10-Q 1 metlifeusa-2015630x10q.htm 10-Q MetLife USA-2015.6.30-10Q
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
  
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
or
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO                 
Commission file number: 033-03094
 
 
 
MetLife Insurance Company USA
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
06-0566090
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
11225 North Community House Road, Charlotte, North Carolina
 
28277
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(212) 578-9500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes þ    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes þ    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer  ¨
  
Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer    þ  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ¨    No þ
At August 12, 2015, 3,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $25,000 par value per share, were outstanding, all of which were owned directly by MetLife, Inc.
REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT
The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is, therefore, filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.
 
 



Table of Contents
 
Page
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (at June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2014 and for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited))
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 6.
 
 
 
 



As used in this Form 10-Q, “MetLife USA,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife Insurance Company USA (formerly, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut), a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. MetLife Insurance Company USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”).
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results.
Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of MetLife USA. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and other factors that might cause such differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in MetLife Insurance Company USA’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors include: (1) difficult conditions in the global capital markets; (2) increased volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, which may affect our ability to meet liquidity needs and access capital, generate fee income and market-related revenue and finance statutory reserve requirements and may require us to pledge collateral or make payments related to declines in value of specified assets, including assets supporting risks ceded to certain affiliated captive reinsurers or hedging arrangements associated with those risks; (3) exposure to financial and capital market risks, including as a result of the disruption in Europe and possible withdrawal of one or more countries from the Euro zone; (4) impact on us of comprehensive financial services regulation reform, including regulation of MetLife, Inc. as a non-bank systemically important financial institution, or otherwise; (5) numerous rulemaking initiatives required or permitted by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act which may impact how we conduct our business, including those compelling the liquidation of certain financial institutions; (6) regulatory, legislative or tax changes relating to our insurance or other operations that may affect the cost of, or demand for, our products or services, or increase the cost or administrative burdens of providing benefits to employees; (7) adverse results or other consequences from litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations; (8) potential liquidity and other risks resulting from our participation in a securities lending program and other transactions; (9) investment losses and defaults, and changes to investment valuations; (10) changes in assumptions related to investment valuations, deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of business acquired or goodwill; (11) impairments of goodwill and realized losses or market value impairments to illiquid assets; (12) defaults on our mortgage loans; (13) the defaults or deteriorating credit of other financial institutions that could adversely affect us; (14) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (15) downgrades in our claims paying ability, financial strength ratings or those of MetLife, Inc.’s other insurance subsidiaries, or MetLife, Inc.’s credit ratings; (16) an inability of MetLife, Inc. to access its credit facilities; (17) availability and effectiveness of reinsurance or indemnification arrangements, as well as any default or failure of counterparties to perform; (18) differences between actual claims experience and underwriting and reserving assumptions; (19) ineffectiveness of MetLife’s risk management policies and procedures; (20) catastrophe losses; (21) increasing cost and limited market capacity for statutory life insurance reserve financings; (22) heightened competition, including with respect to pricing, entry of new competitors, consolidation of distributors, the development of new products by new and existing competitors, and for personnel; (23) exposure to losses related to variable annuity guarantee benefits, including from significant and sustained downturns or extreme volatility in equity markets, reduced interest rates, unanticipated policyholder behavior, mortality or longevity, and the adjustment for nonperformance risk; (24) our ability to address difficulties, unforeseen liabilities, asset impairments, or rating agency actions arising from business acquisitions, and integrating and managing the growth of such acquired businesses, or arising from dispositions of businesses or legal entity reorganizations; (25) changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies; (26) increased expenses relating to pension and postretirement benefit plans for employees and retirees of MetLife, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as well as health care and other employee benefits; (27) inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; (28) inability to attract and retain sales representatives; (29) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to disasters such as terrorist attacks, cyberattacks, other hostilities, or natural catastrophes, including any related impact on the value of our investment portfolio, MetLife’s disaster recovery systems, cyber- or other information security systems and management continuity planning;

2


(30) the effectiveness of MetLife’s programs and practices in avoiding giving associates incentives to take excessive risks; and (31) other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in MetLife Insurance Company USA’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
MetLife Insurance Company USA does not undertake any obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if MetLife Insurance Company USA later becomes aware that such statement is not likely to be achieved. Please consult any further disclosures MetLife Insurance Company USA makes on related subjects in reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts
See “Exhibit Index — Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts” for information regarding agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

3


Part I — Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2014
(In millions, except share and per share data)
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
Investments:
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $48,728 and $46,423, respectively)
 
$
51,317

 
$
50,697

Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $432 and $400, respectively)
 
483

 
459

Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $30 and $25, respectively; includes $266 and $280, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
 
6,785

 
5,839

Policy loans
 
1,182

 
1,194

Real estate and real estate joint ventures (includes $18 and $93 respectively, of real estate held-for-sale)
 
798

 
894

Other limited partnership interests
 
2,252

 
2,234

Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value
 
2,582

 
1,232

Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value
 
4,251

 
4,531

Total investments
 
69,650

 
67,080

Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value
 
731

 
1,206

Accrued investment income (includes $1 and $2, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
 
499

 
501

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
 
22,333

 
21,559

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
 
4,912

 
4,890

Current income tax recoverable
 
511

 
537

Goodwill
 
381

 
381

Other assets
 
822

 
848

Separate account assets
 
107,683

 
108,861

Total assets
 
$
207,522

 
$
205,863

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
 
$
28,640

 
$
28,479

Policyholder account balances
 
34,694

 
35,486

Other policy-related balances
 
3,392

 
3,320

Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
 
10,066

 
7,501

Long-term debt (includes $122 and $139, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
 
911

 
928

Deferred income tax liability
 
1,069

 
1,338

Other liabilities (includes $1 and $1, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
 
9,689

 
7,944

Separate account liabilities
 
107,683

 
108,861

Total liabilities
 
196,144

 
193,857

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 9)
 

 

Stockholder’s Equity
 
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $25,000 per share; 4,000 shares authorized; 3,000 shares issued and outstanding
 
75

 
75

Additional paid-in capital
 
10,857

 
10,855

Retained earnings (deficit)
 
(1,226
)
 
(1,350
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
1,672

 
2,426

Total stockholder’s equity
 
11,378

 
12,006

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity
 
$
207,522

 
$
205,863

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


4


MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums
$
253

 
$
317

 
$
536

 
$
495

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
711

 
820

 
1,429

 
1,625

Net investment income
689

 
630

 
1,324

 
1,365

Other revenues
130

 
140

 
250

 
282

Net investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities

 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Other net investment gains (losses)
(5
)
 
(27
)
 
40

 
(532
)
Total net investment gains (losses)
(5
)
 
(31
)
 
37

 
(537
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
(17
)
 
138

 
68

 
(12
)
Total revenues
1,761

 
2,014

 
3,644

 
3,218

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
582

 
806

 
1,174

 
1,374

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
262

 
267

 
519

 
536

Other expenses
445

 
649

 
1,092

 
1,326

Total expenses
1,289

 
1,722

 
2,785

 
3,236

Income (loss) before provision for income tax
472

 
292

 
859

 
(18
)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
132

 
78

 
235

 
(33
)
Net income (loss)
$
340

 
$
214

 
$
624

 
$
15

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(708
)
 
$
526

 
$
(130
)
 
$
1,009

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings (Deficit)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholder's
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
75

 
$
10,855

 
$
(1,350
)
 
$
2,426

 
$
12,006

Capital contributions from MetLife, Inc.
 
 
2

 
 
 
 
 
2

Dividend paid to MetLife, Inc.
 
