120,664   

Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (a) (b)

    34,620        1,900,984   

Whirlpool Corp.

    11,110        2,152,452   
   

 

 

 
      6,174,100   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—0.4%

  

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

    17,110      1,348,439   

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    19,565        1,353,702   

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

    17,830        2,292,225   
   

 

 

 
      4,994,366   
   

 

 

 

Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers—0.0%

  

NRG Energy, Inc.

    20,280        546,546   
   

 

 

 

Industrial Conglomerates—0.7%

  

Danaher Corp.

    118,080        10,120,637   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—3.5%

  

Allstate Corp. (The)

    62,760        4,408,890   

American International Group, Inc.

    170,000        9,521,700   

Assured Guaranty, Ltd.

    153,543        3,990,583   

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    156,216        6,512,645   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    144,040        8,244,850   

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

    98,180        5,099,469   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

    55,150        4,988,869   

XL Group plc

    140,450        4,827,266   
   

 

 

 
      47,594,272   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—0.6%

  

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    19,999        6,206,690   

Netflix, Inc. (a) (b)

    4,530        1,547,493   
   

 

 

 
      7,754,183   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—0.7%

  

Envestnet, Inc. (a)

    15,087        741,375   

Facebook, Inc. - Class A (a)

    79,580        6,208,832   

Google, Inc. - Class A (a)

    3,790        2,011,201   
   

 

 

 
      8,961,408   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—2.4%

  

Accenture plc - Class A

    49,152        4,389,765   

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    47,765        3,982,168   

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. - Class A (a)

    69,926        3,682,303   

EVERTEC, Inc.

    52,400        1,159,612   

Genpact, Ltd. (a) (b)

    164,295        3,110,104   

Global Payments, Inc.

    25,930        2,093,329   

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (b)

    37,250        2,009,638   

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    34,906        9,152,353   

WEX, Inc. (a)

    31,990        3,164,451   
   

 

 

 
      32,743,723   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—0.1%

  

Arctic Cat, Inc. (b)

    25,495        905,073   
   

 

 

 

Life Sciences Tools & Services—0.4%

  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

    37,600        1,539,344   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

    26,560        3,327,702   
   

 

 

 
      4,867,046   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Machinery—1.1%

  

Dover Corp.

    41,580      $ 2,982,118   

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    68,260        6,464,222   

Luxfer Holdings plc (ADR)

    82,500        1,231,725   

Pentair plc

    70,160        4,660,027   
   

 

 

 
      15,338,092   
   

 

 

 

Media—2.2%

  

Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)

    44,540        7,421,255   

Comcast Corp. - Class A

    221,510        12,849,795   

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

    82,370        1,710,825   

Markit, Ltd. (a)

    34,390        908,928   

National CineMedia, Inc. (b)

    22,204        319,071   

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A

    124,952        4,798,782   

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    24,958        2,350,794   
   

 

 

 
      30,359,450   
   

 

 

 

Metals & Mining—0.2%

  

Allegheny Technologies, Inc. (b)

    19,900        691,923   

Nucor Corp.

    9,865        483,878   

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

    15,000        919,050   
   

 

 

 
      2,094,851   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—0.6%

  

Ameren Corp.

    48,820        2,252,067   

DTE Energy Co.

    23,610        2,039,196   

PG&E Corp.

    49,140        2,616,213   

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

    25,300        1,047,673   
   

 

 

 
      7,955,149   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—3.7%

  

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

    46,074        3,801,105   

Chevron Corp.

    39,850        4,470,373   

Cobalt International Energy, Inc. (a)

    441,205        3,922,312   

Concho Resources, Inc. (a)

    38,360        3,826,410   

CONSOL Energy, Inc.

    45,470        1,537,341   

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    28,300        1,691,774   

Enbridge, Inc. (b)

    132,505        6,812,082   

EOG Resources, Inc.

    36,120        3,325,568   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    80,340        7,427,433   

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

    38,405        1,624,916   

Memorial Resource Development Corp. (a)

    63,480        1,144,544   

Noble Energy, Inc.

    20,100        953,343   

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

    37,440        5,572,944   

Rice Energy, Inc. (a) (b)

    43,170        905,275   

Whiting Petroleum Corp. (a)

    93,340        3,080,220   

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

    16,385        736,342   
   

 

 

 
      50,831,982   
   

 

 

 

Paper & Forest Products—0.5%

  

Boise Cascade Co. (a)

    57,571        2,138,763   

International Paper Co.

    76,300        4,088,154   
   

 

 

 
      6,226,917   
   

 

 

 

Personal Products—0.4%

  

Coty, Inc. - Class A

    128,560      2,656,049   

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The) - Class A

    17,690        1,347,978   

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. - Class A (b)

    22,788        995,836   
   

 

 

 
      4,999,863   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—2.9%

  

Achaogen, Inc. (a) (b)

    21,700        283,185   

Actavis plc (a)

    21,030        5,413,332   

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a) (b)

    12,730        371,589   

AstraZeneca plc (ADR)

    61,080        4,298,810   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

    156,060        9,212,222   

Johnson & Johnson

    64,350        6,729,080   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    153,401        8,711,643   

Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (a) (b)

    39,995        1,388,626   

Relypsa, Inc. (a)

    17,835        549,318   

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)

    19,710        782,684   

Zoetis, Inc.

    37,365        1,607,816   
   

 

 

 
      39,348,305   
   

 

 

 

Professional Services—0.7%

  

Equifax, Inc.

    32,161        2,600,860   

ManpowerGroup, Inc.

    25,910        1,766,285   

Nielsen NV

    53,590        2,397,081   

Robert Half International, Inc.

    14,590        851,764   

TriNet Group, Inc. (a)

    52,670        1,647,517   
   

 

 

 
      9,263,507   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—1.9%

  

American Tower Corp.

    60,452        5,975,680   

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

    38,608        6,308,161   

Public Storage

    21,524        3,978,711   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

    16,933        3,083,669   

SL Green Realty Corp.

    29,540        3,515,851   

Weyerhaeuser Co.

    101,650        3,648,219   
   

 

 

 
      26,510,291   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—0.3%

  

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (b)

    10,160        855,980   

Kansas City Southern

    8,830        1,077,525   

Norfolk Southern Corp.

    10,470        1,147,617   

Swift Transportation Co. (a) (b)

    35,720        1,022,663   
   

 

 

 
      4,103,785   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment—1.4%

  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    110,980        2,765,621   

First Solar, Inc. (a)

    9,880        440,599   

Freescale Semiconductor, Ltd. (a) (b)

    208,820        5,268,528   

Intel Corp. (b)

    247,183        8,970,271   

Lam Research Corp.

    15,870        1,259,126   

SunPower Corp. (a) (b)

    15,725        406,177   
   

 

 

 
      19,110,322   
   

 

 

 

Software—1.4%

  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a) (b)

    25,380        481,459   

Microsoft Corp.

    402,399        18,691,433   
   

 

 

 
      19,172,892   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Specialty Retail—2.6%

  

Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

    46,082      $ 7,339,941   

AutoZone, Inc. (a)

    4,439        2,748,229   

L Brands, Inc.

    43,650        3,777,908   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    193,900        13,340,320   

Ross Stores, Inc.

    31,000        2,922,060   

Signet Jewelers, Ltd.

    36,184        4,760,729   
   

 

 

 
      34,889,187   
   

 

 

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals—4.1%

  

Apple, Inc.

    402,224        44,397,485   

Hewlett-Packard Co.

    109,400        4,390,222   

Western Digital Corp.

    64,791        7,172,364   
   

 

 

 
      55,960,071   
   

 

 

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—0.5%

  

Ralph Lauren Corp.

    15,490        2,868,128   

VF Corp.

    49,590        3,714,291   
   

 

 

 
      6,582,419   
   

 

 

 

Tobacco—1.0%

  

Altria Group, Inc.

    182,180        8,976,008   

Lorillard, Inc.

    70,190        4,417,759   
   

 

 

 
      13,393,767   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $712,317,556)

      812,501,577   
   

 

 

 
U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—11.8%   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed —10.9%

  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

   

2.500%, TBA (c)

    1,900,000        1,934,437   

3.000%, 07/01/28

    3,133,625        3,265,655   

3.000%, TBA (c)

    1,100,000        1,143,356   

3.500%, 07/01/28

    464,535        494,834   

3.500%, 11/01/28

    1,751,891        1,852,240   

4.000%, 04/01/26

    85,219        91,371   

4.500%, 08/01/18

    30,395        32,520   

4.500%, 06/01/24

    602,972        650,752   

4.500%, 02/01/25

    173,745        187,522   

4.500%, 04/01/25

    25,537        27,601   

4.500%, 07/01/25

    123,391        133,371   

4.500%, 06/01/26

    2,631,115        2,843,174   

5.000%, TBA (c)

    1,500,000        1,580,672   

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, 02/01/43

    1,163,051        1,179,635   

3.000%, 03/01/43

    3,313,649        3,358,535   

3.000%, 04/01/43

    2,594,775        2,630,197   

3.000%, 05/01/43

    4,346,726        4,407,472   

3.000%, 06/01/43

    438,945        445,433   

3.500%, 03/01/43

    90,900        94,954   

3.500%, 05/01/43

    179,853        187,875   

3.500%, 06/01/43

    645,092        675,394   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.500%, 07/01/43

    1,003,248      1,049,307   

3.500%, 08/01/43

    1,577,047        1,649,968   

4.000%, 08/01/42

    285,678        305,992   

4.000%, TBA (c)

    2,600,000        2,774,860   

4.500%, 09/01/41

    140,827        153,114   

4.500%, 08/01/42

    216,257        234,973   

4.500%, 09/01/43

    3,654,458        3,976,162   

4.500%, 10/01/43

    565,512        615,522   

4.500%, 12/01/43

    446,207        484,968   

4.500%, 01/01/44

    1,034,139        1,138,095   

4.500%, TBA (c)

    10,400,000        11,288,876   

5.000%, 04/01/33

    8,964        9,932   

5.000%, 07/01/33

    25,643        28,410   

5.000%, 09/01/33

    406,758        450,650   

5.000%, 11/01/33

    99,818        110,596   

5.000%, 12/01/33

    40,657        45,041   

5.000%, 02/01/34

    17,618        19,516   

5.000%, 03/01/34

    8,510        9,427   

5.000%, 04/01/34

    8,421        9,328   

5.000%, 06/01/34

    7,556        8,364   

5.000%, 07/01/34

    123,159        136,376   

5.000%, 10/01/34

    319,511        353,975   

5.000%, 07/01/35

    210,221        232,827   

5.000%, 10/01/35

    235,531        260,946   

5.000%, 12/01/35

    183,598        203,287   

5.000%, 08/01/36

    168,145        186,179   

5.000%, 07/01/37

    87,253        96,671   

5.000%, 07/01/41

    141,818        157,572   

5.000%, 08/01/41

    97,104        107,464   

5.000%, TBA (c)

    300,000        331,447   

5.500%, 08/01/28

    31,972        35,726   

5.500%, 04/01/33

    104,873        118,188   

5.500%, 08/01/37

    656,364        738,945   

5.500%, 04/01/41

    57,292        64,378   

5.500%, TBA (c)

    600,000        671,156   

6.000%, 03/01/28

    9,375        10,632   

6.000%, 05/01/28

    14,648        16,591   

6.000%, 06/01/28

    2,504        2,836   

6.000%, 02/01/34

    409,105        467,493   

6.000%, 08/01/34

    225,601        257,640   

6.000%, 04/01/35

    1,839,243        2,102,489   

6.000%, 02/01/38

    154,427        175,058   

6.000%, 03/01/38

    58,959        67,748   

6.000%, 05/01/38

    183,663        211,153   

6.000%, 10/01/38

    53,798        61,210   

6.000%, 12/01/38

    71,378        81,326   

6.000%, TBA (c)

    1,400,000        1,587,633   

6.500%, 05/01/40

    1,414,054        1,610,359   

Fannie Mae ARM Pool

   

2.989%, 03/01/41 (d)

    159,614        169,908   

3.129%, 03/01/41 (d)

    224,549        238,931   

3.178%, 12/01/40 (d)

    359,166        376,744   

3.340%, 06/01/41 (d)

    418,035        440,669   

3.504%, 09/01/41 (d)

    310,724        328,258   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Fannie Mae Pool

   

2.290%, 10/01/22

    19,207      $ 19,015   

2.440%, 01/01/23

    20,000        19,848   

2.450%, 08/01/22

    14,205        14,205   

2.660%, 09/01/22

    19,318        19,563   

2.760%, 05/01/21

    175,000        179,472   

2.780%, 04/01/22

    28,552        29,204   

2.980%, 01/01/22

    28,531        29,576   

3.200%, 04/01/22

    19,257        20,202   

3.210%, 05/01/23

    165,000        172,876   

3.340%, 04/01/24

    85,000        89,676   

3.450%, 01/01/24

    35,000        37,156   

3.470%, 01/01/24

    34,628        36,815   

3.650%, 08/01/23

    1,867,243        2,007,708   

3.670%, 08/01/23

    83,701        90,119   

3.700%, 10/01/23

    25,000        26,979   

3.760%, 03/01/24

    30,000        32,425   

3.780%, 10/01/23

    2,217,064        2,405,712   

3.810%, 11/01/23

    640,396        696,359   

3.855%, 12/01/25

    45,000        49,167   

3.860%, 11/01/23

    25,000        27,197   

3.870%, 10/01/25

    78,711        86,421   

3.890%, 05/01/30

    104,433        113,091   

3.930%, 10/01/23

    110,000        120,443   

3.960%, 05/01/34

    44,664        49,075   

3.970%, 05/01/29

    30,000        33,034   

4.060%, 10/01/28

    68,373        75,908   

Fannie Mae-ACES

   

2.364%, 01/25/22 (d) (e)

    1,719,691        192,953   

3.329%, 10/25/23 (d)

    505,000        531,046   

Freddie Mac 15 Yr. Gold Pool

   

2.500%, 11/01/28

    2,148,986        2,188,415   

3.000%, 07/01/28

    1,137,130        1,182,226   

3.000%, 08/01/29

    756,492        788,696   

3.000%, TBA (c)

    100,000        103,791   

3.500%, TBA (c)

    1,500,000        1,583,438   

4.000%, TBA (c)

    2,000,000        2,117,812   

Freddie Mac 20 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.500%, 08/01/34

    1,656,973        1,738,265   

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

3.000%, 03/01/43

    545,769        552,314   

3.000%, 04/01/43

    2,912,937        2,947,611   

3.000%, 08/01/43

    1,306,318        1,322,117   

3.000%, TBA (c)

    900,000        909,141   

3.500%, 04/01/42

    362,323        378,561   

3.500%, 08/01/42

    293,599        306,952   

3.500%, 09/01/42

    167,195        174,498   

3.500%, 11/01/42

    333,317        347,203   

3.500%, 04/01/43

    1,074,462        1,121,434   

3.500%, 12/01/43

    1,031,132        1,076,244   

3.500%, TBA (c)

    400,000        415,906   

4.000%, 08/01/42

    395,929        423,433   

4.000%, 09/01/42

    615,105        657,515   

4.000%, 01/01/44

    3,941,061        4,206,061   

4.000%, 07/01/44

    199,395        213,437   

4.000%, TBA (c)

    2,100,000        2,238,469   

Agency Sponsored Mortgage - Backed—(Continued)

  

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

   

4.500%, 09/01/43

    348,310      378,231   

4.500%, 11/01/43

    3,350,802        3,630,566   

4.500%, TBA (c)

    5,400,000        5,852,883   

5.500%, 07/01/33

    299,966        337,984   

5.500%, 04/01/39

    143,814        160,737   

5.500%, 06/01/41

    538,418        601,899   

Freddie Mac ARM Non-Gold Pool

   

2.999%, 02/01/41 (d)

    300,249        320,130   

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass-Through Certificates

   

1.506%, 06/25/22 (d) (e)

    1,940,509        172,599   

1.549%, 12/25/18 (d) (e)

    3,199,880        170,685   

1.733%, 03/25/22 (d) (e)

    1,493,705        148,447   

1.778%, 05/25/19 (d) (e)

    2,504,046        165,588   

2.637%, 01/25/23

    1,525,000        1,531,402   

FREMF Mortgage Trust

   

3.009%, 10/25/47 (144A) (d)

    770,000        769,870   

Ginnie Mae (CMO)

   

0.988%, 02/16/53 (d) (e)

    3,198,594        239,002   

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, TBA (c)

    1,400,000        1,431,675   

3.500%, TBA (c)

    7,500,000        7,872,656   

4.000%, 09/15/42

    1,944,447        2,087,935   

4.500%, 04/15/41

    1,728,354        1,893,717   

4.500%, 02/15/42

    3,494,842        3,828,497   

5.000%, 12/15/38

    113,756        125,467   

5.000%, 04/15/39

    2,582,672        2,845,426   

5.000%, 07/15/39

    237,480        262,580   

5.000%, 12/15/40

    339,885        377,032   

5.500%, 12/15/40

    1,107,016        1,236,356   

9.000%, 11/15/19

    5,575        5,602   

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

   

3.000%, TBA (c)

    500,000        511,313   

4.000%, TBA (c)

    12,600,000        13,509,415   

5.000%, 10/20/39

    59,161        66,058   
   

 

 

 
      148,214,452   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—0.9%

  

U.S. Treasury Bonds

   

2.750%, 08/15/42 (f)

    350,000        349,891   

3.000%, 11/15/44 (f)

    1,300,000        1,366,219   

U.S. Treasury Floating Rate Notes

   

0.110%, 07/31/16 (d) (f)

    5,000,000        4,999,895   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes (l)

   

0.125%, 04/15/19

    6,232,226        6,163,571   
   

 

 

 
      12,879,576   
   

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies
(Cost $158,753,550)

      161,094,028   
   

 

 

 
Corporate Bonds & Notes—11.0%   

Aerospace/Defense—0.0%

  

Triumph Group, Inc.

   

5.250%, 06/01/22

    160,000        159,600   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Apparel—0.0%

  

William Carter Co. (The)

   

5.250%, 08/15/21

    400,000      $ 412,000   
   

 

 

 

Auto Manufacturers—0.1%

  

General Motors Co.

   

6.250%, 10/02/43

    290,000        346,434   

Volkswagen Group of America Finance LLC

   

1.600%, 11/20/17 (144A)

    820,000        817,000   
   

 

 

 
      1,163,434   
   

 

 

 

Banks—3.7%

  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.

   

7.000%, 02/19/19 (EUR) (d)

    1,000,000        1,232,736   

9.000%, 05/09/18 (d)

    600,000        642,000   

Banco del Estado de Chile

   

3.875%, 02/08/22

    250,000        252,377   

Banco do Brasil S.A

   

6.250%, 04/15/24 (d)

    675,000        492,750   

Banco Santander S.A.

   

6.250%, 03/12/19 (EUR) (d)

    1,500,000        1,769,698   

Bank of America Corp.

   

4.000%, 04/01/24

    925,000        963,133   

4.125%, 01/22/24

    500,000        525,077   

4.200%, 08/26/24

    255,000        259,775   

6.050%, 05/16/16

    950,000        1,005,980   

7.750%, 05/14/38

    1,000,000        1,412,304   

Bank of Ireland

   

10.000%, 07/30/16 (EUR)

    460,000        600,310   

Barclays Bank plc

   

6.050%, 12/04/17 (144A)

    2,325,000        2,557,295   

Barclays plc

   

8.000%, 12/15/20 (EUR) (d)

    350,000        440,776   

8.250%, 12/15/18 (d)

    600,000        614,951   

BPCE S.A.

   

5.150%, 07/21/24 (144A)

    2,150,000        2,215,513   

Capital One Financial Corp.

   

6.150%, 09/01/16

    1,575,000        1,692,553   

CIT Group, Inc.

   

5.500%, 02/15/19 (144A)

    540,000        569,700   

Citigroup, Inc.

   

1.700%, 07/25/16

    525,000        528,596   

1.850%, 11/24/17

    1,050,000        1,048,794   

2.500%, 09/26/18

    250,000        252,921   

4.300%, 11/20/26

    1,200,000        1,197,312   

4.450%, 01/10/17

    269,000        284,355   

5.500%, 09/13/25

    2,150,000        2,378,986   

Credit Agricole S.A.

   

6.500%, 06/23/21 (EUR) (d)

    450,000        552,963   

6.625%, 09/23/19 (144A) (d)

    270,000        261,697   

8.125%, 09/19/33 (144A) (d)

    225,000        251,027   

Credit Suisse AG

   

5.750%, 09/18/25 (EUR) (d)

    280,000        382,860   

Credit Suisse Group AG

   

6.250%, 12/18/24 (144A) (d)

    465,000        447,214   

Credit Suisse Group Guernsey I, Ltd.

   

7.875%, 02/24/41 (d)

    250,000        265,000   

Banks—(Continued)

  

Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC

   

4.125%, 12/10/22

    275,000      231,000   

Export-Import Bank of India

   

4.000%, 01/14/23 (b)

    280,000        280,076   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

   

1.836%, 11/29/23 (d)

    864,000        887,665   

3.625%, 02/07/16

    331,000        339,625   

3.625%, 01/22/23

    552,000        558,967   

6.250%, 02/01/41

    430,000        543,582   

6.750%, 10/01/37

    1,375,000        1,728,891   

HSBC Holdings plc

   

5.250%, 03/14/44

    280,000        313,643   

5.625%, 01/17/20 (b) (d)

    675,000        677,362   

6.800%, 06/01/38

    625,000        828,859   

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Ltd.

   

6.000%, 12/10/19 (144A) (d)

    472,000        477,900   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

   

2.600%, 01/15/16

    520,000        528,912   

3.375%, 05/01/23

    710,000        702,413   

4.750%, 03/01/15

    467,000        469,670   

4.850%, 02/01/44

    495,000        549,105   

5.625%, 08/16/43 (b)

    500,000        581,451   

6.000%, 01/15/18

    725,000        811,158   

6.750%, 02/01/24 (d)

    388,000        409,340   

KBC Groep NV

   

5.625%, 03/19/19 (EUR) (d)

    190,000        224,737   

LBI HF

   

6.100%, 08/25/11 (144A) (g)

    320,000        31,200   

Lloyds Banking Group plc

   

6.375%, 06/27/20 (EUR) (d)

    780,000        959,177   

7.000%, 06/27/19 (GBP) (d)

    280,000        433,135   

Morgan Stanley

   

2.500%, 01/24/19

    455,000        455,413   

3.800%, 04/29/16

    345,000        356,392   

4.350%, 09/08/26

    520,000        523,107   

5.000%, 11/24/25

    707,000        754,450   

5.550%, 04/27/17

    1,350,000        1,465,336   

6.250%, 08/28/17

    1,000,000        1,110,864   

Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc

   

5.125%, 05/28/24

    535,000        544,197   

6.125%, 12/15/22

    560,000        609,507   

Santander U.S. Debt S.A. Unipersonal

   

3.724%, 01/20/15 (144A)

    1,000,000        1,001,369   

Societe Generale S.A.

   

6.000%, 01/27/20 (144A) (d)

    300,000        273,000   

6.750%, 04/07/21 (EUR) (d)

    480,000        563,690   

8.250%, 11/29/18 (b) (d)

    1,210,000        1,242,972   

UBS AG

   

7.625%, 08/17/22

    250,000        294,339   

UniCredit S.p.A.

   

8.000%, 06/03/24 (d)

    230,000        223,445   

Wells Fargo & Co.

   

4.100%, 06/03/26

    1,385,000        1,415,549   

4.125%, 08/15/23

    615,000        645,492   

4.650%, 11/04/44

    275,000        283,762   
   

 

 

 
      49,429,405   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Beverages—0.1%

  

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc.

   

0.800%, 07/15/15

    550,000      $ 550,882   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—0.1%

  

Amgen, Inc.

   

5.650%, 06/15/42

    236,000        280,793   

Celgene Corp.

   

4.625%, 05/15/44

    715,000        741,644   

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

   

3.500%, 02/01/25 (b)

    420,000        431,088   
   

 

 

 
      1,453,525   
   

 

 

 

Building Materials—0.1%

  

Building Materials Corp. of America

   

5.375%, 11/15/24 (144A)

    145,000        144,638   

6.750%, 05/01/21 (144A)

    270,000        285,525   

Cemex S.A.B. de C.V.