 
 
 
(500
)
 
 
 
(500
)
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
624

 
 
 
624

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
(754
)
 
(754
)
Balance at June 30, 2015
$
75

 
$
10,857

 
$
(1,226
)
 
$
1,672

 
$
11,378

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings (Deficit)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholder's
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
86

 
$
11,506

 
$
(1,006
)
 
$
980

 
$
11,566

Capital contributions from MetLife, Inc.
 
 
6

 
 
 
 
 
6

Dividend paid to MetLife, Inc.
 
 
 
 
(77
)
 
 
 
(77
)
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
15

 
 
 
15

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
994

 
994

Balance at June 30, 2014
$
86

 
$
11,512

 
$
(1,068
)
 
$
1,974

 
$
12,504

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 (Unaudited)
(In millions)
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
1,598

 
$
1,896

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Sales, maturities and repayments of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
18,511

 
9,959

Equity securities
19

 
29

Mortgage loans
314

 
1,479

Real estate and real estate joint ventures
190

 
7

Other limited partnership interests
80

 
73

Purchases of:
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities
(19,269
)
 
(10,543
)
Equity securities
(47
)
 
(15
)
Mortgage loans
(1,261
)
 
(213
)
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
(43
)
 
(93
)
Other limited partnership interests
(110
)
 
(159
)
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives
97

 
68

Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives
(521
)
 
(867
)
Cash received under repurchase agreements (Note 4)
199

 

Cash paid under reverse repurchase agreements (Note 4)
(199
)
 

Sale of business, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed of $0 and $251, respectively

 
451

Net change in policy loans
12

 
12

Net change in short-term investments
(1,349
)
 
431

Net change in other invested assets
49

 
(189
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(3,328
)
 
430

Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances:
 
 
 
Deposits
8,401

 
8,075

Withdrawals
(9,154
)
 
(10,000
)
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
2,565

 
474

Long-term debt repaid
(18
)
 
(943
)
Financing element on certain derivative instruments
(38
)
 
(107
)
Dividends paid to MetLife, Inc.
(500
)
 
(77
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,256

 
(2,578
)
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents balances
(1
)
 
20

Change in cash and cash equivalents
(475
)
 
(232
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
1,206

 
1,400

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
731

 
$
1,168

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Net cash paid (received) for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
36

 
$
70

Income tax
$
82

 
$
232

Non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Capital contributions from MetLife, Inc.
$
2

 
$
6

Transfer of fixed maturity securities to affiliates
$

 
$
333

See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business
“MetLife USA” and the “Company” refer to MetLife Insurance Company USA (formerly, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut (“MICC”)), a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. MetLife Insurance Company USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). The Company offers individual annuities, individual life insurance, and institutional protection and asset accumulation products.
In November 2014, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut re-domesticated from Connecticut to Delaware, changed its name to MetLife Insurance Company USA and merged with its subsidiary, MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company (“MLI-USA”), and its affiliate, MetLife Investors Insurance Company, each a U.S. insurance company that issued variable annuity products in addition to other products, and Exeter Reassurance Company, Ltd., a former offshore, reinsurance subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. and affiliate of MICC that mainly reinsured guarantees associated with variable annuity products (the “Mergers”). The surviving entity of the Mergers was MetLife USA. The Mergers represent a transaction among entities under common control and have been accounted for in a manner similar to the pooling-of-interests method, which requires that the merged entities be combined at their historical cost. The Company’s consolidated financial statements and related footnotes are presented as if the transaction occurred at the beginning of the earliest date presented and the prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in MetLife Insurance Company USA’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Annual Report”) for further information on the Mergers.
The Company is organized into two segments: Retail and Corporate Benefit Funding.
Basis of Presentation
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. In applying these policies and estimates, management makes subjective and complex judgments that frequently require assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to the Company’s business and operations. Actual results could differ from estimates.
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MetLife USA, as well as partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company has control, and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The Company uses the equity method of accounting for equity securities when it has significant influence or at least 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests (“investees”) when it has more than a minor ownership interest or more than a minor influence over the investee’s operations, but does not have a controlling financial interest. The Company generally recognizes its share of the investee’s earnings on a three-month lag in instances where the investee’s financial information is not sufficiently timely or when the investee’s reporting period differs from the Company’s reporting period. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in which it has virtually no influence over the investee’s operations.
Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related footnotes thereto have been reclassified to conform with the 2015 presentation as discussed throughout the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Since the Company is a member of a controlled group of affiliated companies, its results may not be indicative of those of a stand-alone entity.

8

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in the 2014 Annual Report, which include all disclosures required by GAAP. Therefore, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the 2014 Annual Report.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted guidance requiring repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase financing arrangements to be accounted for as secured borrowings and providing for enhanced disclosures, including the nature of collateral pledged and the time to maturity. Certain interim period disclosures for repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions were not required until the second quarter of 2015. The Company has provided these enhanced disclosures in Note 4. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance on fair value measurement (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years and which should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Earlier application is permitted. The new amendments in this ASU remove the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share practical expedient. In addition, the amendments remove the requirement to make certain disclosures for all investments that are eligible to be measured at fair value using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement (ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted and an entity can elect to adopt the guidance either: (1) prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date; or (2) retrospectively. The new guidance provides that all software licenses included in cloud computing arrangements be accounted for consistent with other licenses of intangible assets. However, if a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract, the accounting for which did not change. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs (ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The new guidance will require that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, rather than as an asset. However, the current recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the new guidance. The adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued new guidance to improve consolidation guidance for legal entities (ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those years and early adoption is permitted. The new standard is intended to improve targeted areas of the consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. The amendments in this ASU affect the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations. In addition, the amendments in this ASU simplify and improve current GAAP by reducing the number of consolidation models. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

9

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
1. Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In May 2014, the FASB issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard (ASU 2014‑09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those years and should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption of this standard is not permitted. The new guidance will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP; however, it will not impact the accounting for insurance contracts, leases, financial instruments and guarantees. For those contracts that are impacted by the new guidance, the guidance will require an entity to recognize revenue upon the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
2. Segment Information
The Company is organized into two segments: Retail and Corporate Benefit Funding. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company implemented certain segment reporting changes related to the measurement of segment operating earnings, which included revising the Company’s capital allocation methodology. These changes were applied retrospectively and did not have an impact on total consolidated operating earnings or net income.
Retail
The Retail segment offers a broad range of protection products and a variety of annuities primarily to individuals, and is organized into two businesses: Annuities and Life & Other. Annuities includes a variety of variable, fixed and equity index-linked annuities which provide for both asset accumulation and asset distribution needs. Life & Other insurance products and services include variable life, universal life, term life and whole life products, as well as individual disability income products. Additionally, through broker-dealer affiliates, the Company offers a full range of mutual funds and other securities products.
Corporate Benefit Funding
The Corporate Benefit Funding segment offers a broad range of annuity and investment products, including guaranteed interest products and other stable value products, income annuities, and separate account contracts for the investment management of defined benefit and defined contribution plan assets. This segment also includes structured settlements and certain products to fund company-, bank- or trust-owned life insurance used to finance non-qualified benefit programs for executives.
Corporate & Other
Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments, run-off businesses, the Company’s ancillary international operations, ancillary U.S. direct business sold direct to consumer, and interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt, as well as expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes assumed reinsurance of certain variable annuity products from a former affiliated operating joint venture in Japan. Under this in-force reinsurance agreement, the Company reinsures living and death benefit guarantees issued in connection with variable annuity products. Additionally, Corporate & Other includes a reinsurance agreement to assume certain blocks of indemnity reinsurance from an affiliate. These reinsurance agreements were recaptured effective November 1, 2014. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts.
Financial Measures and Segment Accounting Policies
Operating earnings is the measure of segment profit or loss the Company uses to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is the Company’s measure of segment performance and is reported below. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss). The Company believes the presentation of operating earnings as the Company measures it for management purposes enhances the understanding of its performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business.
Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax.
Operating revenues and operating expenses exclude results of discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company and are referred to as divested businesses. Operating revenues also excludes net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses). Operating expenses also excludes goodwill impairments.