   

4.750%, 01/11/22 (EUR)

    220,000        260,554   

Union Andina de Cementos SAA

   

5.875%, 10/30/21 (144A)

    565,000        573,192   
   

 

 

 
      1,263,909   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—0.1%

  

CF Industries, Inc.

   

5.150%, 03/15/34

    1,060,000        1,108,759   

Eagle Spinco, Inc.

   

4.625%, 02/15/21

    225,000        213,188   

NOVA Chemicals Corp.

   

5.000%, 05/01/25 (144A)

    315,000        312,637   
   

 

 

 
      1,634,584   
   

 

 

 

Coal—0.0%

  

Peabody Energy Corp.

   

6.000%, 11/15/18

    20,000        18,150   

6.500%, 09/15/20 (b)

    360,000        312,300   
   

 

 

 
      330,450   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services—0.1%

  

ADT Corp. (The)

   

6.250%, 10/15/21 (b)

    470,000        482,925   

Cardtronics, Inc.

   

5.125%, 08/01/22 (144A)

    220,000        214,500   

Deluxe Corp.

   

7.000%, 03/15/19 (b)

    210,000        219,188   

Sotheby’s

   

5.250%, 10/01/22 (144A)

    345,000        326,025   
   

 

 

 
      1,242,638   
   

 

 

 

Computers—0.0%

  

NCR Corp.

   

4.625%, 02/15/21

    240,000        232,800   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.5%

  

Ally Financial, Inc.

   

3.750%, 11/18/19

    335,000      329,975   

5.125%, 09/30/24 (b)

    80,000        81,200   

American Express Co.

   

3.625%, 12/05/24

    650,000        655,418   

General Electric Capital Corp.

   

5.300%, 02/11/21

    1,225,000        1,398,934   

6.250%, 12/15/22 (d)

    600,000        653,250   

General Motors Financial Co., Inc.

   

3.500%, 07/10/19

    1,080,000        1,102,812   

4.750%, 08/15/17

    1,215,000        1,281,339   

International Lease Finance Corp.

   

5.875%, 04/01/19 (b)

    810,000        872,775   

Navient Corp.

   

5.500%, 01/15/19

    520,000        531,700   

7.250%, 01/25/22

    290,000        314,650   
   

 

 

 
      7,222,053   
   

 

 

 

Electric—0.4%

  

AES Corp.

   

5.500%, 03/15/24

    325,000        329,810   

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co.

   

6.500%, 09/15/37

    1,121,000        1,467,156   

Consolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc.

   

3.300%, 12/01/24 (b)

    370,000        376,770   

DPL, Inc.

   

7.250%, 10/15/21

    345,000        351,900   

Duke Energy Florida, Inc.

   

5.650%, 06/15/18

    225,000        253,753   

Duke Energy Progress, Inc.

   

4.375%, 03/30/44

    225,000        247,051   

Empresa Electrica Angamos S.A.

   

4.875%, 05/25/29 (144A) (b)

    830,000        815,475   

Eskom Holdings SOC, Ltd.

   

5.750%, 01/26/21 (144A)

    1,025,000        1,030,125   

NRG Energy, Inc.

   

6.250%, 07/15/22

    200,000        204,500   

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

   

3.750%, 02/15/24 (b)

    360,000        374,839   
   

 

 

 
      5,451,379   
   

 

 

 

Engineering & Construction—0.0%

   

Odebrecht Offshore Drilling Finance, Ltd.

   

6.750%, 10/01/22 (144A)

    5,443        4,980   
   

 

 

 

Environmental Control—0.0%

   

Clean Harbors, Inc.

   

5.250%, 08/01/20

    210,000        211,050   
   

 

 

 

Food—0.1%

   

ESAL GmbH

   

6.250%, 02/05/23

    525,000        497,438   

Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V.

   

4.875%, 06/27/44 (144A)

    1,270,000        1,277,620   
   

 

 

 
      1,775,058   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Forest Products & Paper—0.0%

   

Clearwater Paper Corp.

   

5.375%, 02/01/25 (144A)

    220,000      $ 216,700   
   

 

 

 

Gas—0.0%

   

Southern Star Central Corp.

   

5.125%, 07/15/22 (144A)

    25,000        25,125   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Products—0.2%

   

Medtronic, Inc.

   

2.500%, 03/15/20 (144A)

    855,000        857,243   

3.150%, 03/15/22 (144A)

    780,000        789,887   

4.625%, 03/15/45 (144A)

    375,000        406,496   
   

 

 

 
      2,053,626   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Services—0.3%

   

Anthem, Inc.

   

2.300%, 07/15/18

    822,000        826,550   

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.

   

5.125%, 08/01/21

    250,000        259,375   

HCA, Inc.

   

6.500%, 02/15/20

    810,000        907,605   

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

   

6.000%, 10/01/20

    460,000        493,962   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

   

1.400%, 10/15/17

    625,000        624,388   

2.300%, 12/15/19

    900,000        903,717   
   

 

 

 
      4,015,597   
   

 

 

 

Holding Companies-Diversified—0.1%

  

 

Hutchison Whampoa International, Ltd.

   

2.000%, 11/08/17 (144A)

    1,475,000        1,477,965   
   

 

 

 

Home Builders—0.0%

   

Lennar Corp.

   

4.500%, 06/15/19

    215,000        215,000   

Ryland Group, Inc. (The)

   

5.375%, 10/01/22

    240,000        232,800   
   

 

 

 
      447,800   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—0.4%

   

American International Group, Inc.

   

5.450%, 05/18/17

    335,000        365,518   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

   

2.550%, 10/15/18

    525,000        533,875   

3.500%, 03/10/25 (b)

    370,000        372,352   

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co.

   

8.875%, 06/01/39 (144A)

    325,000        524,386   

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co.

   

9.375%, 08/15/39 (144A)

    910,000        1,441,856   

Prudential Financial, Inc.

   

4.750%, 09/17/15

    842,000        863,993   

Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America

   

6.850%, 12/16/39 (144A)

    574,000        783,986   
   

 

 

 
      4,885,966   
   

 

 

 

Internet—0.1%

   

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.

   

4.500%, 11/28/34 (144A)

    360,000      370,085   

Amazon.com, Inc.

   

4.950%, 12/05/44

    800,000        826,404   

Equinix, Inc.

   

4.875%, 04/01/20

    190,000        189,050   
   

 

 

 
      1,385,539   
   

 

 

 

Iron/Steel—0.2%

   

ABJA Investment Co. Pte, Ltd.

   

5.950%, 07/31/24 (b)

    985,000        983,030   

ArcelorMittal

   

5.750%, 08/05/20

    465,000        482,437   

Glencore Funding LLC

   

1.700%, 05/27/16 (144A)

    625,000        625,994   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

   

5.125%, 10/01/21 (144A)

    95,000        96,781   

5.500%, 10/01/24 (144A)

    105,000        107,625   

United States Steel Corp.

   

6.875%, 04/01/21

    15,000        15,225   

7.375%, 04/01/20

    26,000        27,300   
   

 

 

 
      2,338,392   
   

 

 

 

Machinery-Diversified—0.0%

   

Case New Holland Industrial, Inc.

   

7.875%, 12/01/17

    335,000        368,500   

CNH Industrial Capital LLC

   

3.375%, 07/15/19 (144A)

    15,000        14,325   
   

 

 

 
      382,825   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.0%

   

21st Century Fox America, Inc.

   

6.150%, 03/01/37

    825,000        1,033,977   

CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

   

5.125%, 02/15/23

    10,000        9,775   

5.250%, 09/30/22

    330,000        329,175   

5.750%, 09/01/23 (b)

    60,000        60,750   

Comcast Corp.

   

4.750%, 03/01/44

    740,000        824,650   

Cox Communications, Inc.

   

3.850%, 02/01/25 (144A)

    520,000        524,897   

DIRECTV Holdings LLC / DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc.

   

3.950%, 01/15/25

    275,000        277,164   

5.000%, 03/01/21

    291,000        317,335   

5.150%, 03/15/42

    439,000        453,645   

DISH DBS Corp.

   

7.875%, 09/01/19

    490,000        556,150   

Gannett Co., Inc.

   

4.875%, 09/15/21 (144A)

    225,000        223,312   

5.125%, 10/15/19

    550,000        562,375   

NBCUniversal Media LLC

   

5.150%, 04/30/20

    601,000        682,015   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Media—(Continued)

   

Sky plc

   

2.625%, 09/16/19 (144A)

    810,000      $ 810,301   

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

   

5.000%, 02/01/20

    710,000        782,409   

8.250%, 04/01/19

    626,000        766,314   

8.750%, 02/14/19

    669,000        828,124   

Time Warner, Inc.

   

2.100%, 06/01/19

    695,000        684,717   

5.875%, 11/15/16

    485,000        525,718   

6.500%, 11/15/36

    1,325,000        1,685,631   

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG / Unitymedia NRW GmbH

   

5.500%, 01/15/23 (144A)

    450,000        470,250   

Viacom, Inc.

   

5.625%, 09/15/19

    775,000        870,376   

Videotron, Ltd.

   

5.375%, 06/15/24 (144A)

    425,000        433,500   
   

 

 

 
      13,712,560   
   

 

 

 

Mining—0.1%

   

FMG Resources (August 2006) Pty, Ltd.

   

6.875%, 04/01/22 (144A) (b)

    270,000        224,775   

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

   

4.000%, 11/14/21

    860,000        852,090   

5.450%, 03/15/43

    175,000        165,475   
   

 

 

 
      1,242,340   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas—0.8%

   

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

   

6.375%, 09/15/17

    900,000        1,000,622   

BP Capital Markets plc

   

2.521%, 01/15/20

    385,000        385,450   

California Resources Corp.

   

5.000%, 01/15/20 (144A) (b)

    15,000        13,013   

5.500%, 09/15/21 (144A)

    85,000        72,675   

6.000%, 11/15/24 (144A) (b)

    5,000        4,225   

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

   

5.200%, 09/15/43

    725,000        698,229   

CNPC General Capital, Ltd.

   

1.450%, 04/16/16 (144A)

    1,300,000        1,297,101   

Concho Resources, Inc.

   

6.500%, 01/15/22

    65,000        67,925   

Denbury Resources, Inc.

   

5.500%, 05/01/22

    107,000        97,905   

Harvest Operations Corp.

   

6.875%, 10/01/17

    210,000        202,387   

Lukoil International Finance B.V.

   

3.416%, 04/24/18 (144A)

    1,150,000        977,500   

MEG Energy Corp.

   

7.000%, 03/31/24 (144A) (b)

    151,000        136,655   

Nexen Energy ULC

   

5.875%, 03/10/35

    35,000        41,101   

Pertamina Persero PT

   

5.625%, 05/20/43

    275,000        258,500   

Oil & Gas—(Continued)

   

Petrobras Global Finance B.V.

   

5.375%, 10/01/29 (GBP) (b)

    1,075,000      1,332,019   

Petrobras International Finance Co. S.A.

   

3.875%, 01/27/16

    1,835,000        1,800,685   

Petroleos Mexicanos

   

5.500%, 06/27/44

    625,000        637,500   

SM Energy Co.

   

6.125%, 11/15/22 (144A)

    55,000        51,700   

State Oil Co. of the Azerbaijan Republic

   

4.750%, 03/13/23

    800,000        772,052   

Tesoro Corp.

   

5.125%, 04/01/24

    150,000        148,875   

WPX Energy, Inc.

   

5.250%, 09/15/24

    70,000        65,100   

6.000%, 01/15/22

    55,000        52,938   
   

 

 

 
      10,114,157   
   

 

 

 

Packaging & Containers—0.0%

   

Graphic Packaging International, Inc.

   

4.875%, 11/15/22

    220,000        221,100   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—0.1%

   

Bayer U.S. Finance LLC

   

2.375%, 10/08/19 (144A)

    425,000        426,687   

Cardinal Health, Inc.

   

3.500%, 11/15/24

    1,075,000        1,071,965   

Perrigo Co. plc

   

1.300%, 11/08/16

    335,000        333,533   
   

 

 

 
      1,832,185   
   

 

 

 

Pipelines—0.4%

   

Energy Transfer Equity L.P.

   

7.500%, 10/15/20

    390,000        432,900   

Energy Transfer Partners L.P.

   

4.150%, 10/01/20

    992,000        1,016,978   

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P.

   

5.500%, 03/01/44

    675,000        686,164   

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

   

3.050%, 12/01/19

    190,000        188,489   

4.300%, 06/01/25

    440,000        440,205   

MarkWest Energy Partners L.P. / MarkWest Energy Finance Corp.

   

4.875%, 12/01/24 (b)

    105,000        102,637   

6.750%, 11/01/20

    105,000        109,200   

Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P.

   

4.250%, 04/01/24

    345,000        348,882   

Tesoro Logistics L.P. / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp.

   

5.500%, 10/15/19 (144A)

    130,000        129,025   

6.250%, 10/15/22 (144A)

    200,000        199,500   

Williams Partners L.P.

   

3.900%, 01/15/25

    930,000        893,801   

4.300%, 03/04/24

    695,000        693,723   
   

 

 

 
      5,241,504   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Corporate Bonds & Notes—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.7%

   

American Tower Corp.

   

3.400%, 02/15/19

    785,000        798,988   

4.500%, 01/15/18

    425,000        451,344   

7.000%, 10/15/17

    240,000        270,969   

Brandywine Operating Partnership L.P.

   

3.950%, 02/15/23

    875,000        882,434   

Duke Realty L.P.

   

3.625%, 04/15/23 (b)

    550,000        552,133   

3.750%, 12/01/24 (b)

    240,000        242,834   

Health Care REIT, Inc.

   

4.500%, 01/15/24

    500,000        529,494   

Kimco Realty Corp.

   

3.125%, 06/01/23

    850,000        832,787   

Liberty Property L.P.

   

4.125%, 06/15/22

    525,000        544,229   

Prologis L.P.

   

3.350%, 02/01/21

    2,675,000        2,710,920   

Ventas Realty L.P. / Ventas Capital Corp.

   

2.700%, 04/01/20

    1,645,000        1,627,802   

3.125%, 11/30/15

    500,000        510,103   
   

 

 

 
      9,954,037   
   

 

 

 

Retail—0.1%

  

CVS Health Corp.

   

5.300%, 12/05/43

    102,000        121,933   

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

   

5.000%, 06/01/22 (144A)

    205,000        200,388   

Sally Holdings LLC / Sally Capital, Inc.

   

5.750%, 06/01/22

    45,000        47,138   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

   

4.300%, 04/22/44

    475,000        518,484   
   

 

 

 
      887,943   
   

 

 

 

Savings & Loans—0.1%

  

Nationwide Building Society

   

6.875%, 06/20/19 (GBP) (d)

    730,000        1,110,757   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors—0.1%

  

Sensata Technologies B.V.

   

5.625%, 11/01/24 (144A)

    20,000        20,750   

TSMC Global, Ltd.

   

1.625%, 04/03/18 (144A)

    1,400,000        1,374,128   
   

 

 

 
      1,394,878   
   

 

 

 

Software—0.1%

  

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

   

5.625%, 09/15/21 (144A)

    420,000        441,000   

Audatex North America, Inc.

   

6.000%, 06/15/21 (144A)

    270,000        278,100   

6.125%, 11/01/23 (144A)

    60,000        61,950   

MSCI, Inc.

   

5.250%, 11/15/24 (144A)

    75,000        77,625   
   

 

 

 
      858,675   
   

 

 

 

Sovereign—0.0%

  

Republic of Angola Via Northern Lights III B.V.

   

7.000%, 08/16/19

    500,000      497,500   

Telecommunications—0.8%

  

AT&T, Inc.

   

4.800%, 06/15/44

    510,000        519,668   

Inmarsat Finance plc

   

4.875%, 05/15/22 (144A)

    130,000        128,700   

SoftBank Corp.

   

4.500%, 04/15/20 (144A)

    380,000        374,300   

Sprint Communications, Inc.

   

7.000%, 03/01/20 (144A)

    540,000        583,200   

Sprint Corp.

   

7.125%, 06/15/24

    200,000        186,000   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

   

6.464%, 04/28/19

    440,000        457,600   

6.731%, 04/28/22

    400,000        412,000   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

   

2.625%, 02/21/20 (144A)

    1,777,000        1,756,683   

3.450%, 03/15/21

    365,000        373,045   

4.400%, 11/01/34

    800,000        795,185   

4.862%, 08/21/46 (144A)

    525,000        539,294   

5.012%, 08/21/54 (144A)

    783,000        810,052   

5.150%, 09/15/23

    403,000        445,006   

6.550%, 09/15/43

    2,180,000        2,792,905   
   

 

 

 
      10,173,638   
   

 

 

 

Transportation—0.0%

  

Ryder System, Inc.

   

2.550%, 06/01/19

    365,000        365,502   
   

 

 

 

Trucking & Leasing—0.1%

  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. L.P. / PTL Finance Corp.

   

4.875%, 07/11/22 (144A)

    1,425,000        1,535,037   
   

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes
(Cost $149,461,116)

      148,909,095   
   

 

 

 
Mortgage-Backed Securities—6.4%   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—1.7%

  

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust

   

0.440%, 11/25/35 (d)

    437,553        397,947   

Banc of America Funding Trust

   

0.396%, 02/20/47 (d)

    1,922,716        1,615,975   

Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust

   

2.743%, 07/25/36 (d)

    920,652        775,972   

Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust

   

0.650%, 02/25/36 (d)

    1,368,897        1,131,918   

2.677%, 08/25/36 (d)

    1,163,260        846,486   

Bear Stearns Mortgage Funding Trust

   

0.370%, 02/25/37 (d)

    1,162,918        865,643   

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust

   

0.440%, 01/25/36 (d)

    374,506        332,827   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust

   

0.490%, 11/25/35 (d)

    254,264      $ 202,352   

0.620%, 10/25/36 (d)

    246,271        180,592   

0.970%, 12/25/35 (d)

    360,943        297,529   

5.500%, 11/25/35

    1,632,747        1,480,998   

5.750%, 05/25/36

    106,398        90,246   

6.000%, 12/25/36

    259,339        205,285   

6.000%, 05/25/37

    338,260        274,990   

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust

   

0.370%, 04/25/46 (d)

    511,414        413,605   

0.510%, 02/25/35 (d)

    268,770        241,595   

0.510%, 03/25/35 (d)

    285,850        246,244   

2.424%, 06/20/35 (d)

    44,310        42,335   

2.538%, 09/25/47 (d)

    1,104,734        984,186   

5.750%, 08/25/37

    259,683        247,963   

Deutsche ALT-A Securities, Inc. Alternate Loan Trust

   

0.320%, 12/25/36 (d)

    617,887        532,271   

DSLA Mortgage Loan Trust

   

1.033%, 03/19/46 (d)

    138,110        105,596   

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities

   

3.070%, 07/25/24 (d)

    415,000        371,591   

3.170%, 07/25/24 (d)

    715,000        645,897   

5.055%, 11/25/24 (d)

    250,000        253,898   

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes

   

4.670%, 02/25/24 (d)

    355,000        351,187   

4.920%, 10/25/24 (d)

    250,000        246,952   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.670%, 11/25/35 (d)

    928,167        681,834   

2.630%, 01/25/36 (d)

    1,285,583        1,192,215   

6.000%, 07/25/37

    673,335        609,085   

HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.514%, 01/19/35 (d)

    131,203        91,522   

IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.370%, 10/25/36 (d)

    214,754        183,836   

0.410%, 07/25/35 (d)

    96,769        87,439   

2.667%, 10/25/35 (d)

    136,566        117,673   

Lehman XS Trust

   

0.360%, 11/25/46 (d)

    1,223,796        985,350   

0.410%, 06/25/47 (d)

    1,181,455        794,175   

1.020%, 09/25/47 (d)

    143,084        114,145   

Luminent Mortgage Trust

   

0.370%, 02/25/46 (d)

    201,779        152,031   

0.410%, 04/25/36 (d)

    214,294        141,395   

0.430%, 11/25/35 (d)

    105,360        94,776   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust

   

0.410%, 05/25/37 (d)

    284,901        192,040   

2.041%, 09/25/33 (d)

    200,036        200,644   

Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust

   

2.592%, 05/25/36 (d)

    610,031        444,311   

Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. Trust

   

0.390%, 02/25/46 (d)

    534,527        257,127   

0.913%, 09/25/46 (d)

    782,395        523,814   

1.406%, 11/25/37 (d)

    266,629        169,582   

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations—(Continued)

  

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust

   

0.470%, 09/25/34 (d)

    122,897      108,997   

WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust

   

0.933%, 12/25/46 (d)

    161,089        129,165   

1.093%, 07/25/46 (d)

    139,358        118,110   

Wells Fargo Alternative Loan Trust

   

2.579%, 12/28/37 (d)

    44,560        38,307   

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust

   

2.489%, 10/25/36 (d)

    890,069        827,610   

2.609%, 10/25/35 (d)

    1,541,000        1,483,562   
   

 

 

 
      23,120,825   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—4.7%

  

BB-UBS Trust

   

3.430%, 11/05/36 (144A)

    2,520,000        2,564,065   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

4.871%, 09/11/42

    361,627        366,834   

5.129%, 10/12/42 (d)

    806,982        818,385   

5.331%, 02/11/44

    169,283        180,867   

5.405%, 12/11/40 (d)

    1,134,748        1,164,865   

5.449%, 12/11/40 (d)

    170,000        175,501   

5.537%, 10/12/41

    638,073        673,015   

5.694%, 06/11/50 (d)

    930,170        1,008,917   

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.322%, 12/11/49

    1,645,000        1,741,663   

CD Mortgage Trust

   

5.299%, 01/15/46 (d)

    760,000        781,443   

6.124%, 11/15/44 (d)

    80,000        87,699   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

4.023%, 03/10/47

    655,000        701,576   

6.142%, 12/10/49 (d)

    440,000        481,464   

COBALT CMBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.223%, 08/15/48

    422,982        445,735   

5.254%, 08/15/48

    140,000        142,587   

Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates

   

3.424%, 03/10/31 (144A)

    1,065,000        1,092,844   

3.694%, 08/10/47

    365,000        380,157   

3.961%, 03/10/47

    730,000        781,929   

4.236%, 07/10/45 (d)

    680,134        747,034   

4.354%, 03/10/46 (144A) (d)

    315,000        213,327   

4.575%, 10/15/45 (144A) (d)

    165,000        156,080   

6.040%, 12/10/49 (d)

    1,700,805        1,827,935   

Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.702%, 06/15/39 (d)

    19,447        20,773   

5.970%, 02/15/41 (d)

    305,000        334,333   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.

   

4.771%, 07/15/37

    420,000        423,817   

FREMF Mortgage Trust

   

5.238%, 09/25/43 (144A) (d)

    855,000        945,086   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

  

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc.

   

5.238%, 11/10/45 (d)

    399,734      $ 406,809   

Greenwich Capital Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.736%, 12/10/49

    1,655,000        1,792,443   

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II

   

2.954%, 11/05/34 (144A)

    1,200,000        1,198,084   

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. Trust

   

3.633%, 06/05/31 (144A)

    130,000        133,943   

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

   

0.313%, 07/10/46 (d) (e)

    13,013,641        150,047   

1.689%, 08/10/44 (144A) (d) (e)

    1,665,873        97,225   

3.674%, 04/10/47 (144A)

    235,000        162,921   

3.680%, 04/10/47

    635,000        665,869   

3.862%, 06/10/47

    1,015,000        1,077,809   

3.998%, 04/10/47

    520,000        557,705   

4.867%, 04/10/47 (144A) (d)

    585,000        555,338   

Hilton USA Trust

   

2.662%, 11/05/30 (144A)

    1,055,000        1,056,330   

2.907%, 11/05/30 (144A) (d)

    251,294        251,307   

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp.