10

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP revenues, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating revenues:
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees excludes the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”); and
Net investment income: (i) includes amounts for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) includes income from discontinued real estate operations, (iii) excludes post-tax operating earnings adjustments relating to insurance joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, and (iv) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP.
The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses:
Policyholder benefits and claims excludes: (i) amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, (ii) benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”), and (iii) market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”);
Interest credited to policyholder account balances includes adjustments for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment;
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”) excludes amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs, and (iii) Market Value Adjustments;
Interest expense on debt excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and
Other expenses excludes costs related to: (i) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements, and (ii) acquisition and integration costs.
Set forth in the tables below is certain financial information with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. The segment accounting policies are the same as those used to prepare the Company’s consolidated financial statements, except for operating earnings adjustments as defined above. In addition, segment accounting policies include the method of capital allocation described below.
Economic capital is an internally developed risk capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in MetLife’s and the Company’s business.
MetLife’s economic capital model, coupled with considerations of local capital requirements, aligns segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. The model applies statistics-based risk evaluation principles to the material risks to which the Company is exposed. These consistent risk principles include calibrating required economic capital shock factors to a specific confidence level and time horizon while applying an industry standard method for the inclusion of diversification benefits among risk types. MetLife’s management is responsible for the ongoing production and enhancement of the economic capital model and reviews its approach periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with emerging industry practice standards.
Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income, operating earnings or net income (loss).
Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable investment portfolios adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee compensation costs incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing.

11

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

 
 
Operating Results
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Retail
 
Corporate Benefit Funding
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
 
(In millions)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums
 
$
223

 
$
3

 
$
27

 
$
253

 
$

 
$
253

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
 
636

 
8

 

 
644

 
67

 
711

Net investment income
 
523

 
231

 
(11
)
 
743

 
(54
)
 
689

Other revenues
 
128

 
1

 
1

 
130

 

 
130

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 
(17
)
 
(17
)
Total revenues
 
1,510

 
243

 
17

 
1,770

 
(9
)
 
1,761

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
 
349

 
109

 
21

 
479

 
103

 
582

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
 
233

 
28

 

 
261

 
1

 
262

Capitalization of DAC
 
(70
)
 

 
(16
)
 
(86
)
 

 
(86
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
159

 

 
5

 
164

 
(107
)
 
57

Interest expense on debt
 

 

 
17

 
17

 
1

 
18

Other expenses
 
418

 
4

 
34

 
456

 

 
456

Total expenses
 
1,089

 
141

 
61

 
1,291

 
(2
)
 
1,289

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
119

 
35

 
(20
)
 
134

 
(2
)
 
132

Operating earnings
 
$
302

 
$
67

 
$
(24
)
 
345

 
 
 
 
Adjustments to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(9
)
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2

 
 
 
 
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
340

 
 
 
$
340


12

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

 
 
Operating Results
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Retail
 
Corporate Benefit Funding
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
 
(In millions)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums
 
$
285

 
$
15

 
$
15

 
$
315

 
$
2

 
$
317

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
 
685

 
9

 
43

 
737

 
83

 
820

Net investment income
 
462

 
212

 
(31
)
 
643

 
(13
)
 
630

Other revenues
 
137

 
1

 
1

 
139

 
1

 
140

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 
(31
)
 
(31
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 
138

 
138

Total revenues
 
1,569

 
237

 
28

 
1,834

 
180

 
2,014

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
 
436

 
126

 
20

 
582

 
224

 
806

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
 
239

 
27

 

 
266

 
1

 
267

Capitalization of DAC
 
(79
)
 

 
(9
)
 
(88
)
 

 
(88
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
158

 

 
2

 
160

 
49

 
209

Interest expense on debt
 
1

 

 
16

 
17

 
12

 
29

Other expenses
 
470

 
8

 
19

 
497

 
2

 
499

Total expenses
 
1,225

 
161

 
48

 
1,434

 
288

 
1,722

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
99

 
25

 
(9
)
 
115

 
(37
)
 
78

Operating earnings
 
$
245

 
$
51

 
$
(11
)
 
285

 
 
 
 
Adjustments to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
180

 
 
 
 
Total expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(288
)
 
 
 
 
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
214

 
 
 
$
214


13

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)



Operating Results




Six Months Ended June 30, 2015

Retail

Corporate Benefit Funding

Corporate & Other

Total

Adjustments

Total Consolidated


(In millions)
Revenues












Premiums

$
494


$
7


$
35


$
536


$


$
536

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees

1,279


17




1,296


133


1,429

Net investment income

1,027


449


(37
)

1,439


(115
)

1,324

Other revenues

246


2


2


250




250

Net investment gains (losses)









37


37

Net derivative gains (losses)









68


68

Total revenues

3,046


475




3,521


123


3,644

Expenses













Policyholder benefits and claims

734

 
206

 
42


982


192


1,174

Interest credited to policyholder account balances

461

 
56

 


517


2


519

Capitalization of DAC

(144
)
 

 
(41
)

(185
)



(185
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA

323

 

 
12


335


(83
)

252

Interest expense on debt


 

 
34


34


2


36

Other expenses

890

 
16

 
83


989




989

Total expenses

2,264


278


130


2,672


113


2,785

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)

217


68


(54
)

231


4


235

Operating earnings

$
565


$
129


$
(76
)

618





Adjustments to:












Total revenues







123





Total expenses







(113
)




Provision for income tax (expense) benefit







(4
)




Net income (loss)







$
624




$
624


14

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
2. Segment Information (continued)

 
 
Operating Results
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
Retail
 
Corporate Benefit Funding (1)
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
 
Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
 
(In millions)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums
 
$
514

 
$
(50
)
 
$
29

 
$
493

 
$
2

 
$
495

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
 
1,354

 
17

 
88

 
1,459

 
166

 
1,625

Net investment income
 
964

 
449

 
(55
)
 
1,358

 
7

 
1,365

Other revenues
 
278

 
2

 
1

 
281

 
1

 
282

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 
(537
)
 
(537
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 
(12
)
 
(12
)
Total revenues
 
3,110

 
418

 
63

 
3,591

 
(373
)
 
3,218

Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
 
825

 
152

 
33

 
1,010

 
364

 
1,374

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
 
477

 
58

 

 
535

 
1

 
536

Capitalization of DAC
 
(139
)
 

 
(25
)
 
(164
)
 

 
(164
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
 
351

 
1

 
10

 
362

 
120

 
482

Interest expense on debt
 
3

 

 
33

 
36

 
30

 
66

Other expenses
 
886

 
15

 
34

 
935

 
7

 
942

Total expenses
 
2,403

 
226

 
85

 
2,714

 
522

 
3,236

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
 
202

 
66

 
(12
)
 
256

 
(289
)
 
(33
)
Operating earnings
 
$
505

 
$
126

 
$
(10
)
 
621

 
 