   

2.840%, 12/15/47

    890,059        888,256   

4.425%, 12/15/47 (144A) (d)

    245,000        210,707   

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

0.888%, 09/15/47 (d) (e)

    4,833,271        250,402   

1.661%, 02/12/51 (d)

    1,007,125        1,010,346   

2.753%, 10/15/45 (144A) (d)

    265,147        203,345   

3.775%, 08/15/47

    520,000        549,955   

3.905%, 05/05/30 (144A)

    905,000        945,978   

3.997%, 04/15/47

    570,000        613,308   

4.199%, 01/15/47

    1,280,000        1,398,921   

5.243%, 01/12/43 (d)

    685,000        700,106   

5.336%, 05/15/47

    1,475,549        1,567,068   

5.399%, 05/15/45

    623,593        656,149   

5.433%, 12/12/44 (d)

    650,000        674,049   

5.698%, 02/12/49 (d)

    1,325,000        1,421,492   

5.865%, 04/15/45 (d)

    735,000        767,465   

6.068%, 02/12/51

    724,753        792,003   

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

   

5.716%, 02/15/51

    507,911        546,250   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.858%, 07/15/40 (d)

    1,878,694        1,982,409   

5.866%, 09/15/45 (d)

    428,388        470,650   

6.154%, 04/15/41 (d)

    460,000        507,193   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust

   

5.137%, 07/12/38 (d)

    260,058        265,367   

ML-CFC Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

5.378%, 08/12/48

    1,186,180        1,260,077   

5.419%, 08/12/48

    340,000        356,952   

5.700%, 09/12/49

    1,630,000        1,762,799   

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

   

3.134%, 12/15/48

    155,000        157,114   

3.741%, 08/15/47

    320,000        337,021   

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities—(Continued)

  

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust

   

4.064%, 02/15/47

    1,295,000      1,396,685   

4.500%, 08/15/45 (144A)

    250,000        192,726   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

   

3.469%, 08/11/29 (144A)

    795,000        822,646   

4.989%, 08/13/42

    986,155        988,519   

5.206%, 11/14/42 (d)

    292,661        297,276   

5.404%, 10/12/52 (144A) (d)

    135,000        136,668   

5.656%, 10/15/42 (d)

    139,689        143,498   

5.692%, 04/15/49 (d)

    2,185,000        2,352,629   

5.809%, 12/12/49

    650,081        706,749   

Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust

   

5.796%, 08/12/45 (144A) (d)

    207,425        222,322   

5.796%, 08/15/45 (144A) (d)

    790,527        847,301   

UBS-Barclays Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

3.185%, 03/10/46

    735,000        747,269   

4.092%, 03/10/46 (144A) (d)

    155,000        127,083   

VNDO Mortgage Trust

   

2.996%, 11/15/30 (144A)

    1,105,000        1,106,085   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

4.935%, 04/15/42

    263,758        263,994   

5.396%, 03/15/42 (144A) (d)

    325,000        326,446   

5.418%, 01/15/45 (d)

    46,984        48,198   

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

2.918%, 10/15/45

    255,000        256,814   

3.817%, 08/15/50

    520,000        550,009   

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

   

1.461%, 03/15/47 (d) (e)

    2,478,188        208,720   

2.917%, 08/15/47

    375,233        385,259   

3.016%, 11/15/47 (144A)

    550,000        375,625   

3.678%, 08/15/47

    780,000        817,417   

3.995%, 05/15/47

    565,000        606,616   

4.045%, 03/15/47

    1,000,000        1,076,274   

4.101%, 03/15/47

    510,000        552,139   

4.902%, 06/15/44 (144A) (d)

    650,000        731,417   

5.000%, 06/15/44 (144A) (d)

    105,000        98,166   

5.000%, 04/15/45 (144A) (d)

    130,000        100,419   

5.562%, 04/15/45 (144A) (d)

    255,000        272,163   
   

 

 

 
      63,416,275   
   

 

 

 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $85,749,588)

      86,537,100   
   

 

 

 
Asset-Backed Securities—6.1%   

Asset-Backed - Automobile—1.8%

  

American Credit Acceptance Receivables Trust

   

1.140%, 03/12/18 (144A)

    254,220        254,288   

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust

   

1.310%, 11/08/17

    550,000        551,718   

1.520%, 01/08/19

    185,000        185,214   

1.660%, 09/10/18

    1,150,000        1,155,962   

1.690%, 11/08/18

    325,000        325,877   

1.930%, 08/08/18

    415,000        417,564   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Asset-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Asset-Backed - Automobile—(Continued)

  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust

   

2.290%, 11/08/19

    100,000      $ 100,715   

2.420%, 05/08/18

    1,006,000        1,020,962   

2.640%, 10/10/17

    430,000        436,855   

2.720%, 09/09/19

    620,000        630,685   

3.310%, 10/08/19

    245,000        248,995   

3.440%, 10/08/17

    565,000        574,308   

Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust

   

1.210%, 10/15/20 (144A)

    340,000        340,100   

1.500%, 04/15/21 (144A)

    330,000        330,653   

1.550%, 10/15/21 (144A)

    690,000        688,639   

1.880%, 03/15/22 (144A)

    1,280,000        1,280,046   

DT Auto Owner Trust

   

4.940%, 07/16/18 (144A)

    374,022        379,465   

First Investors Auto Owner Trust

   

1.490%, 01/15/20 (144A)

    395,000        395,179   

1.670%, 11/16/20 (144A)

    1,055,000        1,051,839   

1.810%, 10/15/18 (144A)

    195,000        195,800   

2.390%, 11/16/20 (144A)

    285,000        284,140   

Flagship Credit Auto Trust

   

1.210%, 04/15/19 (144A)

    331,414        330,572   

GM Financial Automobile Leasing Trust

   

1.960%, 03/20/18 (144A)

    200,000        200,214   

Prestige Auto Receivables Trust

   

1.090%, 02/15/18 (144A)

    195,440        195,686   

1.330%, 05/15/19 (144A)

    330,000        330,491   

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust

   

1.550%, 10/15/18

    805,000        807,574   

1.590%, 10/15/18

    1,245,000        1,247,638   

1.780%, 11/15/18 (144A)

    2,360,000        2,364,812   

1.820%, 05/15/19

    305,000        305,117   

1.890%, 10/15/19 (144A)

    775,000        781,825   

1.940%, 03/15/18

    535,000        538,654   

2.160%, 01/15/20

    610,000        617,673   

2.250%, 06/17/19

    665,000        671,380   

2.360%, 04/15/20

    785,000        789,399   

2.700%, 08/15/18

    350,000        356,062   

2.940%, 12/15/17

    520,000        527,104   

3.120%, 10/15/19 (144A)

    300,000        307,167   

3.250%, 01/15/20

    510,000        525,211   

3.780%, 11/15/17

    406,867        411,978   

3.780%, 10/15/19 (144A)

    195,000        200,704   

4.670%, 01/15/20 (144A)

    1,085,000        1,123,336   

Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust

   

1.580%, 04/15/20 (144A)

    1,335,000        1,334,741   
   

 

 

 
      24,816,342   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Home Equity—0.3%

  

GSAA Home Equity Trust

   

0.240%, 12/25/46 (d)

    437,914        236,262   

0.400%, 04/25/47 (d)

    316,699        206,071   

0.410%, 11/25/36 (d)

    411,526        240,368   

0.470%, 03/25/36 (d)

    1,887,002        1,319,368   

5.985%, 06/25/36 (d)

    729,044        438,222   

Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I, Inc. Trust

   

0.320%, 06/25/36 (d)

    1,409,321        1,057,500   
   

 

 

 
      3,497,791   
   

 

 

 

Asset-Backed - Other—4.0%

  

AMMC CLO, Ltd.

   

1.798%, 07/27/26 (144A) (d)

    1,340,000      1,326,769   

Apidos CDO

   

1.681%, 01/19/25 (144A) (d)

    895,000        884,650   

1.728%, 04/17/26 (144A) (d)

    1,595,000        1,584,476   

Ares CLO, Ltd.

   

1.081%, 04/20/23 (144A) (d)

    1,311,255        1,299,259   

1.748%, 04/17/26 (144A) (d)

    1,475,000        1,462,912   

Atlas Senior Loan Fund, Ltd.

   

1.796%, 10/15/26 (144A) (d)

    1,190,000        1,181,113   

1.796%, 07/16/26 (144A) (d)

    615,000        612,159   

Atrium VII

   

1.982%, 11/16/22 (144A) (d)

    550,000        549,997   

Avalon Capital, Ltd.

   

2.078%, 04/17/23 (144A) (d)

    585,000        579,438   

Avery Point CLO, Ltd.

   

1.754%, 04/25/26 (144A) (d)

    1,460,000        1,456,703   

Babson CLO, Ltd.

   

1.720%, 07/20/25 (144A) (d)

    340,000        338,724   

Battalion CLO, Ltd.

   

1.632%, 10/22/25 (144A) (d)

    615,000        609,077   

Benefit Street Partners CLO II, Ltd.

   

1.431%, 07/15/24 (144A) (d)

    320,000        312,501   

Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO, Ltd.

   

1.621%, 01/20/25 (144A) (d)

    1,935,000        1,923,030   

Cavalary CLO II

   

2.228%, 01/17/24 (144A) (d)

    990,000        961,096   

Cent CLO 21, Ltd.

   

1.721%, 07/27/26 (144A) (d)

    940,000        933,382   

CIFC Funding, Ltd.

   

1.713%, 05/24/26 (144A) (d)

    1,580,000        1,567,558   

1.731%, 04/18/25 (144A) (d)

    1,585,000        1,568,426   

2.333%, 08/14/24 (144A) (d)

    985,000        984,990   

Dryden Senior Loan Fund

   

1.711%, 07/15/26 (144A) (d)

    1,605,000        1,589,663   

Finance America Mortgage Loan Trust

   

1.220%, 09/25/33 (d)

    130,708        123,140   

Flatiron CLO, Ltd.

   

2.136%, 07/17/26 (144A) (d)

    330,000        323,978   

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust

   

1.400%, 02/15/19

    230,000        229,621   

2.860%, 01/15/19

    139,000        142,988   

3.500%, 01/15/19

    265,000        275,224   

Fremont Home Loan Trust

   

1.220%, 12/25/33 (d)

    114,940        109,444   

GMACM Home Equity Loan Trust

   

0.410%, 10/25/34 (144A) (d)

    178,788        168,005   

Gramercy Park CLO, Ltd.

   

1.528%, 07/17/23 (144A) (d)

    1,345,000        1,330,239   

GT Loan Financing I, Ltd.

   

1.503%, 10/28/24 (144A) (d)

    680,000        671,683   

HLSS Servicer Advance Receivables Backed Notes

   

1.495%, 05/16/44 (144A)

    140,000        139,916   

1.793%, 05/15/46 (144A)

    2,210,000        2,183,038   

1.979%, 08/15/46 (144A)

    385,000        386,271   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Asset-Backed Securities—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Asset-Backed - Other—(Continued)

  

HLSS Servicer Advance Receivables Trust

   

1.990%, 10/15/45 (144A)

    440,000      $ 441,769   

ING Investment Management Co.

   

1.441%, 03/14/22 (144A) (d)

    1,500,000        1,491,669   

1.761%, 10/15/22 (144A) (d)

    435,000        433,622   

2.091%, 03/14/22 (144A) (d)

    500,000        495,392   

KKR Financial CLO, Ltd.

   

1.381%, 07/15/25 (144A) (d)

    565,000        551,303   

Knollwood CDO, Ltd.

   

3.433%, 01/10/39 (144A) (d)

    557,963        6   

Lehman XS Trust

   

0.430%, 11/25/35 (d)

    290,413        206,999   

Limerock CLO

   

1.731%, 04/18/26 (144A) (d)

    1,590,000        1,579,271   

Madison Park Funding, Ltd.

   

1.731%, 07/20/26 (144A) (d)

    1,485,000        1,480,125   

Magnetite, Ltd.

   

1.700%, 07/25/26 (144A) (d)

    1,255,000        1,245,542   

1.711%, 04/15/26 (144A) (d)

    970,000        963,506   

2.230%, 07/25/26 (144A) (d)

    1,010,000        990,928   

Neuberger Berman CLO, Ltd.

   

1.626%, 08/04/25 (144A) (d)

    1,230,000        1,214,825   

1.701%, 04/15/26 (144A) (d)

    1,170,000        1,159,910   

Newcastle Mortgage Securities Trust

   

0.400%, 04/25/37 (d)

    525,000        343,657   

Oak Hill Credit Partners X, Ltd.

   

1.701%, 07/20/26 (144A) (d)

    455,000        454,346   

Octagon Investment Partners XVI, Ltd.

   

1.348%, 07/17/25 (144A) (d)

    720,000        703,475   

OHA Loan Funding, Ltd.

   

1.503%, 08/23/24 (144A) (d)

    695,000        687,404   

OZLM Funding IV, Ltd.

   

1.382%, 07/22/25 (144A) (d)

    1,205,000        1,181,566   

SBA Tower Trust

   

2.898%, 10/15/44 (144A)

    845,000        847,216   

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables LLC Trust

   

0.260%, 07/25/36 (d)

    616,234        300,087   

Seneca Park CLO, Ltd.

   

1.704%, 07/17/26 (144A) (d)

    1,095,000        1,085,652   

Shackleton CLO, Ltd.

   

1.722%, 07/17/26 (144A) (d)

    1,105,000        1,075,556   

Sound Point CLO, Ltd.

   

1.601%, 01/21/26 (144A) (d)

    260,000        256,280   

SpringCastle America Funding LLC

   

2.700%, 05/25/23 (144A)

    1,252,888        1,250,892   

Springleaf Funding Trust

   

2.410%, 12/15/22 (144A)

    1,140,000        1,139,056   

Symphony CLO L.P.

   

1.985%, 01/09/23 (144A) (d)

    1,280,000        1,273,056   

Symphony CLO, Ltd.

   

1.756%, 07/14/26 (144A) (d)

    1,295,000        1,287,609   

Vibrant CLO, Ltd.

   

1.708%, 07/17/24 (144A) (d)

    1,920,000        1,907,076   

Asset-Backed - Other—(Continued)

  

Vibrant CLO, Ltd.

   

2.628%, 07/17/24 (144A) (d)

    500,000      492,773   
   

 

 

 
      54,350,038   
   

 

 

 

Total Asset-Backed Securities
(Cost $83,414,963)

      82,664,171   
   

 

 

 
Floating Rate Loans (k)—2.2%   

Agriculture—0.0%

  

American Rock Salt Holdings LLC

   

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.750%, 05/20/21

    288,550        281,817   
   

 

 

 

Auto Components—0.1%

  

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 5.750%, 03/03/21

    149,845        140,854   

Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc.

   

1st Lien Term Loan, 3.750%, 03/01/21

    805,396        784,590   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 6.750%, 02/28/22

    205,000        193,469   
   

 

 

 
      1,118,913   
   

 

 

 

Auto Manufacturers—0.1%

  

Chrysler Group LLC

   

Term Loan B, 3.250%, 12/31/18

    883,325        877,529   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—0.2%

  

Arysta LifeScience SPC LLC

   

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.500%, 05/29/20

    356,381        354,896   

Ferro Corp.

   

Term Loan B, 4.000%, 07/31/21

    114,713        113,422   

Ineos U.S. Finance LLC

   

Term Loan, 3.750%, 05/04/18

    1,564,175        1,522,557   

Nexeo Solutions LLC

   

Term Loan B3, 5.000%, 09/08/17

    767,250        743,274   
   

 

 

 
      2,734,149   
   

 

 

 

Coal—0.0%

  

Arch Coal, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 6.250%, 05/16/18

    321,708        267,500   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Services—0.0%

  

Acosta Holdco, Inc.

   

Term Loan, 5.000%, 09/26/21

    185,000        184,954   

Moneygram International, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 4.250%, 03/27/20

    179,432        166,423   
   

 

 

 
      351,377   
   

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services—0.1%

  

Delos Finance S.a.r.l.

   

Term Loan B, 3.500%, 03/06/21

    335,000        333,046   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Floating Rate Loans (d)—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Diversified Financial Services—(Continued)

  

TransUnion LLC

   

Term Loan, 4.000%, 04/09/21

    436,061      $ 430,883   
   

 

 

 
      763,929   
   

 

 

 

Electric—0.1%

  

Calpine Construction Finance Co. L.P.

   

Term Loan B2, 3.250%, 01/31/22

    1,608,716        1,563,137   

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co. LLC

  

Term Loan, 4.250%, 06/19/16

    100,000        100,156   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Co. LLC

  

Term Loan, 3.750%, 05/05/16

    141,089        141,883   
   

 

 

 
      1,805,176   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—0.0%

  

Chief Exploration & Development LLC

   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.500%, 05/12/21

    105,000        95,288   

Seadrill Partners Finco LLC

   

Term Loan B, 4.000%, 02/21/21

    683,100        533,501   
   

 

 

 
      628,789   
   

 

 

 

Food—0.1%

  

Albertson’s Holdings LLC

   

Term Loan B4, 4.500%, 08/25/21

    225,000        225,422   

Aramark Services, Inc.

   

Term Loan F, 3.250%, 02/24/21

    492,280        484,998   

JBS USA Holdings, Inc.

   

Incremental Term Loan, 3.750%, 09/18/20

    575,946        568,920   
   

 

 

 
      1,279,340   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Products—0.1%

  

Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A.

   

Term Loan B, 3.250%, 03/19/21

    774,150        759,796   
   

 

 

 

Healthcare-Services—0.2%

  

24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 4.750%, 05/28/21

    159,200        153,727   

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 3.500%, 06/24/21

    174,125        172,726   

IMS Health, Inc.

   

Term Loan, 3.500%, 03/17/21

    952,800        934,141   

Medpace Holdings, Inc.

   

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.750%, 04/01/21

    276,321        274,076   

MPH Acquisition Holdings LLC

   

Term Loan, 3.750%, 03/31/21

    227,273        221,449   

Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 4.750%, 06/30/21

    238,800        235,367   

U.S. Renal Care, Inc.

   

Term Loan, 4.250%, 07/03/19

    376,190        371,018   
   

 

 

 
      2,362,504   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—0.0%

  

Aristocrat Leisure, Ltd.

   

Term Loan B, 4.750%, 10/20/21

    225,000      221,625   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—0.1%

  

Revlon Consumer Products Corp.

   

Term Loan B, 3.250%, 11/20/17

    950,000        942,875   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—0.1%

  

Asurion LLC

   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.500%, 03/03/21

    285,000        284,287   

Term Loan B1, 5.000%, 05/24/19

    226,521        223,784   

Term Loan B2, 4.250%, 07/08/20

    296,985        288,818   

Hub International, Ltd.

   

Term Loan B, 4.250%, 10/02/20

    346,128        337,129   
   

 

 

 
      1,134,018   
   

 

 

 

Internet & Catalog Retail—0.0%

  

Lands’ End, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 4.250%, 04/04/21

    233,238        228,281   
   

 

 

 

Internet Software & Services—0.0%

  

Dealertrack Technologies, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 3.250%, 02/28/21

    539,022        529,751   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Time—0.1%

  

Delta 2 (LUX) S.a.r.l.

   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.750%, 07/31/22

    165,000        161,081   

Term Loan B3, 4.750%, 07/30/21

    500,000        489,219   
   

 

 

 
      650,300   
   

 

 

 

Lodging—0.1%

  

La Quinta Intermediate Holdings LLC

   

Term Loan B, 4.000%, 04/14/21

    568,616        562,646   

Station Casinos LLC

   

Term Loan B, 4.250%, 03/02/20

    311,515        306,063   
   

 

 

 
      868,709   
   

 

 

 

Machinery-Diversified—0.1%

  

Alliance Laundry Systems LLC

   

Term Loan, 4.250%, 12/10/18

    149,171        147,866   

Gardner Denver, Inc.

   

Term Loan, 4.250%, 07/30/20

    569,236        534,992   

Interline Brands, Inc.

   

Term Loan, 4.000%, 03/17/21

    769,188        743,227   

PRA Holdings, Inc.

   

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.500%, 09/23/20

    266,875        263,873   
   

 

 

 
      1,689,958   
   

 

 

 

Media—0.0%

  

Advantage Sales & Marketing, Inc.

   

1st Lien Term Loan, 4.250%, 07/23/21

    139,650        138,472   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Floating Rate Loans (d)—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Media—(Continued)

  

Charter Communications Operating LLC

   

Term Loan G, 4.250%, 09/12/21

    180,000      $ 181,137   

Numericable U.S. LLC

   

Term Loan B1, 4.500%, 05/21/20

    93,827        93,827   

Term Loan B2, 4.500%, 05/21/20

    81,173        81,173   
   

 

 

 
      494,609   
   

 

 

 

Oil & Gas—0.0%

  

Fieldwood Energy LLC

   

1st Lien Term Loan, 3.875%, 09/28/18

    504,890        479,961   

Paragon Offshore Finance Co.

   

Term Loan B, 3.750%, 07/18/21

    99,750        82,793   

Templar Energy LLC

   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 8.500%, 11/25/20

    100,000        72,250   
   

 

 

 
      635,004   
   

 

 

 

Packaging & Containers—0.1%

  

Berry Plastics Holding Corp.

   

Term Loan D, 3.500%, 02/08/20

    296,977        288,810   

BWAY Holding Co., Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 5.552%, 08/14/20

    169,150        168,463   

Caesars Growth Properties Holdings LLC

   

Term Loan, 6.250%, 05/08/21

    213,925        198,594   

Signode Industrial Group U.S., Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 3.750%, 05/01/21

    308,333        296,771   
   

 

 

 
      952,638   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—0.0%

  

Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 3.169%, 02/27/21

    645,125        637,383   
   

 

 

 

Pipelines—0.0%

  

Energy Transfer Equity L.P.

   

Term Loan, 3.250%, 12/02/19

    325,000        316,062   
   

 

 

 

Retail—0.2%

  

J Crew Group, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 4.000%, 03/05/21

    895,500        844,009   

Michaels Stores, Inc.

   

Incremental Term Loan B2, 4.000%, 01/28/20

    124,688        123,129   

Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. (The)

   

Term Loan, 4.250%, 10/25/20

    640,163        627,981   

Party City Holdings, Inc.

   

Term Loan, 4.000%, 07/27/19

    623,700        611,226   

Rite Aid Corp.

   

Term Loan 7, 3.500%, 02/21/20

    744,375        742,979   
   

 

 

 
      2,949,324   
   

 

 

 

Semiconductors—0.1%

  

Avago Technologies Cayman, Ltd.

   

Term Loan B, 3.750%, 05/06/21

    218,900        218,353   

Semiconductors—(Continued)

  

Entegris, Inc.

   

Term Loan B, 3.500%, 04/30/21

    435,514      427,076   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

   

Term Loan B4, 4.250%, 02/28/20

    346,500        338,704   
   

 

 

 
      984,133   
   

 

 

 

Software—0.1%

  

Infor (U.S.), Inc.

   

Term Loan B5, 3.750%, 06/03/20

    339,796        330,133   

Kronos, Inc.

   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 9.750%, 04/30/20

    154,879        158,266   

Incremental Term Loan, 4.500%, 10/30/19

    405,378        403,351   
   

 

 

 
      891,750   
   

 

 

 

Telecommunications—0.2%

  

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

   

Incremental Term Loan B5, 4.500%, 01/31/22

    190,000        190,653   

West Corp.

   

Term Loan B10, 3.250%, 06/30/18

    263,650        259,036   

XO Communications LLC

   

Term Loan, 4.250%, 03/17/21

    372,188        367,768   

Ziggo Financing Partnership

   

Term Loan B1, 3.500%, 01/15/22

    536,191        522,787   

Term Loan B2A, 3.500%, 01/15/22

    345,532        336,893   

Term Loan B3, 3.500%, 01/15/22

    568,277        554,070   
   

 

 

 
      2,231,207   
   

 

 

 

Trading Companies & Distributors—0.0%

  

 

Neff Rental LLC

   

2nd Lien Term Loan, 7.250%, 06/09/21

    104,130        102,829   
   

 

 

 

Total Floating Rate Loans
(Cost $30,450,637)

      29,691,275   
   

 

 

 
Foreign Government—1.3%   

Sovereign—1.3%

   

Brazil Letras Financeiras do Tesouro

   

Zero Coupon, 09/01/20 (BRL) (d)

    586,000        1,441,165   

Brazilian Government International Bond

   

5.000%, 01/27/45 (b)

    300,000        294,000   

Colombian TES

   

6.000%, 04/28/28 (COP)

    1,758,600,000        642,094   

Costa Rica Government International Bond

   

5.625%, 04/30/43 (b)

    600,000        493,500   

Croatia Government International Bond

   

6.000%, 01/26/24

    300,000        323,250   

Dominican Republic International Bond

   

11.500%, 05/10/24 (144A) (DOP)

    40,000,000        899,325   

Export-Import Bank of China (The)

   

3.625%, 07/31/24 (b)

    1,575,000        1,590,369   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Foreign Government—(Continued)

 

Security Description       
    
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Sovereign—(Continued)

   

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

   

6.625%, 12/11/24 (144A)

    270,000      $ 263,250   

Indonesia Treasury Bonds

   

8.375%, 03/15/24 (IDR)

    9,000,000,000        753,936   

Kazakhstan Government International Bond

   

4.875%, 10/14/44 (144A)

    850,000        777,750   

Kenya Government International Bond

   

6.875%, 06/24/24

    500,000        523,750   

Mexican Udibonos

   

4.000%, 06/13/19 (MXN)

    13,085,270        967,854   

4.000%, 11/08/46 (MXN)

    10,960,784        848,098   

Mexico Government International Bonds

   

4.000%, 10/02/23 (b)

    1,024,000        1,062,400   

4.750%, 03/08/44

    1,400,000        1,459,500   

6.750%, 09/27/34

    75,000        97,950   

Nigeria Government International Bond

   

5.125%, 07/12/18

    775,000        767,250   

Romanian Government International Bond

   

4.375%, 08/22/23 (b)

    1,000,000        1,051,250   

Russian Federal Bond - OFZ

   

7.500%, 02/27/19 (RUB)

    30,675,000        388,802   

South Africa Government Bond

   

7.750%, 02/28/23 (ZAR)

    11,525,000        991,323   

Uruguay Government International Bonds

   

4.250%, 04/05/27 (UYU)

    23,487,348        951,762   

4.375%, 12/15/28 (UYU)

    5,325,071        220,444   

Venezuela Government International Bond

   

7.000%, 03/31/38 (b)

    950,000        388,550   
   

 

 

 

Total Foreign Government
(Cost $18,363,927)

      17,197,572   
   

 

 

 
Municipals—0.5%                

Puerto Rico Commonwealth Government Employees Retirement System

   

6.150%, 07/01/38

    1,860,000        924,234   

6.200%, 07/01/39

    825,000        409,934   

6.550%, 07/01/58

    315,000        156,486   

State of California General Obligation Unlimited, Build America Bonds

   

7.350%, 11/01/39

    1,525,000        2,258,830   

7.600%, 11/01/40

    350,000        546,115   

State of Illinois

   

4.511%, 03/01/15

    650,000        654,524   

University of California CA, Revenue

   

4.601%, 05/15/31

    1,775,000        1,960,807   
   

 

 

 

Total Municipals
(Cost $6,600,243)

      6,910,930   
   

 

 

 
Purchased Options—0.0%    
Security Description  

Shares/

Notional/
Principal
Amount*

    Value  

Call Options—0.0%

   

BRL Currency, Strike Price BRL 2.41 Expires 09/28/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (BRL) (h)

    330,000      310   

INR Currency, Strike Price INR 62.55 Expires 01/16/15 (Counterparty - Bank of America N.A.) (INR) (h)

    70,000,000        964   

MXN Currency, Strike Price MXN 13.61 Expires 01/15/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (MXN) (h)

    14,412,013        0   

RUB Currency, Strike Price $36.97 Expires 09/02/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (RUB) (h)

    50,000,000        5,236   
   

 

 

 
      6,510   
   

 

 

 

Put Options—0.0%

   

10 Year Interest Rate Swap, Exercise Rate 3.50%, Expires 04/29/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (h)

    7,575,000        996   

PEN Currency, Strike Price PEN 3.01 Expires 03/10/15 (Counterparty - JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.) (PEN) (h)

    1,790,000        8,459   
   

 

 

 
      9,455   
   

 

 

 

Total Purchased Options
(Cost $200,031)

      15,965   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—8.8%   

Mutual Fund—3.8%

   

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (i)

    52,284,330        52,284,330   
   

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury—1.7%

   

U.S. Treasury Bills

   

0.005%, 01/08/15 (f) (j)

    15,575,000        15,574,982   

0.010%, 01/02/15 (b) (j)

    3,900,000        3,899,998   

0.024%, 01/29/15 (j)

    3,900,000        3,899,927   
   

 

 

 
      23,374,907   
   

 

 

 

Commercial Paper—0.6%

   

Abbey National Treasury Services plc

   

0.070%, 01/08/15 (j)

    3,950,000        3,950,000   

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

   

0.140%, 01/08/15 (j)

    3,950,000        3,950,000   
   

 

 

 
      7,900,000   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Short-Term Investments—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Repurchase Agreement—2.7%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp.
Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $36,322,076 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $37,050,000 Federal Home Loan Bank at 0.160% due 03/11/15 with a value of $37,050,000.

    36,322,076      $ 36,322,076   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $119,881,313)

      119,881,313   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—107.9%
(Cost $1,365,192,924) (m)

      1,465,403,026   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(7.9)%

      (107,036,274
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 1,358,366,752   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal and notional amounts stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $60,508,843 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $52,284,330 and non-cash collateral with a value of $10,070,545. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(c) TBA (To Be Announced) Securities are purchased on a forward commitment basis with an approximate principal amount and no defined maturity date. The actual principal and maturity date will be determined upon settlement date.
(d) Variable or floating rate security. The stated rate represents the rate at December 31, 2014. Maturity date shown for callable securities reflects the earliest possible call date.
(e) Interest only security.
(f) All or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral against open centrally cleared swap contracts. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities pledged was $2,654,520.
(g) Non-income producing; Security is in default and/or issuer is in bankruptcy.
(h) Illiquid security. As of December 31, 2014, these securities represent 0.0% of net assets.
(i) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(j) The rate shown represents current yield to maturity.
(k) Floating rate loans (Senior Loans) often require prepayments from excess cash flows or permit the borrowers to repay at their election. The degree to which borrowers repay, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, cannot be predicted with accuracy. As a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown. However, Senior Loans will have an expected average life of approximately two to four years. The stated interest rate represents the weighted average interest rate of all contracts within the senior loan facility and includes commitment fees on unfunded loan commitments, if any. Senior Loans typically have rates of interest which are determined either daily, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually by reference to a base lending rate, plus a premium. These base rates are primarily the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and secondarily, the prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks (the “Prime Rate”) and the certificate of deposit (“CD”) rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders.
(l) Principal amount of security is adjusted for inflation.
(m) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,368,564,346. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $98,296,102 and $(1,457,422), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $96,838,680 for federal income tax purposes.
(144A)— Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of 144A securities was $118,646,826, which is 8.7% of net assets.
(ACES)— Alternative Credit Enhancement Securities.
(ADR)— An American Depositary Receipt is a certificate issued by a custodian bank representing the right to receive securities of the foreign issuer described. Trading on exchanges not located in the United States or Canada significantly influences the value of ADRs.
(ARM)— Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
(BRL)— Brazilian Real
(CDO)— Collateralized Debt Obligation
(CLO)— Collateralized Loan Obligation
(CMO)— Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
(COP)— Colombian Peso
(DOP)— Dominican Peso
(EUR)— Euro
(GBP)— British Pound
(IDR)— Indonesian Rupiah
(INR)— Indian Rupee
(MXN)— Mexican Peso
(PEN)— Peruvian Nuevo Sol
(REMIC)— Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit
(RUB)— Russian Ruble
(UYU)— Uruguayan Peso
(ZAR)— South African Rand

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Contracts to
Buy

    

Counterparty

     Settlement
Date
       In Exchange
for
       Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
BRL     2,085,000      

UBS AG

       01/15/15         $ 767,580         $ 14,669   
EUR     100,000      

Royal Bank of Canada

       01/16/15           122,887           (1,868

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts—(Continued)

 

Contracts to Buy

    

Counterparty

     Settlement
Date
       In Exchange
for
       Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
EUR     4,000      

National Australia Bank Ltd.

       03/18/15         $ 4,955         $ (112
MYR     2,520,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       02/13/15           721,753           (3,322
NGN     153,497,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       10/08/15           845,714           (92,921
RON     2,900,000      

BNP Paribas S.A.

       03/16/15           803,280           (21,749
RSD     49,000,000      

Citibank N.A.

       09/18/15           493,802           (35,176
TRY     2,125,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       03/31/15           894,812           (2,093

Contracts to Deliver

                                 
BRL     2,085,000      

UBS AG

       01/15/15           776,797           (5,452
COP     1,880,400,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/15/15           791,914           838   
COP     1,643,100,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       01/15/15           704,437           13,193   
EUR     5,702,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/16/15           7,081,171           180,656   
EUR     415,000      

Citibank N.A.

       09/18/15           536,782           33,113   
GBP     1,002,000      

Citibank N.A.

       01/16/15           1,569,503           7,920   
GBP     325,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       02/06/15           512,455           6,037   
GBP     165,000      

Bank of America N.A.

       02/06/15           261,521           4,416   
GBP     265,000      

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc

       02/06/15           417,111           4,186   
MYR     5,310,000      

Barclays Bank plc

       02/13/15           1,579,652           65,815   
NGN     77,000,000      

Citibank N.A.

       10/08/15           364,066           (13,564
RUB     14,000,000      

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

       01/15/15           266,286           36,114   
TRY     2,125,000      

Barclays Bank plc

       03/31/15           910,778           18,059   
ZAR     5,940,000      

Barclays Bank plc

       01/15/15           515,325           2,648   
                   

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation

  

     $  211,407   
                   

 

 

 

TBA Forward Sale Commitments

 

Security Description

   Interest Rate     Maturity      Face
Amount
    Cost     Value  

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

     4.500     TBA         (3,500,000   $ (3,682,930   $ (3,677,461

Fannie Mae 15 Yr. Pool

     3.500     TBA         (9,700,000     (10,231,984     (10,247,140

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

     3.000     TBA         (1,200,000     (1,201,688     (1,213,875

Fannie Mae 30 Yr. Pool

     3.500     TBA         (7,500,000     (7,809,984     (7,818,165

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

     5.000     TBA         (700,000     (774,484     (772,434

Freddie Mac 30 Yr. Gold Pool

     5.500     TBA         (1,000,000     (1,118,828     (1,117,109

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

     4.000     TBA         (1,200,000     (1,282,328     (1,287,361

Ginnie Mae I 30 Yr. Pool

     4.500     TBA         (8,700,000     (9,500,125     (9,505,770

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

     4.500     TBA         (3,500,000     (3,824,570     (3,824,160

Ginnie Mae II 30 Yr. Pool

     3.500     TBA         (1,600,000     (1,678,516     (1,679,500
         

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ (41,105,437   $ (41,142,975
         

 

 

   

 

 

 

Futures Contracts

 

Futures Contracts—Long

   Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures

     03/20/15         101        USD         10,450,085      $ (85,465

U.S. Treasury Long Bond Futures

     03/20/15         193        USD         27,711,805        188,758   

U.S. Treasury Note 2 Year Futures

     03/31/15         131        USD         28,685,276        (49,495

U.S. Treasury Note 5 Year Futures

     03/31/15         484        USD         57,565,487        (3,518

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond Futures

     03/20/15         129        USD         21,139,087        170,101   

United Kingdom Long Gilt Bond Futures

     03/27/15         9        GBP         1,047,429        44,171   

Futures Contracts—Short

                                

Euro-Bund Futures

     03/06/15         (8     EUR         (1,224,571     (27,092

U.S. Treasury Note 10 Year Futures

     03/20/15         (137     USD         (17,343,345     (27,827
            

 

 

 

Net Unrealized Appreciation

  

  $ 209,633   
            

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-23


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Swap Agreements

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Agreements—Buy Protection (a)

 

Reference Obligation

   Fixed Deal
(Pay) Rate
    Maturity
Date
     Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
   Notional
Amount(c)
     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Markit CDX North America High Yield Index, Series 22

     (5.000%     06/20/19       3.265%      USD         1,965,150       $ (10,256

Markit CDX North America High Yield Index, Series 23

     (5.000%     12/20/19       3.557%      USD         30,970,000         (236,619

Markit CDX North America Investment Grade, Series 23

     (1.000%     12/20/19       0.661%      USD         36,475,000         (67,835

Markit iTraxx Crossover Index, Series 22

     (5.000%     12/20/19       3.459%      EUR         11,415,000         89,782   

Markit iTraxx Europe Index, Series 22

     (1.000%     12/20/19       0.630%      EUR         7,205,000         11,931   
                

 

 

 

Totals

  

   $ (212,997
                

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Corporate and Sovereign Issues—Buy Protection (a)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixed Deal
(Pay) Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Depreciation
 

Darden Restaurants, Inc.
6.200%, due 10/15/17

    (1.000%     12/20/19      Barclays Bank plc     1.462%        USD        575,000      $ 12,500      $ 21,831      $ (9,331

Darden Restaurants, Inc.
6.200%, due 10/15/17

    (1.000%     12/20/19      Barclays Bank plc     1.462%        USD        230,000        5,000        8,501        (3,501

Darden Restaurants, Inc.
6.200%, due 10/15/17

    (1.000%     12/20/19      Barclays Bank plc     1.462%        USD        115,000        2,500        4,361        (1,861

Darden Restaurants, Inc.
6.200%, due 10/15/17

    (1.000%     12/20/19      Barclays Bank plc     1.462%        USD        105,000        2,283        3,735        (1,452

Federative Republic of Brazil 12.250%, due 03/06/30

    (1.000%     12/20/19      Goldman Sachs International     1.937%        USD        690,000        29,939        29,980        (41

Federative Republic of Brazil 12.250%, due 03/06/30

    (1.000%     12/20/19      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     1.937%        USD        685,000        29,722        34,893        (5,171

Republic of South Africa
5.500%, due 03/09/20

    (1.000%     12/20/19      Goldman Sachs International     1.832%        USD        650,000        (25,173     (18,038     (7,135

Russian Federation
7.500%, due 03/31/30

    (1.000%     12/20/19      Goldman Sachs International     4.779%        USD        2,150,000        337,930        467,273        (129,343
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ 394,701      $ 552,536      $ (157,835
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Sovereign Issues—Sell Protection (d)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixed Deal
Receive Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
 

Republic of Turkey
11.875%, due 11/15/30

    1.000%        12/20/19      BNP Paribas S.A.     1.772%        USD        660,000      $ (23,749   $ (24,333   $ 584   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices—Buy Protection (a)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixe Deal
(Pay) Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 1

    (0.180%     07/25/45      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        89,807      $ 2,245      $ 2,260      $ (15

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 1

    (0.180%     07/25/45      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        27,871        697               697   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-24


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices—Buy Protection (a)—(Continued)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixe Deal
(Pay) Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 2

    (0.110 %)      05/25/46      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        673,295      $ 133,817      $ 142,656      $ (8,839

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 2

    (0.110 %)      05/25/46      Barclays Bank plc     N/A        USD        750,113        149,085        150,310        (1,225

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 2

    (0.110 %)      05/25/46      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        881,157        175,130        180,640        (5,510

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 2

    (0.110 %)      05/25/46      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        2,331,678        463,421        479,094        (15,673

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 2

    (0.110 %)      05/25/46      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        347,944        69,154        74,063        (4,909

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 6, Version 2

    (0.110 %)      05/25/46      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        144,600        28,739        28,943        (204

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 7, Version 1

    (0.090 %)      08/25/37      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        396,194        102,406        101,031        1,375   

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 7, Version 1

    (0.090 %)      08/25/37      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        170,989        44,196        43,603        593   

Markit ABX-HE AAA, Series 7, Version 1

    (0.090 %)      08/25/37      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        116,773        30,183        30,361        (178

Markit ABX-HE PEN AAA, Series 6, Version 2

    (0.110 %)      05/25/46      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        498,778        69,205        69,908        (703

Markit CDX Emerging Markets Index, Series 2, Version 2

    (1.000 %)      12/20/19      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     3.394     USD        1,225,000        127,870        147,000        (19,130

Markit CMBX North America A, Series 7

    (2.000 %)      01/17/47      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        480,000        (954     (10,238     9,284   

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 2

    (0.150 %)      03/15/49      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        1,597,191        533,728        477,737        55,991   

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 7

    (1.500 %)      01/17/47      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        115,000        101        (1,302     1,403   

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 7

    (1.500 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        405,000        355        (3,797     4,152   

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 7

    (1.500 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        400,000        350        1,649        (1,299

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 7

    (1.500 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        385,000        337        2,154        (1,817

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 7

    (1.500 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        385,000        337        1,853        (1,516

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 7

    (1.500 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        370,000        324        (3,280     3,604   

Markit CMBX North America AA, Series 7

    (1.500 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        320,000        280        (3,623     3,903   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 1

    (0.840 %)      10/12/52      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        710,000        15,718        22,422        (6,704

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 2

    (1.090 %)      03/15/49      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        1,328,797        113,595        101,344        12,251   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 2

    (1.090 %)      03/15/49      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        555,318        47,473        41,643        5,830   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 2

    (1.090 %)      03/15/49      Deutsche Bank AG     N/A        USD        252,868        21,617        19,286        2,331   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        682,296        132,655        121,019        11,636   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        747,038        145,243        152,137        (6,894

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        632,493        122,973        126,516        (3,543

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        582,690        113,290        112,169        1,121   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-25


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices—Buy Protection (a)—(Continued)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixe Deal
(Pay) Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        463,164      $ 90,051      $ 87,435      $ 2,616   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        363,559        70,685        62,269        8,416   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        249,013        48,414        44,673        3,741   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        234,072        45,509        40,237        5,272   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        99,605        19,366        19,301        65   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Deutsche Bank AG     N/A        USD        348,618        67,780        60,582        7,198   

Markit CMBX North America AJ, Series 4

    (0.960 %)      02/17/51      Deutsche Bank AG     N/A        USD        229,092        44,541        40,527        4,014   

Markit CMBX North America AM, Series 2

    (0.500 %)      03/15/49      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        2,840,000        28,649        41,095        (12,446

Markit CMBX North America AM, Series 4

    (0.500 %)      02/17/51      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        435,000        13,879        23,564        (9,685

Markit CMBX North America AS, Series 6

    (1.000 %)      05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        1,080,000        9,207        11,647        (2,440

Markit CMBX North America AS, Series 7

    (1.000 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        535,000        8,814        8,498        316   

Markit CMBX North America AS, Series 7

    (1.000 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        485,000        7,440        11,679        (4,239

Markit CMBX North America AS, Series 7

    (1.000 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        140,000        2,307        2,463        (156

Markit CMBX North America AS, Series 7

    (1.000 %)      01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        50,000        824        456        368   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ 3,101,036      $ 3,061,984      $ 39,052   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTC Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices—Sell Protection (d)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixed Deal
Receive Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Markit CMBX North America A, Series 2

    0.250%        03/15/49      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        275,467      $ (181,579   $ (161,034   $ (20,545

Markit CMBX North America A, Series 6

    2.000%        05/11/63      Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc     N/A        USD        355,000        3,853        3,258        595   

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        375,000        (7,966     (8,693     727   

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        770,000        (16,357     (20,438     4,081   

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        1,095,000        (23,261     (24,760     1,499   

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        1,135,000        (24,111     (22,567     (1,544

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        6,970,000        (148,063     (146,772     (1,291

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Deutsche Bank AG     N/A        USD        315,000        (6,692     (7,036     344   

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Deutsche Bank AG     N/A        USD        750,000        (15,932     (11,532     (4,400

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Deutsche Bank AG     N/A        USD        1,115,000        (23,686     (24,026     340   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-26


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

OTC Credit Default Swaps on credit indices—Sell Protection (d)—(Continued)

 

Reference Obligation

  Fixed Deal
Receive Rate
    Maturity
Date
   

Counterparty

  Implied Credit
Spread at
December 31,
2014(b)
    Notional
Amount(c)
    Market
Value
    Upfront
Premium
Paid/
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        410,000      $ (8,710   $ (10,714   $ 2,004   

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 6

    0.500%        05/11/63      Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc     N/A        USD        745,000        (15,826     (16,860     1,034   

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 7

    0.500%        01/17/47      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        755,000        (23,909     (18,821     (5,088

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 7

    0.500%        01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        300,000        (9,500     (7,836     (1,664

Markit CMBX North America AAA, Series 7

    0.500%        01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        450,000        (14,250     (12,888     (1,362

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        340,000        1,147        (1,302     2,449   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        270,000        911        (1,194     2,105   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Barclays Bank plc     N/A        USD        255,000        860        1,707        (847

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        1,342,000        4,526        (13,934     18,460   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        900,000        3,035        21,976        (18,941

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        815,000        2,748        13,988        (11,240

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        450,000        1,517        (3,100     4,617   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 6

    5.000%        05/11/63      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        140,000        472        (19     491   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 7

    5.000%        01/17/47      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        225,000        (4,584     (6,120     1,536   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 7

    5.000%        01/17/47      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        230,000        (4,686     (5,674     988   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 7

    5.000%        01/17/47      Bank of America N.A.     N/A        USD        405,000        (8,251     3,616        (11,867

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 7

    5.000%        01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        195,000        (3,973     (10,880     6,907   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 7

    5.000%        01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        1,465,000        (29,847     (53,594     23,747   

Markit CMBX North America BB, Series 7

    5.000%        01/17/47      Deutsche Bank AG     N/A        USD        90,000        (1,834     (2,580     746   

Markit CMBX North America BBB-, Series 7

    3.000%        01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        370,000        (4,398     (6,491     2,093   

Markit CMBX North America BBB-, Series 7

    3.000%        01/17/47      Credit Suisse International     N/A        USD        595,000        (7,072     (18,997     11,925   

Markit PrimeX ARM, Series 2

    4.580%        12/25/37      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        947,662        29,220        28,457        763   

Markit PrimeX FRM, Series 1

    4.420%        07/25/36      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.     N/A        USD        68        7        7          
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Totals

  

  $ (536,191   $ (544,853   $ 8,662   
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Securities in the amount of $364,239 have been received at the custodian bank as collateral for swap contracts.

 

(a) If the Portfolio is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Portfolio will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.
(b) Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on corporate issues or indices as of period end serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-27


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

 

into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. A credit spread identified as “Defaulted” indicates a credit event has occurred for the referenced entity or obligation.