 
 
Adjustments to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(373
)
 
 
 
 
Total expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(522
)
 
 
 
 
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
289

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
15

 
 
 
$
15

__________________
(1)
Premiums and policyholder benefits and claims both include ($87) million of ceded reinsurance with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (“MLIC”). See Note 10.
The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:

June 30, 2015

December 31, 2014

(In millions)
Retail
$
172,314


$
173,657

Corporate Benefit Funding
25,393


25,312

Corporate & Other
9,815


6,894

Total
$
207,522


$
205,863


15

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

3. Insurance
Guarantees
As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report, the Company issues variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. The non-life contingent portion of guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”) and the portion of certain GMIBs that does not require annuitization are accounted for as embedded derivatives in policyholder account balances and are further discussed in Note 5.
Based on the type of guarantee, the Company defines net amount at risk as listed below.
Variable Annuities
In the Event of Death
Defined as the death benefit less the total contract account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date and includes any additional contractual claims associated with riders purchased to assist with covering income taxes payable upon death.
At Annuitization
Defined as the amount (if any) that would be required to be added to the total contract account value to purchase a lifetime income stream, based on current annuity rates, equal to the minimum amount provided under the guaranteed benefit. This amount represents the Company’s potential economic exposure to such guarantees in the event all contractholders were to annuitize on the balance sheet date, even though the contracts contain terms that allow annuitization of the guaranteed amount only after the 10th anniversary of the contract, which not all contractholders have achieved.
Universal and Variable Life Contracts
Defined as the guarantee amount less the account value, as of the balance sheet date. It represents the amount of the claim that the Company would incur if death claims were filed on all contracts on the balance sheet date.
The amounts in the table below include direct business, but exclude offsets from hedging or reinsurance, if any. As discussed in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report, the Company reinsures portions of the living and death benefit guarantees issued in connection with certain variable annuities to unaffiliated reinsurers. Therefore, the net amount at risk presented below reflects the economic exposures of living and death benefit guarantees associated with variable annuities, but not necessarily their impact on the Company. 
Information regarding the types of guarantees relating to annuity contracts and universal and variable life contracts was as follows at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
In the
Event of Death
 
At
Annuitization
 
In the
Event of Death
 
At
Annuitization
 
(In millions)
Annuity Contracts (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable Annuities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total contract account value
$
110,895

 
$
63,198

 
$
112,298

 
$
64,550

Separate account value
$
105,916

 
$
61,887

 
$
107,261

 
$
63,206

Net amount at risk
$
3,944

 
$
1,366

 
$
3,151

 
$
1,297

Average attained age of contractholders
66 years

 
66 years

 
65 years

 
65 years


16

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
3. Insurance (continued)

 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Secondary Guarantees
 
(In millions)
Universal and Variable Life Contracts (1)
 
 
 
Account value (general and separate account)
$
6,839

 
$
6,702

Net amount at risk
$
91,085

 
$
91,204

Average attained age of policyholders
59 years

 
59 years

__________________
(1)
The Company’s annuity and life contracts with guarantees may offer more than one type of guarantee in each contract. Therefore, the amounts listed above may not be mutually exclusive.

17

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

4. Investments
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector
The following table presents the fixed maturity and equity securities available-for-sale (“AFS”) by sector. Redeemable preferred stock is reported within U.S. corporate and foreign corporate fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred stock is reported within equity securities. Included within fixed maturity securities are structured securities including residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”), commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”).
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Cost or
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gains
 
Temporary
Losses
 
OTTI
Losses
 
Gains
 
Temporary
Losses
 
OTTI
Losses
 
 
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
$
15,845

 
$
1,169

 
$
234

 
$

 
$
16,780

 
$
15,286

 
$
1,635

 
$
119

 
$

 
$
16,802

U.S. Treasury and agency
11,588

 
1,082

 
112

 

 
12,558

 
14,147

 
1,686

 
7

 

 
15,826

RMBS
9,255

 
248

 
102

 
16

 
9,385

 
5,858

 
291

 
33

 
35

 
6,081

Foreign corporate
5,021

 
224

 
105

 

 
5,140

 
5,162

 
310

 
58

 

 
5,414

State and political subdivision
2,280


297


13




2,564


2,180


413


1




2,592

CMBS (1)
1,747

 
32

 
12

 
(1
)
 
1,768

 
1,637

 
45

 
4

 
(1
)
 
1,679

ABS
2,405

 
24

 
8

 

 
2,421

 
1,546

 
26

 
10

 

 
1,562

Foreign government
587

 
116

 
2

 

 
701

 
607

 
136

 
2

 

 
741

Total fixed maturity securities
$
48,728

 
$
3,192

 
$
588

 
$
15

 
$
51,317

 
$
46,423

 
$
4,542

 
$
234

 
$
34

 
$
50,697

Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
$
214

 
$
56

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
268

 
$
176

 
$
60

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
233

Non-redeemable preferred stock
218

 
7

 
10

 

 
215

 
224

 
9

 
7

 

 
226

Total equity securities
$
432

 
$
63

 
$
12

 
$

 
$
483

 
$
400

 
$
69

 
$
10

 
$

 
$
459

__________________
(1)
The noncredit loss component of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses for CMBS was in an unrealized gain position of $1 million at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, due to increases in estimated fair value subsequent to initial recognition of noncredit losses on such securities. See also “— Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses).”
The Company held non-income producing fixed maturity securities with an estimated fair value of $27 million and $14 million with unrealized gains (losses) of $6 million and $4 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date, were as follows at June 30, 2015:
 
Due in One
Year or Less
 
Due After One
Year Through
Five Years
 
Due After Five
Years
Through Ten Years
 
Due After Ten
Years
 
Structured
Securities
 
Total Fixed
Maturity
Securities
 
(In millions)
Amortized cost
$
2,284

 
$
9,584

 
$
7,378

 
$
16,075

 
$
13,407

 
$
48,728

Estimated fair value
$
2,312

 
$
10,025

 
$
7,559

 
$
17,847

 
$
13,574

 
$
51,317

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to the exercise of call or prepayment options. Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date have been presented in the year of final contractual maturity. Structured securities (RMBS, CMBS and ABS) are shown separately, as they are not due at a single maturity.

18

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities AFS by Sector
The following table presents the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of fixed maturity and equity securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Less than 12 Months
 
Equal to or Greater than
12 Months
 
Less than 12 Months
 
Equal to or Greater than
12 Months
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
(In millions, except number of securities)
Fixed maturity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
$
3,380

 
$
160

 
$
399

 
$
74

 
$
1,346

 
$
45

 
$
685

 
$
74

U.S. Treasury and agency
2,693

 
112

 

 

 
4,067

 
5

 
163

 
2

RMBS
4,553

 
71

 
470

 
47

 
684

 
26

 
530

 
42

Foreign corporate
1,431

 
82

 
214

 
23

 
1,031

 
49

 
133

 
9

State and political subdivision
271

 
12

 
15

 
1

 
11

 

 
24

 
1

CMBS
506

 
10

 
17

 
1

 
124

 
1

 
78

 
2

ABS
808

 
4

 
173

 
4

 
334

 
2

 
231

 
8

Foreign government
52

 
2

 
2

 

 
27

 
1

 
9

 
1

Total fixed maturity securities
$
13,694

 
$
453

 
$
1,290

 
$
150

 
$
7,624

 
$
129

 
$
1,853

 
$
139

Equity securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
$
19

 
$
2

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
11

 
$
3

 
$

 
$

Non-redeemable preferred stock
32

 
3

 
41

 
7

 
28

 
1

 
44

 
6

Total equity securities
$
51

 
$
5

 
$
42

 
$
7

 
$
39

 
$
4

 
$
44

 
$
6

Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
1,285

 
 
 
283

 
 
 
752

 
 
 
333

 
 
Evaluation of AFS Securities for OTTI and Evaluating Temporarily Impaired AFS Securities
As described more fully in Notes 1 and 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation of all investment classes for impairment, including fixed maturity securities, equity securities and perpetual hybrid securities, in accordance with its impairment policy, in order to evaluate whether such investments are other-than-temporarily impaired.
Current Period Evaluation
Based on the Company’s current evaluation of its AFS securities in an unrealized loss position in accordance with its impairment policy, and the Company’s current intentions and assessments (as applicable to the type of security) about holding, selling and any requirements to sell these securities, the Company concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2015. Future OTTI will depend primarily on economic fundamentals, issuer performance (including changes in the present value of future cash flows expected to be collected), changes in credit ratings, collateral valuation, interest rates and credit spreads. If economic fundamentals deteriorate or if there are adverse changes in the above factors, OTTI may be incurred in upcoming periods.
Gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities increased $335 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 to $603 million. The increase in gross unrealized losses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily attributable to an increase in interest rates, and to a lesser extent, widening credit spreads.
At June 30, 2015, $60 million of the total $603 million of gross unrealized losses were from 15 fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss position of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater.

19

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Of the $60 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $50 million, or 83%, were related to gross unrealized losses on nine investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to widening credit spreads and, with respect to fixed-rate fixed maturity securities, rising interest rates since purchase.
Below Investment Grade Fixed Maturity Securities
Of the $60 million of gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities with an unrealized loss of 20% or more of amortized cost for six months or greater, $10 million, or 17%, were related to gross unrealized losses on six below investment grade fixed maturity securities. Unrealized losses on below investment grade fixed maturity securities are principally related to non-agency RMBS (primarily alternative residential mortgage loans) and U.S. corporate securities (primarily industrial industry securities) and are the result of significantly wider credit spreads resulting from higher risk premiums since purchase, largely due to economic and market uncertainties including concerns over valuations of residential real estate supporting non-agency RMBS. Management evaluates non-agency RMBS based on actual and projected cash flows after considering the quality of underlying collateral, expected prepayment speeds, current and forecasted loss severity, consideration of the payment terms of the underlying assets backing a particular security, and the payment priority within the tranche structure of the security; and evaluates U.S. corporate securities based on factors such as expected cash flows and the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects of the issuers.
Equity Securities
Gross unrealized losses on equity securities increased $2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2015 to $12 million. Of the $12 million, $5 million were from three securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more of cost for 12 months or greater. Of the $5 million, 40% were from securities rated A or better, and all were from financial services industry investment grade non-redeemable preferred stock securities.
Mortgage Loans
Mortgage Loans by Portfolio Segment
Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Total
 
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Total
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
Mortgage loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$
5,137

 
75.7
 %
 
$
4,281

 
73.3
 %
Agricultural
1,368

 
20.2

 
1,303

 
22.3

Residential
44

 
0.6

 

 

Subtotal (1)
6,549

 
96.5

 
5,584

 
95.6

Valuation allowances
(30
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(25
)
 
(0.4
)
Subtotal mortgage loans, net
6,519

 
96.1

 
5,559

 
95.2

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - fair value option ("FVO")
266

 
3.9

 
280

 
4.8

Total mortgage loans, net
$
6,785

 
100.0
 %
 
$
5,839

 
100.0
 %
__________________
(1)
Purchases of mortgage loans were $40 million for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015. There were no mortgage loans purchased for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”).
See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of related party mortgage loans.
Information on commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans is presented in the tables below. Information on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs - FVO is presented in Note 6. The Company elects the FVO for certain commercial mortgage loans and related long-term debt that are managed on a total return basis.

20

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Mortgage Loans, Valuation Allowance and Impaired Loans by Portfolio Segment
Mortgage loans by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, impaired mortgage loans including those modified in a troubled debt restructuring, and the related valuation allowances, were as follows at:
 
Evaluated Individually for Credit Losses
 
Evaluated Collectively for
Credit Losses
 
Impaired Loans
 
Impaired Loans with a Valuation
Allowance
 
Impaired Loans without a
Valuation Allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Recorded Investment
 
Valuation
Allowances
 
Unpaid Principal Balance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Valuation
Allowances
 
Carrying
Value
 
(In millions)
June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,137

 
$
25

 
$

Agricultural
4

 
3

 

 

 

 
1,365

 
4

 
3

Residential

 

 

 

 

 
44

 
1

 

Total
$
4

 
$
3

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,546

 
$
30

 
$
3

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,281

 
$
21

 
$

Agricultural
4

 
3

 

 

 

 
1,300

 
4

 
3

Residential

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
4

 
$
3

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,581

 
$
25

 
$
3

The average recorded investment for impaired commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans was $0, $3 million and $0, respectively, for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015.
The average recorded investment for impaired commercial, agricultural and residential mortgage loans was $71 million, $3 million and $0, respectively, for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014.
Valuation Allowance Rollforward by Portfolio Segment
The changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment, were as follows:

Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,

2015

2014

Commercial

Agricultural
 
Residential

Total

Commercial

Agricultural
 
Residential
 
Total

(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
21


$
4

 
$


$
25


$
31


$
4

 
$

 
$
35

Provision (release)
4



 
1


5


(1
)


 

 
(1
)
Balance, end of period
$
25


$
4

 
$
1


$
30


$
30


$
4

 
$

 
$
34


21

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Credit Quality of Commercial Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of commercial mortgage loans was as follows at:
 
Recorded Investment
 
 
 
 
 
Debt Service Coverage Ratios
 
% of
Total
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
% of
Total
 
> 1.20x
 
1.00x - 1.20x
 
< 1.00x
 
Total
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan-to-value ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 65%
$
4,385

 
$
191

 
$
147

 
$
4,723

 
91.9
%
 
$
5,003

 
92.3
%
65% to 75%
299

 
14

 
8

 
321

 
6.3

 
322

 
6.0

76% to 80%
9

 

 

 
9

 
0.2

 
10

 
0.2

Greater than 80%
45

 
25

 
14

 
84

 
1.6

 
83

 
1.5

Total
$
4,738

 
$
230

 
$
169

 
$
5,137

 
100.0
%
 
$
5,418

 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loan-to-value ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 65%
$
3,668

 
$
267

 
$
125

 
$
4,060

 
94.8
%
 
$
4,431

 
95.1
%
65% to 75%
113

 
14

 

 
127

 
3.0

 
134

 
2.9

76% to 80%
9

 

 

 
9

 
0.2

 
10

 
0.2

Greater than 80%
45

 
26

 
14

 
85

 
2.0

 
83

 
1.8

Total
$
3,835

 
$
307

 
$
139

 
$
4,281

 
100.0
%
 
$
4,658

 
100.0
%
Credit Quality of Agricultural Mortgage Loans
The credit quality of agricultural mortgage loans was as follows at: 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Recorded
Investment
 
% of
Total
 
Recorded
Investment 
 
% of
Total
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
Loan-to-value ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 65%
$
1,272

 
93.0
%
 
$
1,239

 
95.1
%
65% to 75%
96

 
7.0

 
64

 
4.9

Total
$
1,368

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,303

 
100.0
%
The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $1.4 billion at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Credit Quality of Residential Mortgage Loans
Over 99% of all residential mortgage loans held at June 30, 2015 were classified as performing with an estimated fair value of $47 million.
Past Due and Interest Accrual Status of Mortgage Loans
The Company has a high quality, well performing mortgage loan portfolio, with over 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company defines delinquency consistent with industry practice, when mortgage loans are past due as follows: commercial and residential mortgage loans — 60 days and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days. The Company had no commercial and agricultural mortgage loans past due and no commercial and agricultural mortgage loans in non-accrual status at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company had one residential mortgage loan past due and in non-accrual status with a recorded investment of less than $1 million at June 30, 2015. The Company did not hold any residential mortgage loans at December 31, 2014.