(c) The maximum potential amount of future undiscounted payments that the Portfolio could be required to make under a credit default swap contract would be the notional amount of the contract. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the referenced debt obligation or net amounts received from the settlement of purchased protection credit default swap contracts entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced debt obligation.
(d) If the Portfolio is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Portfolio will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.
(ABX-HE)— Asset-Backed Home Equity Index
(BRL)— Brazilian Real
(CMBX)— Commercial Mortgage-Backed Index
(COP)— Colombian Peso
(EUR)— Euro
(GBP)— British Pound
(MYR)— Malaysian Ringgit
(NGN)— Nigerian Naira
(RON)— New Romanian Leu
(RSD)— Serbian Dinar
(RUB)— Russian Ruble
(TRY)— Turkish Lira
(USD)— United States Dollar
(ZAR)— South African Rand

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-28


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3      Total  

Total Common Stocks*

   $ 812,501,577      $ —        $ —         $ 812,501,577   

Total U.S. Treasury & Government Agencies*

     —          161,094,028        —           161,094,028   

Total Corporate Bonds & Notes*

     —          148,909,095        —           148,909,095   

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities*

     —          86,537,100        —           86,537,100   

Total Asset-Backed Securities*

     —          82,664,171        —           82,664,171   

Total Floating Rate Loans*

     —          29,691,275        —           29,691,275   

Total Foreign Government*

     —          17,197,572        —           17,197,572   

Total Municipals

     —          6,910,930        —           6,910,930   

Total Purchased Options*

     —          15,965        —           15,965   
Short-Term Investments          

Mutual Fund

     52,284,330        —          —           52,284,330   

U.S. Treasury

     —          23,374,907        —           23,374,907   

Commercial Paper

     —          7,900,000        —           7,900,000   

Repurchase Agreement

     —          36,322,076        —           36,322,076   

Total Short-Term Investments

     52,284,330        67,596,983        —           119,881,313   

Total Investments

   $ 864,785,907      $ 600,617,119      $ —         $ 1,465,403,026   
                                   

Collateral for Securities Loaned (Liability)

   $ —        $ (52,284,330   $ —         $ (52,284,330

TBA Forward Sales Commitments

   $ —        $ (41,142,975   $ —         $ (41,142,975
Forward Contracts          

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ —        $ 387,664      $ —         $ 387,664   

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     —          (176,257     —           (176,257

Total Forward Contracts

   $ —        $ 211,407      $ —         $ 211,407   
Futures Contracts   

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ 403,030      $ —        $ —         $ 403,030   

Futures Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     (193,397     —          —           (193,397

Total Futures Contracts

   $ 209,633      $ —        $ —         $ 209,633   
Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts          

Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts (Unrealized Appreciation)

   $ —        $ 101,713      $ —         $ 101,713   

Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts (Unrealized Depreciation)

     —          (314,710     —           (314,710

Total Centrally Cleared Swap Contracts

   $ —        $ (212,997   $ —         $ (212,997
OTC Swap Contracts          

OTC Swap Contracts at Value (Assets)

   $ —        $ 3,570,160      $ —         $ 3,570,160   

OTC Swap Contracts at Value (Liabilities)

     —          (634,363     —           (634,363

Total OTC Swap Contracts

   $ —        $ 2,935,797      $ —         $ 2,935,797   

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-29


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

Investments at value (a) (b)

$ 1,465,403,026   

Cash

  425,139   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

  1,039   

Cash collateral (d)

  1,903,080   

OTC swap contracts at market value (e)

  3,570,160   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  387,664   

Receivable for:

Investments sold

  5,014,802   

TBA securities sold (f)

  88,821,266   

Fund shares sold

  34,370   

Principal paydowns

  25,072   

Dividends and interest

  3,784,916   

Variation margin on futures contracts

  71,069   

Interest on OTC swap contracts

  13,507   

Prepaid expenses

  3,505   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  1,569,458,615   

Liabilities

Forward sales commitments, at value

  41,142,975   

OTC swap contracts at market value (g)

  634,363   

Cash collateral for swap contracts

  2,378,000   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  176,257   

Collateral for securities loaned

  52,284,330   

Payables for:

Investments purchased

  7,622,058   

TBA securities purchased (f)

  105,129,227   

Fund shares redeemed

  413,843   

Foreign taxes

  803   

Variation margin on swap contracts

  18,237   

Payable for premium on purchased options

  401,540   

Interest on OTC swap contracts

  5,295   

Accrued Expenses:

Management fees

  487,257   

Distribution and service fees

  19,952   

Deferred trustees’ fees

  65,370   

Other expenses

  312,356   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

  211,091,863   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

$ 1,358,366,752   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

Paid in surplus

$ 1,013,748,772   

Undistributed net investment income

  25,647,505   

Accumulated net realized gain

  218,712,841   

Unrealized appreciation on investments, futures contracts, swap contracts and foreign currency transactions

  100,257,634   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

$ 1,358,366,752   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

Class A

$ 1,250,627,097   

Class B

  71,621,895   

Class E

  36,117,760   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

Class A

  56,095,763   

Class B

  3,229,895   

Class E

  1,623,693   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

Class A

$ 22.29   

Class B

  22.17   

Class E

  22.24   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Identified cost of investments was $1,365,192,924.
(b) Includes securities loaned at value of $60,508,843.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $1,663.
(d) Includes collateral of $1,687,784 for futures contracts and $215,296 for centrally cleared swap contracts.
(e) Net premium paid on OTC swap contracts was $3,692,640.
(f) Included within TBA securities sold is $82,410,336 related to TBA forward sale commitments and included within TBA securities purchased is $40,959,344 related to TBA forward sale commitments.
(g) Net premium received on OTC swap contracts was $647,306.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

Dividends (a)

$ 13,499,799   

Interest (b)

  17,585,306   

Securities lending income

  225,461   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

  31,310,566   

Expenses

Management fees

  6,164,307   

Administration fees

  31,699   

Custodian and accounting fees

  508,602   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

  182,376   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

  54,674   

Interest expense

  25,170   

Audit and tax services

  82,223   

Legal

  34,863   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

  38,591   

Shareholder reporting

  262,366   

Insurance

  8,402   

Miscellaneous

  17,148   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

  7,410,421   

Less management fee waiver

  (415,783

Less broker commission recapture

  (10,508
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

  6,984,130   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

  24,326,436   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

Net realized gain (loss) on:

Investments (c)

  242,432,977   

Futures contracts

  562,861   

Written options

  226,727   

Swap contracts

  (1,901,568

Foreign currency transactions

  670,800   
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

  241,991,797   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

Investments

  (130,579,317

Futures contracts

  (278,752

Written options

  27,174   

Swap contracts

  (585,685

Foreign currency transactions

  252,828   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

  (131,163,752
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

  110,828,045   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

$ 135,154,481   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $74,523.
(b) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $10,510.
(c) Net of foreign capital gains tax of $803.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-30


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 24,326,436      $ 24,314,308   

Net realized gain

     241,991,797        87,149,522   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (131,163,752     131,318,552   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     135,154,481        242,782,382   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (24,938,092     (29,469,679

Class B

     (1,292,484     (1,608,768

Class E

     (686,167     (844,948
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (26,916,743     (31,923,395
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (110,824,768     (90,973,572
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (2,587,030     119,885,415   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     1,360,953,782        1,241,068,367   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,358,366,752      $ 1,360,953,782   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 25,647,505      $ 26,722,022   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     734,471      $ 15,564,925        1,816,467      $ 34,142,526   

Reinvestments

     1,224,256        24,938,092        1,648,192        29,469,679   

Redemptions

     (6,526,709     (138,492,749     (7,721,804     (145,181,520
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (4,567,982   $ (97,989,732     (4,257,145   $ (81,569,315
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     187,005      $ 3,940,494        236,375      $ 4,430,064   

Reinvestments

     63,669        1,292,484        90,329        1,608,768   

Redemptions

     (681,968     (14,406,599     (609,866     (11,469,641
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (431,294   $ (9,173,621     (283,162   $ (5,430,809
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     46,123      $ 974,280        56,048      $ 1,067,699   

Reinvestments

     33,718        686,167        47,309        844,948   

Redemptions

     (251,411     (5,321,862     (312,756     (5,886,095
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (171,570   $ (3,661,415     (209,399   $ (3,973,448
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (110,824,768     $ (90,973,572
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-31


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 20.59      $ 17.52      $ 15.95      $ 15.72       $ 14.61   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.39        0.36        0.38        0.36         0.33   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.73        3.18        1.58        0.26         1.06   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     2.12        3.54        1.96        0.62         1.39   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.42     (0.47     (0.39     (0.39      (0.28
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.42     (0.47     (0.39     (0.39      (0.28
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.29      $ 20.59      $ 17.52      $ 15.95       $ 15.72   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.55        20.59  (c)      12.38        3.80         9.65   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.53        0.51        0.52        0.51         0.50   

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (%)

     0.53        0.51        0.52        0.51         0.50   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.50        0.51        0.52        0.51         0.50   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest
expense (%) (d)

     0.50        0.51        0.52        0.51         0.50   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.81        1.89        2.23        2.23         2.21   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     413  (e)      340  (e)      494  (e)      942         1,014   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 1,250.6      $ 1,249.1      $ 1,137.3      $ 1,126.6       $ 1,216.2   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 20.48      $ 17.43      $ 15.88      $ 15.65       $ 14.55   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.33        0.31        0.33        0.32         0.29   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.73        3.16        1.57        0.26         1.06   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     2.06        3.47        1.90        0.58         1.35   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.37     (0.42     (0.35     (0.35      (0.25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.37     (0.42     (0.35     (0.35      (0.25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.17      $ 20.48      $ 17.43      $ 15.88       $ 15.65   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.28        20.28  (c)      12.11        3.59         9.31   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.78        0.76        0.77        0.76         0.75   

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (%)

     0.78        0.76        0.77        0.76         0.75   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.75        0.76        0.77        0.76         0.75   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (%) (d)

     0.75        0.76        0.77        0.76         0.75   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.56        1.64        1.98        1.98         1.97   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     413  (e)      340  (e)      494  (e)      942         1,014   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 71.6      $ 75.0      $ 68.7      $ 67.8       $ 72.4   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-32


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014     2013     2012     2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 20.54      $ 17.48      $ 15.92      $ 15.70       $ 14.59   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

           

Net investment income (a)

     0.35        0.33        0.35        0.33         0.31   

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments

     1.74        3.17        1.57        0.26         1.06   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     2.09        3.50        1.92        0.59         1.37   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

           

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.39     (0.44     (0.36     (0.37      (0.26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (0.39     (0.44     (0.36     (0.37      (0.26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 22.24      $ 20.54      $ 17.48      $ 15.92       $ 15.70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.41        20.39  (c)      12.18        3.67         9.45   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

           

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.68        0.66        0.67        0.66         0.65   

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (%)

     0.68        0.66        0.67        0.66         0.65   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (d)

     0.65        0.66        0.67        0.66         0.65   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (%) (d)

     0.65        0.66        0.67        0.66         0.65   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.66        1.74        2.08        2.07         2.06   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     413  (e)      340  (e)      494  (e)      942         1,014   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 36.1      $ 36.9      $ 35.0      $ 35.4       $ 40.9   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) In 2013, 0.04%, 0.04% and 0.04% of the Portfolio’s total return for Class A, Class B and Class E, respectively, consists of a voluntary reimbursement by the subadvisor for a realized loss. Excluding this item, total return would have been 20.55%, 20.24% and 20.35% for Class A, Class B and Class E, respectively.
(d) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 6 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(e) Includes mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions; excluding these transactions the portfolio turnover rates would have been 163%, 139% and 243% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-33


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is WMC Balanced Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. On February 3, 2014, Wellington Management Company LLP succeeded BlackRock Advisors, LLC as the subadviser to the Portfolio and the name of the Portfolio was changed from the BlackRock Diversified Portfolio to the WMC Balanced Portfolio. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively

 

MSF-34


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Swap contracts (other than centrally cleared swaps) are marked-to-market daily based on quotations and prices supplied by market makers, broker-dealers and other pricing services. Such quotations and prices are derived utilizing significant observable data, including the underlying reference securities or indices, credit spread quotations and expected default recovery rates determined by the pricing service. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Centrally cleared swaps listed or traded on a multilateral or trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange, are valued at the daily settlement price determined by the respective exchange or an independent pricing service when the exchange price is not available. For centrally cleared credit default swaps, the clearing facility requires its members to provide actionable price levels across complete term structures. These levels along with external third party prices are used to produce daily settlement prices. These securities are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Centrally cleared interest rate swaps are valued using a pricing model that references the underlying rates, including the overnight index swap rate and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) forward rate to produce the daily settlement price. These securities are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes

 

MSF-35


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, paydown gain/loss reclasses, broker commission recapture, amortization and accretion of debt securities, convertible preferred stock adjustments, real estate investment trusts (REITs), return of capital adjustments and swap contract transactions. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $36,322,076, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with qualified institutions. In a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio transfers securities in exchange for cash to a financial institution or counterparty, concurrently with an agreement by the Portfolio to re-acquire the same securities at an agreed upon price and date. During the reverse repurchase agreement period, the Portfolio continues to receive principal and interest payments on these securities. The Portfolio will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which it will maintain liquid assets equal in value to its obligations in respect of reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities transferred by the Portfolio may decline below the agreed-upon reacquisition price of the securities. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any reverse repurchase transaction, the MRA entitles the non-defaulting party with a right to set-off claims and apply property held by it in respect of any reverse repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it. Cash received in exchange for securities transferred under reverse repurchase agreements plus accrued interest payments to be made by the Portfolio to counterparties are reflected as Reverse repurchase agreements on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

MSF-36


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had an outstanding reverse repurchase agreement balance for 26 days. The average amount of borrowings was $68,781,044 and the weighted average interest rate was (0.54%) during the 26 day period. There were no outstanding reverse repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2014.

Secured Borrowing Transactions - The Portfolio may enter into transactions consisting of a transfer of a security by the Portfolio to a financial institution or counterparty, with a simultaneous agreement to reacquire the same, or substantially the same security, at an agreed-upon price and future settlement date. Such transactions are treated as secured borrowings, and not as purchases and sales. The Portfolio receives cash from the transfer of the security to use for other investment purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio held U.S. Treasury securities purchased through secured borrowing transactions. During the term of the borrowing, the Portfolio is not entitled to receive principal and interest payments, if any, made on the security transferred to the counterparty during the term of the agreement. The difference between the transfer price and the reacquisition price, known as the “price drop”, is included in net investment income with the cost of the secured borrowing transaction being recorded as interest expense over the term of the borrowing.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls - The Portfolio may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which a Portfolio sells to-be-announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon, and maturity) securities on a specified future date. For the duration of the transaction, or roll period, the Portfolio foregoes principal (including prepayments of principal) and interest paid on the securities sold. Dollar rolls are accounted for as purchase and sale transactions; gain or loss is recognized at the commencement of the term of the dollar roll and each time the mortgage-backed security is rolled.

Treasury and mortgage dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities that the Portfolio is required to repurchase or reacquire may be less than the agreed-upon repurchase price of those securities and that the investment performance of securities purchased with proceeds from these transactions does not exceed the income, capital appreciation, and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities transferred or sold, as applicable, as part of the treasury or mortgage dollar roll.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities - The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related or other asset-backed securities. These securities may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage backed securities (“SMBS”), and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by or payable from, mortgage loans on real property or other receivables. The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose the Portfolio to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.

In one type of SMBS, one class receives all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). Because principal will not be received at the maturity of an IO, adjustments are made to the book value of the security until maturity. These adjustments are netted against payments received for the IOs and the net amount is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Payments received for POs are treated as reductions to the cost and par value of the securities. Details of mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are included in the Portfolio’s Schedule of Investments.

The Portfolio may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of issuers that hold mortgage and asset-backed securities and direct investments in securities backed by commercial and residential mortgage loans and other financial assets. The value and related income of these securities are sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults, and may be negatively impacted by increased volatility of market prices and periods of illiquidity.

TBA Purchase & Forward Sale Commitments - The Portfolio may enter into TBA commitments to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date. TBA commitments are considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased or sold declines or increases prior to settlement date, which is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolio’s other assets. TBA forward sale commitments are valued at the current market value of the underlying securities, according to the procedures described under “Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements”.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities - The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the purchase commitment is made. The Portfolio may purchase securities under such conditions only with the intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Portfolio may be required to pay more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.

 

MSF-37


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, the Portfolio will hold liquid assets in a segregated account with the Portfolio’s custodian, or set aside liquid assets in the Portfolio’s records, worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary value.

High Yield Debt Securities - The Portfolio may invest in high yield debt securities, or “junk bonds,” which are securities that are rated below “investment grade” or, if not rated, are of equivalent quality. A portfolio with high yield debt securities generally will be exposed to greater market risk and credit risk than a portfolio that invests only in investment grade debt securities because issuers of high yield debt securities are generally less secure financially, are more likely to default on their obligations, and their securities are more sensitive to interest rate changes and downturns in the economy. In addition, the secondary market for lower-rated debt securities may not be as liquid as that for more highly rated debt securities. As a result, the Portfolio’s Subadviser may find it more difficult to value lower-rated debt securities or sell them and may have to sell them at prices significantly lower than the values assigned to them by the Portfolio.

Floating Rate Loans - The Portfolio may invest in loans arranged through private negotiation between one or more financial institutions. The Portfolio’s investment in any such loan may be in the form of a participation in or an assignment of the loan. In connection with purchasing participations or an assignment, the Portfolio generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower. The Portfolio may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation or assignment.

The Portfolio will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the participation, the Portfolio may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

 

MSF-38


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

3. Investments in Derivative Instruments

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts - The Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to obtain investment exposure, enhance return or hedge or protect its portfolio holdings against the risk of future movements in certain foreign currency exchange rates. When entering into these contracts, the Portfolio agrees to receive or deliver a fixed quantity of foreign currency for an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date. These contracts are valued daily and the Portfolio’s net equity therein, representing unrealized gain or loss on the contracts as measured by the difference between the forward foreign exchange rates at the dates of entry into the contracts and the forward foreign exchange rates at the valuation date, is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When a contract is closed, the Portfolio recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in the Statement of Operations. These contracts involve market and/or credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities of the Portfolio, but it does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the currency holdings, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency increase. In addition, the Portfolio could be exposed to losses if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of the contracts. The Portfolio’s maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.

Futures Contracts - The Portfolio may buy and sell futures contracts as a hedge, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. The Portfolio may be subject to fluctuations in equity prices, interest rates, commodity prices, and foreign currency exchange rates in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Futures contracts are standardized agreements to buy or sell a security, or deliver a final cash settlement price in connection with an index, interest rate, currency, or other asset. The Portfolio must deposit an amount (“initial margin”) equal to a certain percentage of the face value of the futures contract. The initial margin may be in the form of cash or securities, which is returned when the Portfolio’s obligations under the contract have been satisfied. If cash is deposited as the initial margin, it is shown as cash collateral on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Futures contracts are marked-to-market daily, and subsequent payments (“variation margin”) are made or received by the Portfolio depending on whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. These amounts are reflected as receivables or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. When the contract is closed or expires, the Portfolio records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options) include the possibility that the market for these instruments may be illiquid and that a change in the value of the contract or option may not correlate perfectly with changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If futures contracts are exchange-traded, the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default. For over-the-counter futures, the Portfolio’s ability to terminate the positions may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded positions and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Portfolio.

Options Contracts - An option contract purchased by the Portfolio gives the Portfolio the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying instrument at a fixed exercise price during a specified period. Call options written by the Portfolio give the holder the right to buy the underlying instrument from the Portfolio at a fixed exercise price; put options written by the Portfolio give the holder the right to sell the underlying instrument to the Portfolio at a fixed exercise price.

The Portfolio may use options to hedge against changes in values of securities the Portfolio owns or expects to purchase, to maintain investment exposure to a target asset class or to enhance return. Writing puts or buying calls tends to increase the Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument and writing calls or buying puts tends to decrease the Portfolio’s exposure to the underlying instrument, and can be used to hedge other Portfolio investments. For options used to hedge the Portfolio’s investments, the potential risk to the Portfolio is that the change in value of options contracts may not correspond perfectly to the change in value of the hedged instruments. The Portfolio also bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the value of the underlying instrument or the risk that the Portfolio may not be able to enter into a closing transaction due to an illiquid market. The Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk, as opposed to investment and other types of risk, in respect of purchased options is typically the premium initially paid for the option plus any unrealized gains.

The main risk associated with purchasing an option is that the option expires without being exercised. In this case, the option is worthless when it expires and the premium paid for the option is considered a realized loss. The risk associated with writing a call option is that the Portfolio may forgo the opportunity for a profit if the market value of the underlying instrument increases and the option is exercised, requiring the Portfolio to sell the underlying instrument at a price below its market value. When the Portfolio writes a call option on a security it does not own, its exposure on such an option is theoretically unlimited. The risk in writing a put option is that the Portfolio may incur a loss if the market value of the underlying instrument decreases and the option is exercised, requiring the Portfolio to purchase the underlying instrument at a price above its market value. In addition, the Portfolio risks not being able to enter into a closing transaction for the written option as the result of an illiquid market for the option.

 

MSF-39


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Purchases of put and call options are recorded as investments, the value of which are marked-to-market daily. When the Portfolio enters into a closing sale transaction, the Portfolio will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the sales proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the premium initially paid for the option. When the Portfolio exercises a put option, it will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying instrument and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid for the put option. When the Portfolio exercises a call option, the cost of the security which the Portfolio purchases upon exercise will be increased by the premium originally paid for the call option.

The premium received for a written option is recorded as an asset and an equivalent liability. The liability is subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written option expires without being exercised or the Portfolio enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Portfolio realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of the closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying instrument and the liability related to such option is eliminated. When a written call option is exercised, the Portfolio realizes a gain or loss, as adjusted for the premium received, from the sale of the underlying instrument. When a written put option is exercised, the premium received is offset against the amount paid for the purchase of the underlying instrument.

The purpose of inflation-capped options is to protect the buyer from inflation, above a specified rate, eroding the value of investments in inflation-linked products with a given notional exposure. Inflation-capped options are used to give downside protection to investments in inflation-linked products by establishing a floor on the value of such products.

Options on swaps (“swaptions”) are similar to options on securities except that instead of selling or purchasing the right to buy or sell a security, the writer or purchaser of the swaptions is granting or buying the right to enter into a previously agreed upon interest rate or credit default swap agreement (interest rate risk and/or credit risk) at any time before the expiration of the option.

Swap Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into swap agreements in which the Portfolio and a counterparty agree to either make periodic net payments on a specified notional amount or net payment upon termination. Swap agreements are either privately negotiated in the OTC market (“OTC swaps”) or executed in a multilateral or other trade facility platform, such as a registered commodities exchange (“centrally-cleared swaps”). The Portfolio may enter into swap agreements for the purposes of managing exposure to interest rate, credit or market risk, or for other purposes. In connection with these agreements, securities or cash may be paid or received, as applicable, by the Portfolio as collateral or margin in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements to provide assets of value and recourse in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency. Securities posted by the Portfolio as collateral for swap contracts are identified in the Schedule of Investments and restricted cash, if any, is reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Centrally Cleared Swaps: Certain clearinghouses currently offer clearing for limited types of derivatives transactions, principally credit derivatives. In a cleared derivative transaction, a Portfolio typically enters into the transaction with a financial institution counterparty, and performance of the transaction is effectively guaranteed by a central clearinghouse, thereby reducing or eliminating the Portfolio’s exposure to the credit risk of the original counterparty. The Portfolio typically will be required to post specified levels of margin with the clearinghouse or at the instruction of the clearinghouse; the margin required by a clearinghouse may be greater than the margin the Portfolio would be required to post in an uncleared derivative transaction. Only a limited number of derivative transactions are currently eligible for clearing.

Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily. The fair value of an OTC swap is reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The changes in value, if any, are reflected as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. Daily changes in valuation of centrally cleared swaps, if any, are recorded as a receivable or payable for variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and as a component of unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the Statement of Operations. Upfront payments paid or received upon entering into the swap agreement compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (such as credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Upon termination or maturity of the swap, upfront premiums are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap is recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Portfolio are included as part of realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.

Swap transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of interest rate, credit, and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform, or that there may be unfavorable changes in market conditions or interest rates. In addition, entering into swap agreements involves documentation risk resulting from the possibility that the parties to a swap agreement may disagree as to the meaning of contractual terms in the agreement. The Portfolio may enter into swap transactions with counterparties in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. These guidelines provide for a minimum credit rating for each counterparty and various credit enhancement techniques (for example, collateralization of amounts due from counterparties) to limit exposure to counterparties that have lower credit ratings. A Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted value of the net cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s

 

MSF-40


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive, or the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the Portfolio and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to cover the Portfolio’s exposure to the counterparty. Counterparty risk related to centrally-cleared swaps is mitigated due to the protection against defaults provided by the exchange on which these contracts trade.

Credit Default Swaps: The Portfolio is subject to credit risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The Portfolio may enter into credit default swaps to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults of corporate and/or sovereign issuers, or to create exposure to corporate and/or sovereign issuers to which they are not otherwise exposed. Credit default swaps involve one party making a stream of payments (referred to as the buyer of protection) to another party (the seller of protection) in exchange for the right to receive a specified return if a credit event occurs for the referenced entity, obligation or index. A credit event is defined under the terms of each swap agreement and may include, but is not limited to, underlying entity default, bankruptcy, write-down, principal shortfall or interest shortfall. As the seller of protection, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Portfolio will either pay the buyer an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index), or pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index). In return, the Portfolio would receive from the counterparty an upfront or periodic stream of payments throughout the life of the credit default swap agreement provided that no credit event has occurred. As the seller of protection, the Portfolio would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Portfolio would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the credit default swap.

The Portfolio may also purchase credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio. This would involve the risk that the investment may be worthless when it expires and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability). It would also involve credit risk, whereby the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to the Portfolio in the event of a default. As the buyer of protection, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Portfolio will either receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index), or receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation (or underlying securities comprising the referenced index). If no credit event occurs and the Portfolio is a buyer of protection, the Portfolio will typically recover nothing under the credit default swap agreement, but it will have had to pay the required upfront payment or stream of continuing payments under the credit default swap agreement. Recovery values are at times established through the credit event auction process in which market participants are ensured that a transparent price has been set for the defaulted obligation.