22

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Mortgage Loans Modified in a Troubled Debt Restructuring
The Company may grant concessions related to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, which are classified as troubled debt restructurings. Generally, the types of concessions include: reduction of the contractual interest rate, extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than current market interest rates, and/or a reduction of accrued interest. The amount, timing and extent of the concession granted is considered in determining any impairment or changes in the specific valuation allowance. There were no mortgage loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
Cash Equivalents
The carrying value of cash equivalents, which includes securities and other investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase, was $171 million and $681 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities AFS and the effect on DAC, VOBA, deferred sales inducements (“DSI”) and future policy benefits, that would result from the realization of the unrealized gains (losses), are included in net unrealized investment gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”).
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in AOCI, were as follows:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities
$
2,599

 
$
4,311

Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in AOCI
(15
)
 
(34
)
Total fixed maturity securities
2,584

 
4,277

Equity securities
63

 
69

Derivatives
290

 
282

Other
17

 
9

Subtotal
2,954

 
4,637

Amounts allocated from:
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
(55
)
 
(503
)
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
(5
)
 
(2
)
DAC, VOBA and DSI
(302
)
 
(403
)
Subtotal
(362
)
 
(908
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
7

 
12

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(901
)
 
(1,308
)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
$
1,698

 
$
2,433

The changes in fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses included in AOCI were as follows: 
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30, 2015
 
Year 
 Ended 
 December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
(34
)
 
$
(45
)
Noncredit OTTI losses and subsequent changes recognized
1

 
6

Securities sold with previous noncredit OTTI loss
11

 
9

Subsequent changes in estimated fair value
7

 
(4
)
Balance, end of period
$
(15
)
 
$
(34
)


23

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30, 2015
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
2,433

Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
19

Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period
(1,702
)
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
 
Future policy benefits
448

DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
(3
)
DAC, VOBA and DSI
101

Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in AOCI
(5
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
407

Balance, end of period
$
1,698

Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
$
(735
)
Concentrations of Credit Risk
There were no investments in any counterparty that were greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholder’s equity, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
Securities Lending
The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby securities are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company obtains collateral, usually cash, in an amount generally equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned at inception of the loan. The Company monitors the estimated fair value of the securities loaned on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the loan.
Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
Securities on loan: (1)
 
 
 
Amortized cost
$
8,234

 
$
5,748

Estimated fair value
$
8,804

 
$
6,703

Cash collateral on deposit from counterparties (2)
$
8,986

 
$
6,781

Security collateral on deposit from counterparties (3)
$
54

 
$
60

Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value
$
9,010

 
$
6,846

__________________
(1)
Included within fixed maturity securities and short-term investments. At June 30, 2015, both amortized cost and estimated fair value also include $217 million, at estimated fair value, of securities which are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
(2)
Included within payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions.
(3)
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties may not be sold or re-pledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

24

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

The cash collateral liability by loaned security type and remaining tenor of the agreements were as follows at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
 
 
 
 
 
Open (1)
 
1 Month or Less
 
1 to 6 Months
 
6 Months to 1 Year
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
(In millions)
 
 
Cash collateral liability by loaned security type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
2,693

 
$
2,696

 
$
1,233

 
$
127

 
$
6,749

 
75.1
%
Agency RMBS

 
170

 
1,746

 

 
1,916

 
21.3

Foreign corporate
5

 
22

 

 

 
27

 
0.3

U.S. corporate

 
248

 

 

 
248

 
2.8

Foreign government
5

 
41

 

 

 
46

 
0.5

Total
$
2,703

 
$
3,177

 
$
2,979

 
$
127

 
$
8,986

 
100.0
%
 
December 31, 2014
 
Remaining Tenor of Securities Lending Agreements
 
 
 
 
 
Open (1)
 
1 Month or Less
 
1 to 6 Months
 
6 Months to 1 Year
 
Total
 
% of Total
 
(In millions)
 
 
Cash collateral liability by loaned security type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
$
2,618

 
$
2,611

 
$
822

 
$

 
$
6,051

 
89.2
%
Agency RMBS

 
95

 
542

 

 
637

 
9.4

Foreign corporate
22

 
22

 

 

 
44

 
0.7

U.S. corporate
7

 
35

 

 

 
42

 
0.6

Foreign government
7

 

 

 

 
7

 
0.1

Total
$
2,654

 
$
2,763

 
$
1,364

 
$

 
$
6,781

 
100.0
%
__________________
(1)
The related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day which would require the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
If the Company is required to return significant amounts of cash collateral on short notice and is forced to sell securities to meet the return obligation, it may have difficulty selling such collateral that is invested in securities in a timely manner, be forced to sell securities in a volatile or illiquid market for less than what otherwise would have been realized under normal market conditions, or both. The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at June 30, 2015 was $2.6 billion, over 99% of which were U.S. Treasury and agency securities which, if put back to the Company, could be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirement.
The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including U.S. Treasury and agency, agency RMBS, ABS, non-agency RMBS and U.S. corporate securities) with over 65% invested in agency RMBS, U.S. Treasury and agency securities, short-term investments, or held in cash and cash equivalents. If the securities on loan or the reinvestment portfolio become less liquid, the Company has the liquidity resources of most of its general account available to meet any potential cash demands when securities on loan are put back to the Company.
Repurchase Agreement Transactions
Commencing in the first quarter of 2015, the Company began participating in short-term repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements with unaffiliated financial institutions. Under these agreements, the Company lends fixed maturity securities, and contemporaneously borrows other fixed maturity securities (e.g., repurchase and reverse repurchase, respectively). The Company obtains cash collateral in an amount greater than or equal to 95% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned, and pledges cash collateral in an amount generally equal to 98% of the estimated fair value of the borrowed securities at the inception of the transaction. The Company monitors the estimated fair value of the securities loaned and borrowed on a daily basis with additional collateral obtained as necessary throughout the duration of the transaction.

25

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

The Company accounted for these transactions as collateralized borrowing and lending. The amount of fixed maturity securities lent and borrowed, at estimated fair value, was $518 million and $506 million, respectively, at June 30, 2015. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or re-pledged by the transferee. Securities borrowed under such transactions may be re-pledged and are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. The amount of borrowed securities which were re-pledged was $217 million, at estimated fair value, at June 30, 2015.
The Company has elected to offset amounts recognized as receivables and payables resulting from these transactions. The gross amounts of the receivables and payables related to these transactions at June 30, 2015 were both $499 million. After the effect of offsetting of $499 million, the net amount presented in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2015 was a liability of less than $1 million. Amounts owed to and due from counterparties may be settled in cash or offset, in accordance with the agreements. Cash inflows and outflows for cash settlements are reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows. At June 30, 2015, all $499 million of payables from repurchase agreements had a remaining tenor of one to six months and were loans of U.S. and foreign corporate securities.
See Note 5 for information regarding the estimated fair value of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral.
Invested Assets on Deposit, Held in Trust and Pledged as Collateral
Invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for all asset classes, except mortgage loans, which are presented at carrying value at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
Invested assets on deposit (regulatory deposits)
$
7,098

 
$
7,334

Invested assets held in trust (reinsurance agreements) (1)
938

 
936

Invested assets pledged as collateral (2)
3,919

 
3,174

Total invested assets on deposit, held in trust and pledged as collateral
$
11,955

 
$
11,444

__________________
(1)
The Company has held in trust certain investments, primarily fixed maturity securities, in connection with certain reinsurance transactions.
(2)
The Company has pledged invested assets in connection with various agreements and transactions, including funding agreements (see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report) and derivative transactions (see Note 5).
See “— Securities Lending” and “— Repurchase Agreement Transactions” for information regarding securities on loan.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company has invested in certain structured transactions (including CSEs) that are VIEs. In certain instances, the Company holds both the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity, as well as an economic interest in the entity and, as such, is deemed to be the primary beneficiary or consolidator of the entity.
The determination of the VIE’s primary beneficiary requires an evaluation of the contractual and implied rights and obligations associated with each party’s relationship with or involvement in the entity, an estimate of the entity’s expected losses and expected residual returns and the allocation of such estimates to each party involved in the entity. The Company generally uses a qualitative approach to determine whether it is the primary beneficiary. However, for VIEs that are investment companies or apply measurement principles consistent with those utilized by investment companies, the primary beneficiary is based on a risks and rewards model and is defined as the entity that will absorb a majority of a VIE’s expected losses, receive a majority of a VIE’s expected residual returns if no single entity absorbs a majority of expected losses, or both. The Company reassesses its involvement with VIEs on a quarterly basis. The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs in the determination of the primary beneficiary could have a material effect on the amounts presented within the consolidated financial statements.

26

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Consolidated VIEs
The following table presents the total assets and total liabilities relating to VIEs for which the Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary and which are consolidated at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Creditors or beneficial interest holders of VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary have no recourse to the general credit of the Company, as the Company’s obligation to the VIEs is limited to the amount of its committed investment.
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
CSEs: (1)
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
Mortgage loans (commercial mortgage loans)
$
266

 
$
280

Accrued investment income
1

 
2

Total assets
$
267

 
$
282

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Long-term debt
$
122

 
$
139

Other liabilities
1

 
1

Total liabilities
$
123

 
$
140

__________________
(1)
The Company consolidates entities that are structured as CMBS. The assets of these entities can only be used to settle their respective liabilities, and under no circumstances is the Company liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in these entities of $126 million and $123 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The long-term debt bears interest primarily at fixed rates ranging from 2.25% to 5.57%, payable primarily on a monthly basis. Interest expense related to these obligations, included in other expenses, was $1 million and $2 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $12 million and $30 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
Unconsolidated VIEs
The carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs in which the Company holds a significant variable interest but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated were as follows at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss (1)
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Maximum
Exposure
to Loss (1)
 
(In millions)
Fixed maturity securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Structured securities (RMBS, CMBS and ABS) (2)
$
13,574

 
$
13,574

 
$
9,322

 
$
9,322

U.S. and foreign corporate
502

 
502

 
526

 
526

Other limited partnership interests
1,743

 
2,104

 
1,774

 
2,162

Real estate joint ventures
35

 
39

 
47

 
51

Other invested assets
40

 
45

 
37

 
47

Equity securities AFS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-redeemable preferred stock
18

 
18

 
19

 
19

Total
$
15,912

 
$
16,282

 
$
11,725

 
$
12,127

__________________

27

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

(1)
The maximum exposure to loss relating to fixed maturity and equity securities AFS is equal to their carrying amounts or the carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to other limited partnership interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments. For certain of its investments in other invested assets, the Company’s return is in the form of income tax credits which are guaranteed by creditworthy third parties. For such investments, the maximum exposure to loss is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments, reduced by income tax credits guaranteed by third parties of less than $1 million at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Such a maximum loss would be expected to occur only upon bankruptcy of the issuer or investee.
(2)
For these variable interests, the Company’s involvement is limited to that of a passive investor in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities issued by trusts that do not have substantial equity.
As described in Note 9, the Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. Excluding these commitments, the Company did not provide financial or other support to investees designated as VIEs during both the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income were as follows:

Three Months
Ended
June 30,

Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,

2015

2014

2015

2014

(In millions)
Investment income:







Fixed maturity securities
$
506

 
$
498

 
$
993

 
$
1,019

Equity securities
4

 
5

 
8

 
9

Mortgage loans
83

 
79

 
155

 
160

Policy loans
13

 
16

 
26

 
30

Real estate and real estate joint ventures
44

 
16

 
66

 
39

Other limited partnership interests
55

 
32

 
107

 
130

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
3

 
1

 
5

 
2

Operating joint venture
6

 
(1
)
 
8

 
(1
)
Other
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
3

 
(5
)
Subtotal
713

 
644

 
1,371

 
1,383

Less: Investment expenses
29

 
26

 
56

 
52

Subtotal, net
684

 
618

 
1,315

 
1,331

FVO CSEs — interest income — commercial mortgage loans
5

 
12

 
9

 
34

Net investment income
$
689

 
$
630

 
$
1,324

 
$
1,365

See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.
See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of affiliated net investment income and investment expenses.

28

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Net Investment Gains (Losses)
Components of Net Investment Gains (Losses)
The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015

2014

(In millions)
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 



Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector and industry:
 
 
 
 



U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry:
 
 
 
 



Transportation
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
(2
)
Consumer

 

 

 
(1
)
Industrial

 

 
(1
)
 

Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
RMBS

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(2
)
OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings

 
(4
)
 
(3
)
 
(5
)
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
(9
)
 
18

 
16

 
34

Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
(9
)
 
14

 
13

 
29

Total gains (losses) on equity securities:

 

 

 

Total OTTI losses recognized — by sector:

 


 

 

Non-redeemable preferred stock

 
(8
)
 

 
(8
)
Common stock
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in earnings
(1
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(15
)
Equity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
3

 
5

 
2

 
9

Total gains (losses) on equity securities
2

 
(10
)
 
1

 
(6
)
Mortgage loans
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(5
)
 
8

Real estate and real estate joint ventures
6

 
2

 
29

 

Other limited partnership interests

 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(4
)
Other investment portfolio gains (losses)
(3
)
 
2

 
(1
)
 
1

Subtotal — investment portfolio gains (losses)
(8
)
 
5

 
36

 
28

FVO CSEs :

 

 

 

Commercial mortgage loans
1

 
(16
)
 
(2
)
 
(15
)
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans
1

 
17

 
2

 
18

Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) (1)
1

 
(37
)
 
1

 
(568
)
Subtotal FVO CSEs and non-investment portfolio gains (losses)
3

 
(36
)
 
1

 
(565
)
Total net investment gains (losses)
$
(5
)
 
$
(31
)
 
$
37

 
$
(537
)
__________________
(1)
Non-investment portfolio gains (losses) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014 includes a loss of $61 million and $608 million, respectively, related to the disposition of MetLife Assurance Limited. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report.
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs.
See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of affiliated net investment gains (losses) related to transfers of invested assets to affiliates.
Gains (losses) from foreign currency transactions included within net investment gains (losses) were ($4) million and ($3) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $20 million and $36 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

29

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Sales or Disposals and Impairments of Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
Proceeds from sales or disposals of fixed maturity and equity securities and the components of fixed maturity and equity securities net investment gains (losses) were as shown in the tables below. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis.
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
Equity Securities
 