Credit default swap agreements on credit indices involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising the credit index. A credit index is a basket of credit instruments or exposures designed to be representative of some part of the credit market as a whole. An index credit default swap references all the names in the index, and if there is a credit event involving an entity in the index, the credit event is settled based on that entity’s weight in the index. A Portfolio may use credit default swaps on credit indices as a hedge for credit default swaps or bonds held in the portfolio, which is less expensive than it would be to buy many individual credit default swaps to achieve similar effect. Credit default swaps on indices are benchmarks for protecting investors owning bonds against default, and may be used to speculate on changes in credit quality.

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on a credit index or corporate or sovereign issuer, serve as some indication of the status of the payment/performance risk and the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity or index also reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may reflect upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads generally represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the particular swap agreement. When no implied credit spread is available for a credit default swap, the current unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the position may be used as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk.

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Portfolio as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. Notional amounts of all credit default swap agreements outstanding as of December 31, 2014, for which the Portfolio is the seller of protection, are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Portfolio for the same referenced entity or entities.

Interest Rate Swaps: The Portfolio may enter into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to interest rates or to protect against currency fluctuations, to adjust the interest rate sensitivity (duration), to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment, or otherwise as a substitute for a direct investment in debt securities. The Portfolio is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal

 

MSF-41


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Portfolio holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Portfolio may enter into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swaps are agreements in which one party pays a stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating rate, for another party’s stream of interest payments, either fixed or floating, on the same notional amount for a specified period of time. Other forms of interest rate swap agreements may include: (1) interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap”; (2) interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate, or “floor”; and (3) interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels. The Portfolio’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk, as opposed to investment and other types of risk, in respect of interest rate swaps is typically the discounted net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had the following derivatives, categorized by risk exposure:

 

    

Asset Derivatives

    

Liability Derivatives

 

Risk Exposure

  

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value     

Statement of Assets &
Liabilities Location

   Fair Value  
Interest Rate    Investments at market value (a)    $ 996         
   Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts* (b)      403,030      

Unrealized depreciation on futures

contracts* (b)

   $ 107,932   
Credit    OTC swap contracts at market value (c)      3,570,160       OTC swap contracts at market value (c)      634,363   
   Unrealized appreciation on centrally cleared swap contracts** (b)      101,713      

Unrealized depreciation on centrally

cleared swap contracts** (b)

     314,710   
Equity         

Unrealized depreciation on futures

contracts* (b)

     85,465   
Foreign Exchange    Investments at market value (a)      14,969         
   Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts      387,664       Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts      176,257   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 
Total       $ 4,478,532          $ 1,318,727   
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

  * Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  ** Represents the unrealized appreciation/depreciation of centrally cleared swaps as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  (a) Represents purchased options which are part of investments as shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
  (b) Financial instrument not subject to a master netting agreement.
  (c) Excludes OTC swap interest receivable of $13,507 and OTC swap interest payable of $5,295.

The Portfolio is required to disclose the impact of offsetting assets and liabilities represented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on its financial position for recognized assets and liabilities.

The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative assets by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under a master netting agreement (“MNA”) (see Note 4), or similar agreement, and net of the related collateral received by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2014.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Assets
subject to a MNA
by Counterparty
     Financial
Instruments
available for offset
    Collateral
Received†
    Net Amount*  

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 294,079       $ (276,008   $      $ 18,071   

Barclays Bank plc

     258,750                       258,750   

Citibank N.A.

     41,033         (41,033              

Credit Suisse International

     1,626,576         (241,214     (1,315,000     70,362   

Deutsche Bank AG

     133,938         (48,144     (83,000     2,794   

Goldman Sachs International

     367,869         (25,173     (342,696 )       

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     1,228,836         (9,664     (980,000     239,172   

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc

     8,039         (8,039              

UBS AG

     14,669         (5,452            9,217   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 3,973,789       $ (654,727   $ (2,720,696   $ 598,366   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

MSF-42


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The following table presents the Portfolio’s derivative liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under a MNA, or similar agreement, and net of the related collateral pledged by the Portfolio as of December 31, 2014.

 

Counterparty

   Derivative Liabilities
subject to a MNA
by Counterparty
     Financial
Instruments
available for offset
    Collateral
Pledged†
     Net Amount**  

Bank of America N.A.

   $ 276,008       $ (276,008   $       $   

BNP Paribas S.A.

     138,419                        138,419   

Citibank N.A.

     48,740         (41,033             7,707   

Credit Suisse International

     241,214         (241,214               

Deutsche Bank AG

     48,144         (48,144               

Goldman Sachs International

     25,173         (25,173               

JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

     9,664         (9,664               

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc

     15,826         (8,039             7,787   

National Australia Bank Ltd.

     112                        112   

Royal Bank of Canada

     1,868                        1,868   

UBS AG

     5,452         (5,452               
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 810,620       $ (654,727   $       $ 155,893   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  * Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.
  ** Net amount represents the net amount payable due to the counterparty in the event of default.
  In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization.

Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Realized Gain (Loss)

   Interest Rate     Credit     Equity     Foreign
Exchange
    Total  

Investments (a)

   $ 206,656      $ (143,087   $      $ (21,111   $ 42,458   

Forward foreign currency transactions

                          826,098        826,098   

Futures contracts

     488,133               74,728               562,861   

Swap contracts

     (659,476     (1,242,092                   (1,901,568

Written options

     164,669                      62,058        226,727   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 199,982      $ (1,385,179   $ 74,728      $ 867,045      $ (243,424
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Statement of Operations Location—Net Change in Unrealized
Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Interest Rate     Credit     Equity     Foreign
Exchange
    Total  

Investments (a)

   $ (200,766   $      $      $ (92,491   $ (293,257

Forward foreign currency transactions

                          267,951        267,951   

Futures contracts

     (193,287            (85,465            (278,752

Swap contracts

     (231,686     (353,999                   (585,685

Written options

     17,109                      10,065        27,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (608,630   $ (353,999   $ (85,465   $ 185,525      $ (862,569
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2014, the average amount or number per contract outstanding for each derivative type was as follows:

 

Derivative Description

   Average
Notional Par or
Face Amount‡
 

Investments (a)

   $ 41,549,763   

Forward foreign currency transactions

     17,171,844   

Futures contracts long

     79,597,599   

Futures contracts short

     (43,748,831

Swap contracts

     99,858,660   

Written options

     (83,090,000

 

  Averages are based on activity levels during 2014.
  (a) Represents purchased options which are part of net realized gain (loss) on investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments as shown in the Statement of Operations.

 

MSF-43


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Written Options

The Portfolio transactions in written options during the year December 31, 2014:

Call Options

   Notional
Amount
     Number of
Contracts
     Premium
Received
 

Options outstanding December 31, 2013

     2,260,000               $ 8,983   

Options written

     42,995,000         132         676,913   

Options bought back

     (2,900,000      (132      (580,685

Options exercised

     (1,130,000              (4,831

Options expired

     (41,225,000              (100,380
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding December 31, 2014

                   $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Put Options

   Notional
Amount
     Number of
Contracts
     Premium
Received
 

Options outstanding December 31, 2013

     1,185,040,000         217       $ 98,906   

Options written

     67,149,000         132         695,422   

Options bought back

     (1,212,094,000      (349      (742,204

Options expired

     (40,095,000              (52,124
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Options outstanding December 31, 2014

                   $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

4. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels. Collateral requirements may differ by type of derivative or investment, as applicable. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchange-traded derivatives (e.g., futures contracts and exchange-traded options) while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives (e.g., forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swap agreements and OTC options).

For derivatives traded under an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar master agreement, the collateral requirements are netted across all transactions traded under such agreement and one amount is posted from one party to the other to collateralize such obligations. The ISDA Master Agreement gives each party to the agreement the right to terminate all transactions traded under such agreement if there is a certain deterioration in the credit quality of the other party. The ISDA Master Agreement gives the Portfolio the right, upon an event of default by the applicable counterparty or a termination of the agreement, to close out all transactions traded under such agreement and to net amounts owed under each transaction to one net amount payable by one party to the other. This right to close out and net payments across all transactions traded under the ISDA Master Agreement could result in a reduction of the Portfolio’s credit risk to such counterparty equal to any amounts payable by the Portfolio under the applicable transactions, if any. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the ISDA Master Agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Portfolio and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Portfolio under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.

 

MSF-44


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as To-Be-Announced securities and delayed-delivery or secured borrowings transactions by and between the Portfolio and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Customer Account Agreements and related addenda govern cleared derivatives transactions such as futures, options on futures, and cleared OTC derivatives. Cleared derivative transactions require posting of initial margin as determined by each relevant clearing agency, which is segregated at a broker account registered with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), or the applicable regulator. In the U.S., counterparty risk is significantly reduced as creditors of the futures broker do not have claim to Portfolio assets in the segregated account. Additionally, portability of exposure in the event of default further reduces risk to the Portfolio. Variation margin, or changes in market value, are exchanged daily, but may not be netted between futures and cleared OTC derivatives.

Foreign Investment Risk: The investments by the Portfolio in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Because securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies and may pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Portfolio. Foreign investments may also subject the Portfolio to foreign government exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social or economic developments, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments. In addition to the risks described above, risks may arise from forward foreign currency contracts with respect to the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

5. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, including mortgage dollar roll and TBA transactions but excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$4,099,893,346    $ 1,777,815,151       $ 4,212,775,024       $ 1,886,870,130   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $4,845,559 in sales of investments, which are included above.

Purchases and sales of mortgage dollar rolls and TBA transactions for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

   Sales  
$3,719,461,379    $ 3,719,300,079   

6. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$6,164,307      0.500   Of the first $500 million
     0.450   Of the next $500 million
     0.400   On amounts in excess of $1 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Effective February 3, 2014, Wellington Management Company LLP is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio. Prior to February 3, 2014, BlackRock Advisors, LLC was compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

 

MSF-45


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Management Fee Waiver - Pursuant to a management fee waiver agreement, the Adviser has agreed, for the period April 28, 2014 to April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum reduction

   Average Daily Net Assets  
0.020%      On the first $500 million   

Any reductions in total advisory fees paid by the Portfolio due to these waivers may be reduced or eliminated by changes in the advisory fee structure at higher asset levels. MetLife Advisers will receive advisory fees equal to 0.480% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets for amounts over $500 million but less than $750 million (0.030% over the contractual advisory fee rate) and 0.460% for amounts over $750 million but less than $1 billion (0.010% over the contractual advisory fee rate). As a result, the dollar amount of the waiver will be reduced as assets grow beyond $500 million up to $1 billion, but the advisory fee net of waivers will never exceed the contractual dollar amount that would otherwise be payable under the advisory fee.

The Subadviser has voluntarily agreed, for the period from February 3, 2014 through February 2, 2015, to waive a portion of its subadvisory fees payable by the Adviser to the Subadviser for managing the Portfolio. In addition to the above advisory fee agreement, the Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee reflecting a portion of the amount waived by the Subadviser for managing the Portfolio pursuant to the voluntary subadvisory fee waiver. $415,783 was waived in the aggregate for the year ended December 31, 2014 and is reflected in the total amount shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of the Adviser; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an active employee of MetLife or its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

7. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

8. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$26,916,743    $ 31,923,395       $       $       $ 26,916,743       $ 31,923,395   

 

MSF-46


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$68,063,616    $ 179,918,915       $ 96,700,819       $       $ 344,683,350   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as shortterm losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio utilized capital loss carryforwards of $16,387,061.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

9. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-47


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of WMC Balanced Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of WMC Balanced Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of WMC Balanced Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-48


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers

 

Management of The Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

  Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee
 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite;
From
May 2006
(President
and Chief
Executive
Officer)/
August 2006
(Trustee and
Chairman of
the Board) to
present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees        
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)

Susan C. Gause (62)

 

Trustee

  Indefinite;
From April
2012 to
present
 

Private Investor.

  77  

Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.

Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From May
2003 to
present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Av id Technology, Inc.**

 

MSF-49


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
January
2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.
Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
August
2009 to
present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite;
From
May
2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-50


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements” or “Agreements”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser that the Adviser had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser has provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance program, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report.

 

MSF-51


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board noted that the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report.

The Board noted that applicable sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of its advisory fee. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

WMC Balanced Portfolio (formerly, BlackRock Diversified Portfolio). At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement relating to the Portfolio. The Sub-Advisory Agreement for the Portfolio was not up for renewal at the November Meeting because it had previously been approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, in connection with the Portfolio’s change in Sub-Adviser to Wellington Management Company LLP, effective February 2014. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio outperformed both the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board further considered that the Portfolio outperformed its blended benchmark, the S&P 500 Index (60%) & Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (40%), for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014.

 

MSF-52


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Balanced Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fee and total expenses (exclusive of 12b-l fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were above the average of the Sub-advised Expense Group and below the average of the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size.

 

MSF-53


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Managed by Wellington Management Company LLP

Portfolio Manager Commentary*

 

PERFORMANCE

For the one year period ended December 31, 2014, the Class A, B, and E shares of the WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio returned 10.63%, 10.35%, and 10.45%, respectively. The Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 1000 Index1, returned 13.24%.

Wellington Management Company LLP assumed management of the Portfolio on February 3, 2014, prior to which the Portfolio was sub-advised by Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.

MARKET ENVIRONMENT / CONDITIONS

U.S. equities and other developed-market stocks rose during the one year period as the S&P 500 Index posted a 13.7% return and the MSCI World Index posted a 5.5% return. Emerging markets trailed, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index posting a loss of -1.8%, gross of withholding taxes. U.S. stocks began 2014 with their worst month in nearly two years. Worries about a slowdown in China and general angst surrounding emerging markets overshadowed a fairly benign domestic environment. Despite a myriad of adversely weather-influenced economic data, the S&P 500 Index rebounded from January’s pullback and finished February at a new peak. By the end of the second quarter the S&P 500 Index was up 224.4% from its closing low on March 9, 2009. The second half of the year was also bumpy, with U.S. equities sinking in July, rebounding in August, and falling once again around mid-September before recovering in October. U.S. equities hit several all-time highs toward the end of the period, pulling back slightly on the final trading day of November and into December, led by weakness in the Energy sector after Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decided to leave production unchanged.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW / PERIOD END POSITIONING

During the period Wellington Management Company LLP managed the Portfolio, it trailed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Index, for the period ended December 31, 2014. Sector positioning, a result of the bottom-up stock selection process, detracted from relative results, driven largely by the Portfolio’s underweight allocation to Information Technology (“IT”) and Utilities, and an overweight to Energy. A frictional cash position also weighed on benchmark-relative results as equities rose during the period. Strong stock selection within the Industrials, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary sectors was partially offset by weaker selection within Consumer Staples and Health Care.

Top relative detractors during the period included BG Group (United Kingdom), Mattel, and Roche (Switzerland). Shares of natural gas-focused oil & gas exploration company BG Group fell following the release of disappointing third quarter results, which fell short of consensus expectations. We expect BG’s prospects to improve in 2015 as a liquified natural gas (LNG) project in Australia starts up and production for a project in Brazil begins to accelerate. We continued to hold the position. Mattel, a leading toy manufacturer, saw its shares decline as a result of challenging fundamentals. Traditional toy categories have experienced some secular headwinds in recent years, such as the use of more sophisticated digital toy products, and Mattel has been impacted by these trends. We trimmed the position but continued to evaluate the long-term implications of recent troubles. Roche, a biopharmaceutical company, saw price weakness during the fourth quarter after negative trial results were reported in mid-December. Even with this setback, the company has a good drug portfolio and industry leading diagnostics, which should maintain their value-creation engine. Our investment thesis remains intact and we continued to own the stock. Not owning strong performing benchmark constituent Apple also hurt relative results during the period.

Top contributors during the period included UnitedHealth, Lowe’s, and Nike. UnitedHealth, a U.S.-based health insurance company, continued to benefit from the Affordable Care Act. The stock has performed well as earnings over the course of the year have been solid. The company also recently announced that its board of directors had increased the quarterly dividend and renewed its share repurchase program, highlighting the company’s ability to generate strong cash flow. Shares of leading home improvement retailer Lowe’s benefited from investor optimism about the home improvement landscape. Shares of Nike, a U.S.-based manufacturer of athletic apparel and gear, were strong in the second half of the year as earnings exceeded expectations and their business in China has shown better than expected improvements. Not owning Google, a benchmark constituent that declined during the period, also aided the Portfolio’s relative returns.

 

MSF-1


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Managed by Wellington Management Company LLP

Portfolio Manager Commentary*—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio was most overweight the Consumer Staples, Industrials, and Health Care sectors, and continued to be most underweight the IT, Financials, and Telecommunication Services sectors.

Donald J. Kilbride

Portfolio Manager

Wellington Management Company LLP

 

* This commentary may include statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” under the U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, projections, estimates, and information about possible or future results related to the Portfolio, market or regulatory developments. The views expressed above are not guarantees of future performance or economic results and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the views expressed herein. The views expressed above are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market, or other conditions and the subadvisory firm undertakes no obligation to update the views expressed herein. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell those securities. The views expressed above (including any forward-looking statement) may not be relied upon as investment advice or as an indication of the Portfolio’s trading intent. Information about the Portfolio’s holdings, asset allocation or country diversification is historical and is not an indication of future Portfolio composition, which may vary. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of any index mentioned in this commentary has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. In addition, the returns do not reflect additional fees charged by separate accounts or variable insurance contracts that an investor in the Portfolio may pay. If these additional fees were reflected, performance would have been lower.

 

MSF-2


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

 

A $10,000 INVESTMENT COMPARED TO THE RUSSELL 1000 INDEX & THE S&P 500 INDEX

 

LOGO

AVERAGE ANNUAL RETURNS (%) (FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014)

 

        1 Year        5 Year        10 Year  
WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio                 

Class A

       10.63           12.40           6.62   

Class B

       10.35           12.13           6.35   

Class E

       10.45           12.23           6.46   
Russell 1000 Index        13.24           15.64           7.96   
S&P 500 Index        13.69           15.45           7.67   

1 The Russell 1000 Index is an unmanaged measure of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000 Index, which represents approximately 90% of the investable U.S. equity market.

2 The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index is an unmanaged index consisting of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-weighted index (stock price times number of shares outstanding) with each stock’s weight in the Index proportionate to its market value.

Portfolio performance is calculated including reinvestment of all income and capital gain distributions. Performance numbers are net of all Portfolio expenses but do not include any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that participants may bear relating to the operations of their plans. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance of any index referenced above has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses, and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. Direct investment in any index is not possible. The performance of Class A shares, as set forth in the line graph above, will differ from that of other classes because of the difference in expenses paid by policyholders investing in the different share classes.

This information represents past performance and is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value may fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than the original cost.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014

Top Holdings

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B      3.2   
TJX Cos., Inc. (The)      3.0   
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.      2.9   
Lockheed Martin Corp.      2.6   
Cardinal Health, Inc.      2.6   
ACE, Ltd.      2.6   
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.      2.6   
Coca-Cola Co. (The)      2.6   
Praxair, Inc.      2.5   
Microsoft Corp.      2.5   

Top Sectors

 

     % of
Net Assets
 
Health Care      17.9   
Industrials      16.4   
Consumer Staples      14.5   
Financials      13.0   
Consumer Discretionary      12.3   
Information Technology      10.6   
Energy      9.2   
Materials      4.2   
Utilities      1.1   

 

MSF-3


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

 

Understanding Your Portfolio’s Expenses

Shareholder Expense Example

As a shareholder of the Portfolio, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) (referred to as “expenses”) of investing in the Portfolio and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period, July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Actual Expenses

The first line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested in the particular share class of the Portfolio, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line for each share class of the Portfolio in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Portfolio and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any fees or charges of your variable insurance product or any additional expenses that participants in certain eligible qualified plans may bear relating to the operations of their plan. Therefore, the second line for each share class in the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these other costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

        Annualized
Expense
Ratio
     Beginning
Account Value
July 1,
2014
       Ending
Account Value
December 31,
2014
       Expenses Paid
During Period**
July 1, 2014
to
December 31,
2014
 

Class A(a)

   Actual      0.59    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,069.70         $ 3.08   
   Hypothetical*      0.59    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,022.23         $ 3.01   

Class B(a)

   Actual      0.84    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,068.40         $ 4.38   
   Hypothetical*      0.84    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,020.97         $ 4.28   

Class E(a)

   Actual      0.74    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,068.80         $ 3.86   
   Hypothetical*      0.74    $ 1,000.00         $ 1,021.48         $ 3.77   

* Hypothetical assumes a rate of return of 5% per year before expenses.

** Expenses paid are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six month period, as shown above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184 days) in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

(a) The annualized expense ratio shown reflects the impact of the management fee waiver as described in Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

MSF-4


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—99.2% of Net Assets

 

Security Description   Shares     Value  

Aerospace & Defense—10.1%

  

General Dynamics Corp.

    359,290      $ 49,445,490   

Honeywell International, Inc.

    760,377        75,976,870   

Lockheed Martin Corp.

    536,035        103,224,260   

Northrop Grumman Corp.

    512,457        75,531,037   

United Technologies Corp.

    858,919        98,775,685   
   

 

 

 
      402,953,342   
   

 

 

 

Air Freight & Logistics—3.2%

  

United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B

    1,149,255        127,762,678   
   

 

 

 

Banks—3.2%

  

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

    714,866        65,217,225   

Wells Fargo & Co.

    1,153,820        63,252,413   
   

 

 

 
      128,469,638   
   

 

 

 

Beverages—6.1%

  

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV

    652,410        73,418,118   

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

    2,418,710        102,117,936   

Diageo plc

    2,371,395        68,014,334   
   

 

 

 
      243,550,388   
   

 

 

 

Biotechnology—1.7%

  

Amgen, Inc.

    429,817        68,465,550   
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets—1.8%

  

BlackRock, Inc.

    199,926        71,485,541   
   

 

 

 

Chemicals—4.2%

  

Ecolab, Inc.

    638,232        66,708,009   

Praxair, Inc.

    784,826        101,682,056   
   

 

 

 
      168,390,065   
   

 

 

 

Electrical Equipment—1.2%

  

Emerson Electric Co.

    793,699        48,995,039   
   

 

 

 

Energy Equipment & Services—1.3%

  

Schlumberger, Ltd.

    614,998        52,526,979   
   

 

 

 

Food & Staples Retailing—4.5%

  

CVS Health Corp.

    786,060        75,705,439   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

    1,195,375        102,658,805   
   

 

 

 
      178,364,244   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies—2.3%

  

Medtronic, Inc. (a)

    1,254,803        90,596,777   
   

 

 

 

Health Care Providers & Services—5.5%

  

Cardinal Health, Inc.

    1,278,590        103,220,571   

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    1,159,662        117,230,231   
   

 

 

 
      220,450,802   
   

 

 

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure—2.2%

  

McDonald’s Corp.

    941,643        88,231,949   
   

 

 

 

Household Products—3.9%

  

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

    1,066,189      73,769,617   

Procter & Gamble Co. (The)

    922,854        84,062,771   
   

 

 

 
      157,832,388   
   

 

 

 

Insurance—6.7%

  

ACE, Ltd.

    897,278        103,079,297   

Chubb Corp. (The)

    709,612        73,423,554   

Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.

    1,617,051        92,559,999   
   

 

 

 
      269,062,850   
   

 

 

 

IT Services—5.9%

  

Accenture plc - Class A

    1,119,701        100,000,496   

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

    1,151,771        96,023,148   

International Business Machines Corp.

    245,444        39,379,036   
   

 

 

 
      235,402,680   
   

 

 

 

Leisure Products—1.0%

  

Mattel, Inc. (a)

    1,282,980        39,701,816   
   

 

 

 

Media—1.5%

  

Walt Disney Co. (The)

    629,429        59,285,917   
   

 

 

 

Multi-Utilities—1.1%

  

Dominion Resources, Inc.

    585,557        45,029,333   
   

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels—7.9%

  

BG Group plc

    4,823,669        64,206,566   

Chevron Corp.

    875,128        98,171,859   

Enbridge, Inc.

    1,140,095        58,612,284   

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    1,008,316        93,218,814   
   

 

 

 
      314,209,523   
   

 

 

 

Pharmaceuticals—8.4%

  

Johnson & Johnson

    934,356        97,705,607   

Merck & Co., Inc.

    1,718,464        97,591,571   

Pfizer, Inc.

    1,705,319        53,120,687   

Roche Holding AG

    326,873        88,595,809   
   

 

 

 
      337,013,674   
   

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts—1.3%

  

Public Storage

    273,960        50,641,506   
   

 

 

 

Road & Rail—1.9%

  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    1,091,210        75,158,051   
   

 

 

 

Software—4.7%

  

Microsoft Corp.

    2,156,212        100,156,048   

Oracle Corp.

    1,960,324        88,155,770   
   

 

 

 
      188,311,818   
   

 

 

 

Specialty Retail—5.2%

  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

    1,286,117        88,484,849   

TJX Cos., Inc. (The)

    1,745,165        119,683,416   
   

 

 

 
      208,168,265   
   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-5


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Common Stocks—(Continued)

 

Security Description   Shares/
Principal
Amount*
    Value  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods—2.4%

  

NIKE, Inc. - Class B

    1,018,089      $ 97,889,257   
   

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $3,464,463,206)

      3,967,950,070   
   

 

 

 
Convertible Bond—0.0%   

Forest Products & Paper—0.0%

  

Sino-Forest Corp. (c)

   

Escrow
(Cost $0)

    5,844,000        0   
   

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments—2.7%   

Mutual Fund—2.0%

  

State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (b)

    79,976,199        79,976,199   
   

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement—0.7%

  

Fixed Income Clearing Corp. Repurchase Agreement dated 12/31/14 at 0.000% to be repurchased at $27,742,452 on 01/02/15, collateralized by $28,700,000 U.S. Treasury Note at 0.750% due 03/31/18 with a value of $28,299,233.

    27,742,452        27,742,452   
   

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $107,718,651)

      107,718,651   
   

 

 

 

Total Investments—101.9%
(Cost $3,572,181,857) (d)

      4,075,668,721   

Other assets and liabilities (net)—(1.9)%

      (77,459,534
   

 

 

 
Net Assets—100.0%     $ 3,998,209,187   
   

 

 

 

 

* Principal amount stated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
(a) All or a portion of the security was held on loan. As of December 31, 2014, the market value of securities loaned was $126,725,559 and the collateral received consisted of cash in the amount of $79,976,199 and non-cash collateral with a value of $50,597,079. The cash collateral is invested in a money market fund managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The non-cash collateral received consists primarily of government securities and bank letters of credit, and is held for the benefit of the Portfolio at the Portfolio’s custodian. The Portfolio cannot repledge or resell this collateral. As such, this collateral is excluded from the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(b) Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending transactions.
(c) Security was valued in good faith under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, this security represents 0.0% of net assets.
(d) As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $3,573,527,689. The aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments were $579,119,107 and $(76,978,075), respectively, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $502,141,032 for federal income tax purposes.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-6


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) define fair market value as the price that the Portfolio would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods and requires disclosure of the fair value hierarchy that segregates fair value measurements into three levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the fair value hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to, unadjusted quoted prices for similar investments in markets that are either active or inactive; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, default rates, etc.)

Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are unavailable (including the Portfolio’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in them. Changes to the inputs or methodologies used may result in transfers between levels, which will be recognized as of the beginning of the reporting period. Information on transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, if any, will be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table below. A reconciliation of Level 3 securities, if any, will also be disclosed following the fair value hierarchy table. For more information about the Portfolio’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements.

The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Portfolio’s investments as of December 31, 2014:

 

Description    Level 1      Level 2     Level 3      Total  
Common Stocks           

Aerospace & Defense

   $ 402,953,342       $ —        $ —         $ 402,953,342   

Air Freight & Logistics

     127,762,678         —          —           127,762,678   

Banks

     128,469,638         —          —           128,469,638   

Beverages

     102,117,936         141,432,452        —           243,550,388   

Biotechnology

     68,465,550         —          —           68,465,550   

Capital Markets

     71,485,541         —          —           71,485,541   

Chemicals

     168,390,065         —          —           168,390,065   

Electrical Equipment

     48,995,039         —          —           48,995,039   

Energy Equipment & Services

     52,526,979         —          —           52,526,979   

Food & Staples Retailing

     178,364,244         —          —           178,364,244   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies

     90,596,777         —          —           90,596,777   

Health Care Providers & Services

     220,450,802         —          —           220,450,802   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

     88,231,949         —          —           88,231,949   

Household Products

     157,832,388         —          —           157,832,388   

Insurance

     269,062,850         —          —           269,062,850   

IT Services

     235,402,680         —          —           235,402,680   

Leisure Products

     39,701,816         —          —           39,701,816   

Media

     59,285,917         —          —           59,285,917   

Multi-Utilities

     45,029,333         —          —           45,029,333   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     250,002,957         64,206,566        —           314,209,523   

Pharmaceuticals

     248,417,865         88,595,809        —           337,013,674   

Real Estate Investment Trusts

     50,641,506         —          —           50,641,506   

Road & Rail

     75,158,051         —          —           75,158,051   

Software

     188,311,818         —          —           188,311,818   

Specialty Retail

     208,168,265         —          —           208,168,265   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

     97,889,257         —          —           97,889,257   

Total Common Stocks

     3,673,715,243         294,234,827        —           3,967,950,070   

Total Convertible Bond*

     —           —          0         0   
Short-Term Investments           

Mutual Fund

     79,976,199         —          —           79,976,199   

Repurchase Agreement

     —           27,742,452        —           27,742,452   

Total Short-Term Investments

     79,976,199         27,742,452        —           107,718,651   

Total Investments

   $ 3,753,691,442       $ 321,977,279      $ —         $ 4,075,668,721   
                                    

Collateral for securities loaned (Liability)

   $ —         $ (79,976,199   $ —         $ (79,976,199

 

* See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categories.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-7


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2014

Fair Value Hierarchy—(Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2014, the security designated as Level 3 was fair valued using significant unobservable inputs under procedures adopted by the Board. Such valuations were based on a review of inputs such as, but not limited to, similar securities, company specific financial information, and company specific news. For this security there was no change in the valuation techniques used since the December 31, 2013 annual report. The Level 3 security comprised 0.0% of net assets of the Portfolio. As such, the Level 3 roll forward and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the Level 3 security held at December 31, 2014 have not been presented.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-8


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

December 31, 2014

 

Assets

  

Investments at value (a) (b)

   $ 4,075,668,721   

Cash denominated in foreign currencies (c)

     199,588   

Receivable for:

  

Fund shares sold

     55,655   

Dividends

     7,241,779   

Prepaid expenses

     10,490   
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     4,083,176,233   

Liabilities

  

Due to custodian

     2,474   

Collateral for securities loaned

     79,976,199   

Payables for:

  

Fund shares redeemed

     2,494,479   

Accrued expenses:

  

Management fees

     1,895,903   

Distribution and service fees

     271,055   

Deferred trustees’ fees

     63,426   

Other expenses

     263,510   
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     84,967,046   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 3,998,209,187   
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid in surplus

   $ 2,119,873,920   

Undistributed net investment income

     64,851,237   

Accumulated net realized gain

     1,310,188,642   

Unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency transactions

     503,295,388   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 3,998,209,187   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Class A

   $ 2,352,117,269   

Class B

     693,714,924   

Class E

     952,376,994   

Capital Shares Outstanding*

  

Class A

     54,535,023   

Class B

     16,211,626   

Class E

     22,214,207   

Net Asset Value, Offering Price and Redemption Price Per Share

  

Class A

   $ 43.13   

Class B

     42.79   

Class E

     42.87   

 

* The Portfolio is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares.
(a) Includes securities loaned at value of $126,725,559.
(b) Identified cost of investments was $3,572,181,857.
(c) Identified cost of cash denominated in foreign currencies was $199,786.

Statement of Operations

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014

 

Investment Income

  

Dividends (a)

   $ 93,557,857   

Securities lending income

     407,085   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     93,964,942   

Expenses

  

Management fees

     28,204,259   

Administration fees

     92,927   

Custodian and accounting fees

     427,864   

Distribution and service fees—Class B

     1,759,579   

Distribution and service fees—Class E

     1,470,136   

Audit and tax services

     39,404   

Legal

     47,704   

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     40,288   

Shareholder reporting

     523,303   

Insurance

     25,246   

Miscellaneous

     32,145   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     32,662,855   

Less management fee waiver

     (5,550,463

Less broker commission recapture

     (7,292
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     27,105,100   
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     66,859,842   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

  
Net realized gain (loss) on:   

Investments

     1,290,627,911   

Foreign currency transactions

     (145,965
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain

     1,290,481,946   
  

 

 

 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:   

Investments

     (954,910,533

Foreign currency transactions

     (264,995
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized depreciation

     (955,175,528
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

     335,306,418   
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets From Operations

   $ 402,166,260   
  

 

 

 

 

(a) Net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,226,569.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-9


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
2014
    Year Ended
December 31,
2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

    

From Operations

    

Net investment income

   $ 66,859,842      $ 25,872,241   

Net realized gain

     1,290,481,946        346,285,698   

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (955,175,528     760,937,286   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets from operations

     402,166,260        1,133,095,225   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

From Distributions to Shareholders

    

Net investment income

    

Class A

     (16,548,559     (31,490,128

Class B

     (3,364,228     (8,152,158

Class E

     (5,632,049     (12,388,595

Net realized capital gains

    

Class A

     (197,771,508     (37,609,908

Class B

     (60,905,856     (11,674,923

Class E

     (84,758,861     (16,474,748
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (368,981,061     (117,790,460
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets from capital share transactions

     (196,634,254     (490,709,115
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (163,449,055     524,595,650   

Net Assets

    

Beginning of period

     4,161,658,242        3,637,062,592   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 3,998,209,187      $ 4,161,658,242   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

    

End of period

   $ 64,851,237      $ 25,357,882   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Information:

Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2014
    Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Class A

        

Sales

     5,235,838      $ 206,387,319        2,486,744      $ 92,199,353   

Reinvestments

     5,529,414        214,320,067        1,979,376        69,100,036   

Redemptions

     (11,868,178     (483,397,690     (12,006,298     (452,672,435
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (1,102,926   $ (62,690,304     (7,540,178   $ (291,373,046
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B

        

Sales

     271,312      $ 11,082,666        472,141      $ 18,005,282   

Reinvestments

     1,668,486        64,270,084        571,221        19,827,081   

Redemptions

     (3,026,976     (123,933,245     (3,096,663     (116,991,585
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (1,087,178   $ (48,580,495     (2,053,301   $ (79,159,222
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class E

        

Sales

     593,695      $ 24,057,156        1,157,229      $ 43,504,691   

Reinvestments

     2,343,555        90,390,910        830,600        28,863,343   

Redemptions

     (4,887,386     (199,811,521     (5,090,245     (192,544,881
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease

     (1,950,136   $ (85,363,455     (3,102,416   $ (120,176,847
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease derived from capital shares transactions

     $ (196,634,254     $ (490,709,115
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-10


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class A  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 42.97       $ 33.21       $ 29.67       $ 31.25       $ 28.17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.72         0.28         0.48         0.33         0.28   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.41         10.64         3.33         (1.56      3.09   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     4.13         10.92         3.81         (1.23      3.37   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.31      (0.53      (0.27      (0.35      (0.29

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (3.66      (0.63      0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.97      (1.16      (0.27      (0.35      (0.29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 43.13       $ 42.97       $ 33.21       $ 29.67       $ 31.25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.63         33.70         12.86         (4.03      12.00   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.73         0.72         0.73         0.73         0.73   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c) (d)

     0.59         0.67         0.68         0.68         0.68   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.74         0.74         1.50         1.06         0.99   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     105         11         16         19         19   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 2,352.1       $ 2,391.0       $ 2,098.2       $ 2,040.4       $ 2,412.4   
     Class B  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 42.66       $ 32.98       $ 29.46       $ 31.04       $ 28.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.61         0.18         0.40         0.24         0.21   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.38         10.57         3.31         (1.54      3.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     3.99         10.75         3.71         (1.30      3.27   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.20      (0.44      (0.19      (0.28      (0.23

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (3.66      (0.63      0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.86      (1.07      (0.19      (0.28      (0.23
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 42.79       $ 42.66       $ 32.98       $ 29.46       $ 31.04   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.35         33.36         12.62         (4.27      11.71   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.98         0.97         0.98         0.98         0.98   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c) (d)

     0.84         0.92         0.93         0.93         0.93   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.49         0.49         1.25         0.80         0.75   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     105         11         16         19         19   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 693.7       $ 738.0       $ 638.2       $ 631.4       $ 593.6   

Please see following page for Financial Highlights footnote legend.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-11


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Financial Highlights

 

Selected per share data       
     Class E  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2014      2013      2012      2011      2010  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

   $ 42.74       $ 33.03       $ 29.51       $ 31.09       $ 28.04   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from Investment Operations

              

Net investment income (a)

     0.65         0.22         0.43         0.28         0.24   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     3.38         10.60         3.31         (1.55      3.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     4.03         10.82         3.74         (1.27      3.30   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Less Distributions

              

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.24      (0.48      (0.22      (0.31      (0.25

Distributions from net realized capital gains

     (3.66      (0.63      0.00         0.00         0.00   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

     (3.90      (1.11      (0.22      (0.31      (0.25
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Period

   $ 42.87       $ 42.74       $ 33.03       $ 29.51       $ 31.09   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Return (%) (b)

     10.45         33.53         12.70         (4.18      11.82   

Ratios/Supplemental Data

              

Gross ratio of expenses to average net assets (%)

     0.88         0.87         0.88         0.88         0.88   

Net ratio of expenses to average net assets (%) (c) (d)

     0.74         0.82         0.83         0.83         0.83   

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (%)

     1.59         0.59         1.34         0.90         0.85   

Portfolio turnover rate (%)

     105         11         16         19         19   

Net assets, end of period (in millions)

   $ 952.4       $ 1,032.7       $ 900.7       $ 935.4       $ 1,016.6   

 

(a) Per share amounts based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return does not reflect any insurance, sales, separate account or administrative charges of variable annuity or life insurance contracts or any additional expenses that contract owners may bear under their variable contracts. If these charges were included, the returns would be lower.
(c) Includes the effects of management fee waivers (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).
(d) The effect of the voluntary portion of the waivers on average net assets was 0.03% for the year ended December 31, 2014 (see Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

MSF-12


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014

 

1. Organization

Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Trust, which is managed by MetLife Advisers, LLC (“MetLife Advisers” or the “Adviser”), an affiliate of MetLife, Inc., is currently comprised of thirty series, each of which operates as a distinct investment vehicle of the Trust. The portfolio included in this report is WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is diversified. On February 3, 2014, Wellington Management Company, LLP succeeded Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. as the subadviser to the Portfolio and the name of the Portfolio was changed from the Davis Venture Value Portfolio to the WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio. Shares in the Portfolio are not offered directly to the general public and are currently available only to separate accounts established by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MetLife”) and other affiliated life insurance companies.

The Portfolio has registered and offers three classes of shares: Class A, B, and E shares. Shares of each Class of the Portfolio represent an equal pro rata interest in the Portfolio and generally give the shareholder the same voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights. Investment income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, the common expenses of the Portfolio, and certain Portfolio-level expense reductions, if any, are allocated on a pro rata basis to each Class based on the relative net assets of each Class to the net assets of the Portfolio. Each Class of shares differs in its respective distribution plan and such distribution expenses are allocated to that Class.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the preparation of these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to December 31, 2014 through the date the financial statements were issued. The Portfolio is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946—Financial Services—Investment Companies.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolio in the preparation of its financial statements.

Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurements - Debt securities, including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes; obligations of the U.S. treasury and U.S. government agencies; sovereign issues; floating rate loans; and non-U.S. bonds, are generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser, pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”). Such quotations utilize matrix pricing, which considers observable inputs including, among other things, issuer details, maturity dates, interest rates, yield curves, rates of prepayment, credit risks/spreads, default rates, reported trades, broker dealer quotes and quoted prices for similar securities. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also generally valued on the basis of evaluated or composite bid quotations obtained from independent pricing services and/or brokers and dealers selected by the Adviser pursuant to authorization of and subject to general oversight by the Board. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche and current market data, and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Short term obligations with a remaining maturity of sixty days or less are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair market value, and are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Domestic and foreign equity securities, such as common stock, exchange-traded funds, rights, warrants, and preferred stock, that are traded on a securities exchange, are generally valued at their last sale price on the exchange or market in which they are principally traded on the valuation date, or, if no sales occurred on that day, at the last reported bid price. Equity securities traded over-the-counter are generally valued at the last reported sale price. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain foreign equity securities that are traded solely on foreign exchanges that close before the close of the U.S. market to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign exchanges and the close of the U.S. market. The Portfolio may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent third party to value securities principally traded in these foreign markets in order to adjust for possible stale pricing that may occur between the close of the foreign exchanges and the time of the Portfolio valuation. Foreign equity securities using these valuation adjustments are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Equity securities that are actively

 

MSF-13


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

traded, and have no valuation adjustments applied, are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Other equity securities traded on inactive markets, or valued in reference to similar instruments traded on active markets, are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Investments in registered open-end management investment companies are valued at reported net asset value per share on the valuation date and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued through an independent pricing service based on the mean between closing bid and ask prices of the forward currency rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, whether on securities, indices, futures contracts, or otherwise, traded on exchanges are valued at the last sale price available as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if there is no such price available, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices. These types of options are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Futures contracts that are traded on commodity exchanges, are valued at their closing prices as of the close of such exchanges and are categorized as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

Options, including swaptions, and futures contracts that are traded over-the-counter (“OTC”) are generally valued on the basis of quotations provided by broker-dealers or prices provided by pricing service providers who use a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models, to determine the value of the contracts. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, yield curves, credit curves, measures of volatility and exchange rates. These contracts are generally categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

If no current market value quotation or other observable inputs are readily available or market value quotations are deemed to be unreliable for a security, the fair value of the security will be determined in accordance with procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Board. In such a circumstance, the Board will be assisted in its responsibility to determine the fair value of a security by the Valuation Committee (“Committee”) of MetLife Advisers. The Committee provides general pricing oversight and fair value pricing determinations related to portfolio securities and meets on a regular basis to review reports relating to the valuation of the securities in the Portfolio. The Board has delegated to State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Trust’s custodian (“custodian”), the responsibility for calculating the net asset values (“NAVs”) of the Trust’s Portfolios. The Committee is responsible for overseeing the calculation of the NAVs of the Portfolios by the custodian. The Committee also periodically reviews pricing vendors, including the vendor providing fair value pricing for the Portfolio’s foreign securities, and is responsible for overseeing the correction of pricing errors and addressing other pricing issues that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as making real-time fair value determinations, as necessary.

No single standard for determining the fair value of a security can be set forth because fair value depends upon the facts and circumstances with respect to each security. Information relating to any relevant factors may be obtained by the Committee from any appropriate source, including the subadviser of the Portfolio, the custodian, a pricing service, market maker and/or broker for such security or the issuer. Appropriate methodologies for determining fair value under particular circumstances may include: matrix pricing, comparisons of securities with comparable characteristics, value based on multiples of earnings, discount from market price of similar marketable securities or a combination of these and other methods. The Committee maintains a detailed report tracking each fair-valued security that compares the fair value price to the next available trade, vendor or broker price, and provides information on how close the fair value price was to the next quoted price. The Committee reviews a summary of such report monthly. On a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with the following for consideration and ratification or adjustment: (1) a memorandum summarizing the actions taken by the Committee in the prior quarter; and (2) a list of the Portfolio’s securities as of the most recent quarter-end for which market quotations were not readily available.

Investment Transactions and Related Investment Income - Portfolio security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign securities, when notified. Interest income, which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis, which is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Foreign income and foreign capital gains on some foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. These foreign taxes have been provided for in accordance with the Portfolio’s understanding of the applicable countries’ tax rules and rates.

Foreign Currency Translation - The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income, and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. Because the values of investment securities are translated at the foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period, that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in exchange rates and that portion of the results of operations reflecting fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of the investment securities are not separated. Such fluctuations are included in the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.

 

MSF-14


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from activity in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, sales of foreign currency, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Portfolio and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid by the Portfolio. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investment securities, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders - The Portfolio records dividends and distributions on the ex-dividend date. Net realized gains from security transactions (if any) are generally distributed annually to shareholders. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations that may differ from GAAP. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification between under/over distributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gains/losses, and paid-in surplus. Book-tax differences are primarily due to foreign currency transactions, real estate investment trusts (REITs), return of capital adjustments and broker commission recapture. These adjustments have no impact on net assets or the results of operations.

Income Taxes - It is the Portfolio’s policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations thereunder, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute, with respect to each taxable year, all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Portfolio files U.S. federal tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The Portfolio’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition, or de-recognition or disclosure.

Repurchase Agreements - The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement (“MRA”), with selected commercial banks and broker-dealers, under which the Portfolio acquires securities as collateral and agrees to resell the securities at an agreed-upon time and at an agreed-upon price. The Portfolio, through the custodian or a subcustodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing any repurchase agreements. The Portfolio requires the custodian to take possession, to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, or to have segregated within the custodian’s vault, all securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. It is the Portfolio’s policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price in the case of a repurchase agreement of one-day duration and at least equal to 102% of the repurchase price in the case of all other repurchase agreements. In the event of default or failure by a party to perform an obligation in connection with any repurchase transaction, the MRA gives the non-defaulting party the right to set-off claims and to apply property held by it in connection with any repurchase transaction against obligations owed to it.

At December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had investments in repurchase agreements with a gross value of $27,742,452, which is included as part of investments at value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2014.

Securities Lending - The Portfolio may lend its portfolio securities to certain qualified brokers who borrow securities in order to complete certain securities transactions. By lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio attempts to increase its net investment income through the receipt of income on collateral held from securities on loan. Any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned securities that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared during the term of the loan would accrue to the account of the Portfolio.

The Trust has entered into a Securities Lending Authorization Agreement with the custodian as the lending agent. Under this agreement, the custodian is authorized to loan portfolio securities on the Portfolio’s behalf. In exchange, the Portfolio receives either cash or securities as collateral against the loaned securities. The Portfolio receives collateral equal to at least 102% of the market value of the loaned securities (105% for foreign equity securities), at each loan’s inception. Collateral representing at least 100% of the market value of the loaned securities must be maintained for the duration of the loan. Cash collateral is generally invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending MET Portfolio (the “Navigator Portfolio”), a series of the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust that is managed by an affiliate of the custodian. The Navigator Portfolio is a registered money market fund that invests in a variety of high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated instruments. If the market value of the collateral at the close of trading on a business day is less than 100% of the market value of the loaned securities at the close of trading on that day, the borrower shall be required to deliver, by the close of business on the following business day, an additional amount of collateral, so that the total amount of posted collateral is equal to at least 100% of the market value of all the loaned securities as of such preceding day. A portion of net income (income after the deduction of expenses and fees of the Navigator Portfolio) on the collateral is rebated to the borrower of the securities and the remainder is split between the custodian and the Portfolio. On loans collateralized by U.S. Treasuries, a fee is received from the borrower and is allocated between the Portfolio and the custodian. Income received by the Portfolio in securities lending transactions during the year ended December 31, 2014 is reflected as Securities lending income on the Statement of Operations. The values of any securities loaned by the Portfolio and the related collateral at December 31, 2014 are disclosed in the footnotes to the Schedule of Investments. The value of the related collateral received by the Portfolio exceeded the value of the securities out on loan at December 31, 2014.

 

MSF-15


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities, possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially, as well as risk of loss in the value of the collateral or the value of the investments made with the collateral. The lending agent shall indemnify the Portfolio in the case of default of any securities borrower.

Directed Brokerage Agreement - The Trust has entered into a directed brokerage arrangement with State Street Global Markets (“SSGM”). Under this arrangement, the Portfolio directs certain trades to SSGM in return for a recapture credit. SSGM issues a cash rebate to the Portfolio. Amounts paid to the Portfolio are shown separately as broker commission recapture on the Statement of Operations of the Portfolio. Additionally, these amounts have been excluded from the calculation of the net ratio of expenses to average net assets presented in the Financial Highlights for each share class.

3. Certain Risks

Market Risk: In the normal course of business, the Portfolio invests in securities and enters into transactions where risks exist due to fluctuations in the market (“market risk”) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (“credit and counterparty risk”). The value of securities held by the Portfolio may decline in response to certain events, including those directly involving the companies whose securities are owned by the Portfolio; conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate, and price fluctuations.

Credit and Counterparty Risk: The Portfolio may be exposed to counterparty risk, or the risk that an entity with which the Portfolio has unsettled or open transactions may default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets and liabilities recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets that potentially expose the Portfolio to credit and counterparty risk consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The Portfolio manages counterparty risk by entering into agreements only with counterparties that it believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. The Portfolio’s investment adviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment, and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. In order to preserve certain safeguards for non-standard settlement trades, the Portfolio restricts its exposure to credit and counterparty losses by entering into master netting agreements (“Master Agreements”) with counterparties (approved brokers) with whom it undertakes a significant volume of transactions. Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Master Agreements can also help limit counterparty risk by specifying collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels.

Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements are primarily executed under Global Master Repurchase Agreements (“GMRAs”) or MRAs, which provide the rights to set-off. Each repurchase and reverse repurchase agreement is initially collateralized at the transaction level. In the event of default, the total market value exposure will be offset against collateral exchanged to date, which would result in a net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty.

Additional risks associated with each type of investment are described above within the respective security type notes. The Portfolio’s prospectus includes a discussion of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds of sales of investment securities, excluding short-term securities, for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:

 

Purchases

     Sales  

U.S. Government

   Non U.S. Government      U.S. Government      Non U.S. Government  
$0    $ 4,171,782,930       $ 0       $ 4,506,005,132   

During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Portfolio engaged in security transactions with other affiliated portfolios. These amounted to $6,730,944 in purchases of investments, which are included above.

 

MSF-16


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

5. Investment Management Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Investment Management Agreement - MetLife Advisers is the investment adviser to the Portfolio. The Trust has entered into an investment management agreement with MetLife Advisers with respect to the Portfolio. For providing investment management services to the Portfolio, MetLife Advisers receives monthly compensation at the following annual rates:

 

Management
Fees earned by
MetLife Advisers
for the year ended
December 31, 2014

   % per annum     Average Daily Net Assets
$28,204,259      0.750   Of the first $1 billion
     0.700   On the next $2 billion
     0.650   On amounts in excess of $3 billion

MetLife Advisers has entered into an investment subadvisory agreement with respect to managing the Portfolio. Effective February 3, 2014, Wellington Management Company, LLP is compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio. Prior to February 3, 2014, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. was compensated by MetLife Advisers to provide subadvisory services for the Portfolio.

Management Fee Waivers - Pursuant to an expense agreement, MetLife Advisers has agreed, for the period February 3, 2014 through April 30, 2015, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.120%    First $500 million
0.145%    $500 million to $1 billion
0.120%    $1 billion to $3 billion
0.070%    $3 billion to $4.5 billion
0.095%    Over $4.5 billion

Prior to February 3, 2014 the Adviser had agreed, for the period April 29, 2013 to February 2, 2014, to reduce its advisory fees set out above under “Investment Management Agreement” for each class of the Portfolio as follows:

 

% per annum

   Average Daily Net Assets
0.050%    On the first $50 million
0.075%    On the next $450 million
0.100%    On the next $500 million
0.050%    On the next $2 billion
0.025%    On amounts in excess of $4.5 billion

Amounts waived for the year ended December 31, 2014 amounted to $4,226,677 and are included in the total amount shown as management fee waivers in the Statement of Operations.

Effective February 3, 2014, the Subadviser has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its subadvisory fees payable by the Adviser to the Subadviser for managing the Portfolio. In addition to the above advisory fee waiver, the Adviser has agreed to reduce its advisory fee reflecting a portion of the amount waived by the Subadviser for managing the Portfolio pursuant to the voluntary subadvisory fee waiver. $1,323,786 was waived in the aggregate for the year ended December 31, 2014 and is reflected in the total amount shown as a management fee waiver in the Statement of Operations.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust may also be officers of MetLife Advisers; however, such officers and trustees receive no compensation from the Trust.

Transfer Agency Agreement - MetLife serves as the transfer agent for the Trust. MetLife receives no fees for its services to the Trust under the transfer agency agreement.

Distribution and Service Fees - The Trust has a distribution agreement with MetLife Investors Distribution Company (“MIDC” or the “Distributor”) in which MIDC serves as the distributor for the Portfolio’s Class A, B and E Shares. MIDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife Investors Group, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser. The Trust has also adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for the Portfolio’s Class B and E Shares. Under the Distribution and Service Plan, the Class B and E Shares of the Portfolio pay a fee to compensate the Insurance Companies (or their affiliates) and other broker-dealers and financial intermediaries involved in the offer and sale of Portfolio shares for promoting or selling and servicing the Class B and E Shares. The fees under the Distribution and Service Plan for each class of the Portfolio’s shares are calculated as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net

 

MSF-17


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Notes to Financial Statements—December 31, 2014—(Continued)

 

assets that are attributable to that Class. Currently, the fee is 0.25% per year for Class B Shares and 0.15% per year for Class E Shares. Amounts incurred by the Portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2014 are shown as Distribution and service fees in the Statement of Operations.

Deferred Trustee Compensation - Each Trustee who is not currently an employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives compensation from the Trust for his or her service to the Trust. A deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) is available to the Trustees on a voluntary basis. Deferred amounts remain in the Trust until distributed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The value of a participating Trustee’s deferral account is based on theoretical investments of deferred amounts on the normal payment dates in certain portfolios of the Trust or Met Investors Series Trust, an affiliate of the Trust, as designated by the participating Trustee. Changes in the value of participants’ deferral accounts are reflected as Trustees’ fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations. The portion of the accrued obligations allocated to the Portfolio under the Plan is reflected as Deferred trustees’ fees in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

6. Contractual Obligations

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, the Trust has a variety of indemnification obligations under contracts with its service providers. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.

7. Income Tax Information

The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income

     Long-Term Capital Gain      Total  

2014

   2013      2014      2013      2014      2013  
$39,349,902    $ 52,030,881       $ 329,631,159       $ 65,759,579       $ 368,981,061       $ 117,790,460   

As of December 31, 2014, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a federal income tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gain
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
     Loss Carryforwards      Total  
$141,177,520    $ 1,235,271,618       $ 501,949,556       $       $ 1,878,398,694   

The Portfolio utilizes the provisions of the federal income tax laws that provide for the carryforward of capital losses for prior years, offsetting such losses against any future realized capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 22, 2010 may be carried forward indefinitely and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for up to eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.

As of December 31, 2014, the Portfolio had no post-enactment accumulated capital losses and no pre-enactment accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-11 Transfers & Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures to improve the financial reporting of repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The guidance includes expanded disclosure requirements for entities that enter into repurchase agreements or securities lending transactions. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Portfolio’s financial statement disclosures.

 

MSF-18


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio and the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan Series Fund:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio, one of the portfolios constituting Metropolitan Series Fund (the “Trust”), as of December 31, 2014, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio of Metropolitan Series Fund, as of December 31, 2014, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

February 25, 2015

 

MSF-19


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund

 

Management of the Trusts

The MIST Trust and the MSF Trust are collectively referred to as the “Trusts”. The Board of Trustees of each Trust (collectively, the “Board”) supervises the Trusts and is responsible for representing the interests of shareholders. The same persons serve as the Trustees of the MIST Trust and the MSF Trust, and as Chairman of the Board and Chairmen of its subcommittees, as described below. The Trustees of each Trust meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Portfolios’ activities, reviewing, amongst other things, each Portfolio’s performance and its contractual arrangements with various service providers. The Trustees of each Trust elect the officers of the Trust, who are responsible for administering the Trust’s day-to-day operations.

Trustees and Officers

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, as well as their ages and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each is c/o MetLife Funds, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111. Each Trustee who is deemed an “interested person,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, is referred to as an “Interested Trustee.” Those Trustees who are not “interested persons,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” There is no limit to the term a Trustee may serve. Trustees serve until their death, resignation or removal in accordance with the MIST Trust’s and MSF Trust’s respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Boards of the respective Trusts from time to time. Officers hold office at the pleasure of each Board and serve until their removal or resignation in accordance with the Trusts’ respective organizational documents and policies adopted by the Board of each Trust from time to time.

Trustees of the Trust

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Interested Trustee          
Elizabeth M. Forget* (48)   Trustee, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer   Indefinite; From May
2006 (President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee and
Chairman of the
Board) to present
  Senior Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; President, MetLife Advisers, LLC and a predecessor company.   77   Various MetLife-affiliated boards.
Independent Trustees
Stephen M. Alderman (55)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Shareholder in the law firm of Garfield & Merel, Ltd.   77   Trustee, MIST Trust** Director, International Truck Leasing Corp.
Robert J. Boulware (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Managing Director, Pilgrim Funds, LLC (private equity fund)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Vertical Capital Income Fund (closed-end fund); Director, Gainsco, Inc. (auto insurance)
Susan C. Gause (62)   Trustee   Indefinite; From April
2012 to present
  Private Investor.   77   Trustee MIST Trust,** Trustee and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair, HSBC Funds**.
Nancy Hawthorne (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From May
2003 to present
  Chief Executive Officer, Clerestory, LLC (corporate advisor)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust**; Director, THL Credit, Inc.,** Director, Avid Technology, Inc.**
Barbara A. Nugent (58)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
January 2014 to
present
  President, True North Board Governance, LLC (consulting); until December 31, 2013, partner in the law firm of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, Episcopal Healthcare Foundation; until 2014, member, Mutual Fund Directors Forum Advisory Board.

 

MSF-20


Metropolitan Series Fund

Trustees and Officers of Metropolitan Series Fund—(Continued)

 

Name and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

 

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

 

Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5
Years(1)

 

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen
by Trustee

 

Other Directorships Held
by Trustee During
Past 5 Years(1)

Keith M. Schappert (63)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
August 2009
to present
  Principal, Schappert Consulting, LLC (asset management consulting)   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Director, The Commonfund for Nonprofit Organizations; until 2011, Director Trilogy Global Advisors; Director, Mirae Asset Discovery Funds,** Director, Calamos Investments.
Linda B. Strumpf (67)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2000 to
present
  Chair of the Investment Committee, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust; until June 2011, Chief Investment Officer, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee and Member of Investment Committee, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Trickle-Up.
Dawn M. Vroegop (48)   Trustee   Indefinite; From
May 2009 to
present
  Private Investor   77   Trustee, MIST Trust,** Trustee, Driehaus Mutual Funds, Director and Investment Committee Chair, City College of San Francisco Foundation.

Executive Officers of the Trust

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)
Held with
Registrant

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years(1)

Elizabeth M. Forget (48)    President, Chief Executive Officer, Trustee and Chairman of the Board    From May 2006
(President and
Chief Executive
Officer)/August
2006 (Trustee
and Chairman
of the Board) to
present
   See principal occupation information in the table above.
Kristi Slavin (41)    Vice President    From February
2015
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Peter H. Duffy (59)    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer    From November
2000 to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.
Andrew L. Gangolf (60)    Secretary    From May 2011
to present
   Senior Vice President, MetLife Advisers, LLC; until 2011, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
Steven E. Hartstein (51)    Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)    From February
2014
   Vice President, MetLife, Inc.; CCO, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Executive Director, Morgan Stanley (2009-2013); CCO, Consulting Group Capital Markets Funds (2006-2013).
Alan C. Leland, Jr. (62)    Vice President    From February
2005 to present
   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, MetLife Advisers, LLC; Vice President, MetLife Group, Inc.; Vice President, MetLife, Inc.

 

* Ms. Forget is an “interested person” of the Trust because of her positions with MetLife Advisers, LLC and her ownership of securities issued by MetLife, Inc. the ultimate parent company of MetLife Advisers, LLC.
** Indicates a directorship with a registered investment company or a company subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; as amended.
(1) Previous positions during the past five years with the Trust, MetLife, Inc., or the Adviser are omitted if not materially different.
(2) The Fund Complex includes 47 Portfolios of the Trust and 30 Portfolios of the MSF Trust.

 

MSF-21


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements

 

At an in-person meeting held on November 19-20, 2014 (the “November Meeting”), the Boards of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Met Investors Series Trust and Metropolitan Series Fund (“MIST” and “MSF,” respectively, and collectively, the “Trusts”), including a majority of the Trustees who are not considered to be “interested persons” of the Trusts (the “Independent Trustees”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), approved the continuation of certain of the Trusts’ advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements” or “Agreements”) with MetLife Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the series of the Trusts (each a “Portfolio,” and collectively, the “Portfolios”).

In reaching that decision, the Board reviewed a variety of materials provided for the specific purpose of the annual contract renewal process, as well as a variety of materials provided to and discussed with the Board throughout the year. The Board also met in person with personnel of the Adviser on September 16, 2014 for the specific purpose of giving preliminary consideration to the proposed continuation of the Agreements (the “September Meeting”) through the review by the Adviser with the Board of the performance and fees experienced by each Portfolio. In considering the Agreements, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the contract renewal process, and met with independent legal counsel in several executive sessions outside of the presence of management. While the Agreements for the Trusts were considered at the same Board meetings, the Board evaluated all information available to it on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis, and its decision was made separately with respect to each Portfolio.

Information furnished and discussed throughout the year included investment performance reports for each Portfolio, along with periodic reports on various expenses, shareholder services, legal and compliance matters, asset pricing, brokerage commissions and trade execution. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal process included, but was not limited to, a report for each Portfolio prepared by Lipper Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent organization, as well as additional material, including a Portfolio-by-Portfolio profitability analysis that management prepared. In addition, the Independent Trustees received and reviewed a report prepared by JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”), an independent consultant to the Independent Trustees (“JDL Report”), which examined the comparative fees, expenses and performance of each Portfolio, based upon the Lipper reports. Also, the Board reviewed the responses to wide-ranging questions relating to the business, operations and performance of the Adviser that the Adviser had prepared specifically for the renewal process.

At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, concluded that the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser supported the renewal of the Agreements. The Board also concluded that the investment performance of each Portfolio was such that each Agreement should continue, and that the fees paid by a Portfolio to the Adviser appeared to be reasonable in light of nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Further, the Board concluded that the Adviser’s profitability in providing services under the Advisory Agreements did not appear unreasonably high in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser. Finally, the Board concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios in some measure shared economies of scale with contractholders. In approving the renewal of each of the Agreements, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, gave attention to all of the information that was furnished. The following discuses some of the primary factors that generally were relevant to the Board’s decision. The Board did not identify any single factor as controlling, and the Trustees generally attributed different weights to various factors for the various Portfolios.

Nature, extent and quality of services. The Board evaluated the nature, extent and quality of the services that the Adviser has provided to the Portfolios. The Board considered the Adviser’s services as investment manager to the Portfolios, including its services relating to the oversight of the Sub-Advisers and their investment management activities, trading practices, financial condition, relevant personnel matters and compliance program, among other things. The Adviser’s services in coordinating and overseeing the activities of the Trusts’ other service providers were also considered. The Board considered information received from the Trusts’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) regarding the Portfolios’ compliance policies and procedures that were established pursuant to Rule 38a-l under the 1940 Act. The Board also considered the expertise, experience and performance of the personnel of the Adviser who performed the various services that are mentioned above throughout the year.

The Board also noted that each of the investment, compliance and legal staffs of the Adviser conduct regular, periodic, telephonic and in-person meetings with the Sub-Advisers to review and assess the services that are provided to the Portfolios, and that personnel of the Adviser prepare and present reports to the Independent Trustees regarding those meetings.

Performance. The Board placed emphasis on the performance of the Portfolios in light of, among other things, its importance to contractholders. The Board considered the Adviser’s quarterly reviews with the Board of detailed information about each Portfolio’s investment strategies and performance results and composition, including discussions regarding the relevant effect of current market conditions. The Board reviewed and considered the report prepared by Lipper, which provided a statistical analysis comparing the Portfolios’ investment performance to that of comparable funds underlying variable insurance products (the “Performance Universe”). The Independent Trustees also met separately with a representative of JDL during the September Meeting to review the JDL Report.

 

MSF-22


Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

At the November Meeting, the Board considered each Portfolio’s performance for periods subsequent to the performance period covered by the Lipper reports, and the Adviser’s discussion of the same, including the effect of current market conditions on each Portfolio’s more recent performance.

The Board focused particular attention on Portfolios with less favorable performance records. The Board noted that the Adviser’s focus on each Sub-Adviser’s performance and noted that the Adviser has been active in monitoring and responding to any performance issues with respect to the Portfolios.

Fees and Expenses. The Board gave consideration to the level and method of computing the fees payable under the Agreements. The Board considered the Lipper report for each of the Portfolios, which included comparisons for each Portfolio of its contractual management fees (at current and various asset levels), and total expenses, with those of its peers, including as those peers were divided into a broad group of peer funds (“Expense Universe”), a narrower group of peer funds (“Expense Group”), a broad group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Universe”), and a narrower group of peer sub-advised funds (“Sub-advised Expense Group”). Lipper selected the peer funds which were similarly situated funds underlying variable insurance products deemed to be comparable to the Portfolios. The Independent Trustees, with the assistance of JDL, also examined the JDL Report.

The Board noted that applicable sub-advisory fees for the Portfolios are paid by the Adviser out of its advisory fee. The Board also considered that the Adviser had entered into expense limitation agreements with certain of the Portfolios, as identified below, pursuant to which the Adviser had agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse certain expenses as a means of limiting a Portfolio’s total annual operating expenses.

Profitability. The Board examined the profitability of the Adviser on a Portfolio-by-Portfolio basis. The Board also considered that an affiliate of the Adviser, MetLife Investors Distribution Company, serves as distributor for the Trusts, and, as such, receives Rule 12b-1 payments to support the distribution of the Portfolios. In reviewing the profitability analyses, the Board recognized that expense allocation methodologies are inherently subjective and various expense allocation methodologies may be reasonable while producing different results.

Economies of scale. The Board also considered the effect of the Portfolios’ growth in size on their fees. The Board noted the fee schedules for the Portfolios that contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate above specified asset levels. The Board noted those Portfolios that did not contain breakpoints in the advisory fee and took into account management’s discussion of the same. The Board considered the effective fees under the Advisory Agreement for a Portfolio as a percentage of assets at different asset levels and possible economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Portfolio grow. Among other data, the Board examined the effect of a Portfolio’s growth in size on various fee schedules and reviewed the Lipper and JDL Reports, which compared fees among peers. The Board also generally noted that if a Portfolio’s assets increase over time, the Portfolio may realize other economies of scale if assets increase proportionally more than certain other fixed expenses.

Other factors. The Board considered other benefits that may be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates from their relationship with the Trusts. Among them, the Board recognized that MetLife Investors Distribution Company, as the distributor for the Trusts, receives payments pursuant to Rule 12b-1 from the Portfolios to compensate it for providing shareholder services and distribution activities, which could lead to growth in the Trusts’ assets and corresponding benefits from such growth, including economies of scale. In conjunction with these considerations, the Board noted the ongoing commitment of the Adviser to the Portfolios.

The Board considered possible conflicts of interest in the form of material benefits or detriments to the Trusts resulting from the nature of the Trusts’ and the Adviser’s affiliations and the services that are provided to the Trusts, and the manner in which such conflicts were mitigated.

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio (formerly, Davis Venture Value Portfolio). At the November Meeting, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the renewal of the Advisory Agreement relating to the Portfolio. The Sub-Advisory Agreement for the Portfolio was not up for renewal at the November Meeting because it had previously been approved by the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, in connection with the Portfolio’s change in Sub-Adviser to Wellington Management Company LLP, effective February 2014. The following outlines certain of the specific factors that the Board considered and the conclusions reached in relation to the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser regarding the Portfolio. These specific factors are in addition to the considerations that are discussed above.

Among other data relating specifically to the Portfolio’s performance, the Board considered that the Portfolio underperformed both the median of its Performance Universe and its Lipper Index for the one-, three-, and five-year periods ended June 30, 2014. The Board

 

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Metropolitan Series Fund

WMC Core Equity Opportunities Portfolio

Board of Trustees’ Consideration of Advisory Agreements—(Continued)

 

further considered that the Portfolio underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Index, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended October 31, 2014. The Board took into account management’s discussion of the Portfolio’s performance. The Board also noted the Sub-Adviser change in February 2014.

The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s actual management fees were below the Expense Group median and Sub-advised Expense Universe median and equal to the Expense Universe median. The Board also considered that the Portfolio’s total expenses (exclusive of 12b-1 fees) were below the Expense Group median, Expense Universe median, and Sub-advised Expense Universe median. The Board further noted that the Portfolio’s contractual management fees were below the asset-weighted average of the Expense Group at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board also noted that the Portfolio’s contractual sub-advisory fees were below the averages of the Sub-advised Expense Group and the Sub-advised Expense Universe at the Portfolio’s current size. The Board further noted that the Adviser had agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses during the past year.

 

MSF-24


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions (the “Code of Ethics”). During the period covered by this report, no material amendments were made to the provisions of the Code of Ethics, nor did the registrant grant any waivers, including any implicit waivers, from any provision of the Code of Ethics.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that the registrant has at least one “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR) serving on its audit committee. Susan C. Gause, Nancy Hawthorne, Keith M. Schappert, Linda B. Strumpf, and Dawn M. Vroegop have each been determined to be an “audit committee financial expert” and each is “independent” (as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR).

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Information provided in response to Item 4 includes amounts billed during the applicable time period for services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), the registrant’s principal accountant.

(a) Audit Fees

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Deloitte for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and for services that are normally provided by Deloitte in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were $1,100,510 and $1,282,887, respectively.

(b) Audit-Related Fees

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, Deloitte billed $0 and $0, respectively, for assurance and related services that relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant, the registrant’s investment adviser or any other entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant.

(c) Tax Fees

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by Deloitte for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning in the form of preparation of excise filings and income tax returns for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 were $210,580 and $167,895, respectively. Represent fees for services rendered to the registrant for review of tax returns for the year end December 31, 2014 and for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning in the form of preparation of excise filings and income tax returns for the fiscal year end December 31, 2013.


During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, no fees for tax compliance, tax advice or tax planning services that relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant were billed by Deloitte to the registrant’s investment adviser or any other entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant.

(d) All Other Fees

The registrant was not billed for any other products or services provided by Deloitte for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) above.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, no fees for other products or services that relate directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) above, were billed by Deloitte to the registrant’s investment adviser or any other entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant.

(e)(1) The registrant’s Audit Committee has established pre-approval procedures pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(B) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X, which include regular pre-approval procedures and interim pre-approval procedures. Under the regular pre-approval procedures, the Audit Committee pre-approves at its regularly scheduled meetings audit and non-audit services that are required to be pre-approved under paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. Under the interim pre-approval procedures, any member of the Audit Committee who is an independent Trustee is authorized to pre-approve proposed services that arise between regularly scheduled Audit Committee meetings and that need to commence prior to the next regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting. Such Audit Committee member must report to the Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting on the pre-approval decision.

(2) Not applicable.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate fees billed for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year by the registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, its investment adviser, and adviser affiliates that provide ongoing services to the registrant for 2013 and 2014 were $0 and $0, respectively.

(h) The Audit Committee of the registrant’s Board of Trustees considered the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any subadviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X and concluded that such services are compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments.

(a) Schedule of Investments is included as a part of the report to shareholders included under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

The registrant does not have procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The President and Treasurer of the registrant have concluded, based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report on Form N-CSR, that the design and operation of such procedures provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this report on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

(b) There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Item 12. Exhibits

(a)(1) Code of Ethics is attached hereto.

(a)(2) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act are attached hereto.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

METROPOLITAN SERIES FUND
By:

/s/ Elizabeth M. Forget

Elizabeth M. Forget
President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 6, 2015

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:

/s/ Elizabeth M. Forget

Elizabeth M. Forget
President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 6, 2015

 

By:

/s/ Peter H. Duffy

Peter H. Duffy
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Date: March 6, 2015