(In millions)
Proceeds
$
7,948

 
$
3,743

 
$
12

 
$
7

Gross investment gains
$
32

 
$
27

 
$
3

 
$
5

Gross investment losses
(41
)
 
(9
)
 

 

OTTI losses

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(15
)
Net investment gains (losses)
$
(9
)
 
$
14

 
$
2

 
$
(10
)

Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,

2015

2014

2015

2014

Fixed Maturity Securities

Equity Securities

(In millions)
Proceeds
$
15,932


$
7,360


$
14


$
18

Gross investment gains
$
80


$
66


$
3


$
9

Gross investment losses
(64
)

(32
)

(1
)


OTTI losses
(3
)

(5
)

(1
)

(15
)
Net investment gains (losses)
$
13

 
$
29


$
1

 
$
(6
)
Credit Loss Rollforward
The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”): 
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
56

 
$
57

 
$
57

 
$
59

Additions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities not previously impaired
1

 

 
1

 

Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI on securities previously impaired

 
1

 
2

 
1

Reductions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) of securities previously impaired as credit loss OTTI
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
(10
)
 
(4
)
Increase in cash flows — accretion of previous credit loss OTTI
(1
)
 

 
(2
)
 

Balance, end of period
$
48

 
$
56

 
$
48

 
$
56


30

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
4. Investments (continued)

Related Party Investment Transactions
The Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from affiliates. Invested assets transferred to and from affiliates were as follows:
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred to affiliates
$
101

 
$
91

 
$
101

 
$
445

Amortized cost of invested assets transferred to affiliates
$
95

 
$
83

 
$
95

 
$
416

Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers
$
6

 
$
8

 
$
6

 
$
29

Estimated fair value of invested assets transferred from affiliates
$

 
$

 
$
525

 
$
35

Below is a summary of certain affiliated loans, which are more fully described in Note 8 of the Notes of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report.
The Company has affiliated loans outstanding to wholly-owned real estate subsidiaries of an affiliate, MLIC, which are included in mortgage loans, with a carrying value of $241 million and $242 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. These affiliated loans are secured by interests in the real estate subsidiaries, which own operating real estate with an estimated fair value in excess of the loans. Net investment income from these affiliated loans was $3 million and $6 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $5 million and $10 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
The Company receives investment administrative services from an affiliate. The related investment administrative service charges were $17 million and $34 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $16 million and $32 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

31

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

5. Derivatives
Accounting for Derivatives
Freestanding Derivatives
Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s balance sheet either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value. The Company does not offset the estimated fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.
Accruals on derivatives are generally recorded in accrued investment income or within other liabilities. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle within one year are included with the derivatives carrying value in other invested assets or other liabilities.
If a derivative is not designated as an accounting hedge or its use in managing risk does not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative are reported in net derivative gains (losses) except as follows:
Statement of Operations Presentation:
Derivative:
Policyholder benefits and claims
Economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits
Net investment income
Economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures
Hedge Accounting
To qualify for hedge accounting, at the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company formally documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction, as well as its designation of the hedge. Hedge designation and financial statement presentation of changes in estimated fair value of the hedging derivatives are as follows:
Fair value hedge (a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability) - in net derivative gains (losses), consistent with the change in estimated fair value of the hedged item attributable to the designated risk being hedged.
Cash flow hedge (a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability) - effectiveness in OCI (deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item); ineffectiveness in net derivative gains (losses).
The changes in estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported on the statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. 
In its hedge documentation, the Company sets forth how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the designated risks related to the hedged item and sets forth the method that will be used to retrospectively and prospectively assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness and the method that will be used to measure ineffectiveness. A derivative designated as a hedging instrument must be assessed as being highly effective in offsetting the designated risk of the hedged item. Hedge effectiveness is formally assessed at inception and at least quarterly throughout the life of the designated hedging relationship. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of ineffectiveness are also subject to interpretation and estimation and different interpretations or estimates may have a material effect on the amount reported in net income.
The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when: (i) it is determined that the derivative is no longer highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item; (ii) the derivative expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised; (iii) it is no longer probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will occur; or (iv) the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument.
When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective in offsetting changes in the estimated fair value or cash flows of a hedged item, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value hedge is no longer adjusted for changes in its estimated fair value due to the hedged risk, and the cumulative adjustment to its carrying value is amortized into income over the remaining life of the hedged item. Provided the hedged forecasted transaction is still probable of occurrence, the changes in estimated fair value of derivatives recorded in OCI related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.

32

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is no longer probable that the forecasted transactions will occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date, the derivative continues to be carried on the balance sheet at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). Deferred gains and losses of a derivative recorded in OCI pursuant to the discontinued cash flow hedge of a forecasted transaction that is no longer probable are recognized immediately in net derivative gains (losses).
In all other situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued, the derivative is carried at its estimated fair value on the balance sheet, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).
Embedded Derivatives
The Company sells variable annuities and issues certain insurance products and investment contracts and is a party to certain reinsurance agreements that have embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. The embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative if:
the combined instrument is not accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value recorded in earnings;
the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract; and
a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative would qualify as a derivative instrument.
Such embedded derivatives are carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses), except for those in policyholder benefits and claims related to ceded reinsurance of GMIB. If the Company is unable to properly identify and measure an embedded derivative for separation from its host contract, the entire contract is carried on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income. Additionally, the Company may elect to carry an entire contract on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in the current period in net investment gains (losses) or net investment income if that contract contains an embedded derivative that requires bifurcation. At inception, the Company attributes to the embedded derivative a portion of the projected future guarantee fees to be collected from the policyholder equal to the present value of projected future guaranteed benefits. Any additional fees represent “excess” fees and are reported in universal life and investment-type product policy fees.
See Note 6 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.
Derivative Strategies
The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate, credit and equity market. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivatives.
Derivatives are financial instruments with values derived from interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and/or other financial indices. Derivatives may be exchange-traded or contracted in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Certain of the Company’s OTC derivatives are cleared and settled through central clearing counterparties (“OTC-cleared”), while others are bilateral contracts between two counterparties (“OTC-bilateral”). The types of derivatives the Company uses include swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit default swaps to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash market.
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Company uses a variety of interest rate derivatives to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, including interest rate swaps, caps, floors, futures and forwards.
Interest rate swaps are used by the Company primarily to reduce market risks from changes in interest rates and to alter interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities (duration mismatches). In an interest rate swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed rate and floating rate interest amounts as calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.

33

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

The Company purchases interest rate caps and floors primarily to protect its floating rate liabilities against rises in interest rates above a specified level, and against interest rate exposure arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as to protect its minimum rate guarantee liabilities against declines in interest rates below a specified level, respectively. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased caps and floors by entering into offsetting written caps and floors. The Company utilizes interest rate caps and floors in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
In exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of interest rate securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded interest rate (Treasury and swap) futures are used primarily to hedge mismatches between the duration of assets in a portfolio and the duration of liabilities supported by those assets, to hedge against changes in value of securities the Company owns or anticipates acquiring, to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance, and to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
Swaptions are used by the Company to hedge interest rate risk associated with the Company’s long-term liabilities and invested assets. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap with a forward starting effective date. In certain instances, the Company locks in the economic impact of existing purchased swaptions by entering into offsetting written swaptions. The Company pays a premium for purchased swaptions and receives a premium for written swaptions. The Company utilizes swaptions in non-qualifying hedging relationships. Swaptions are included in interest rate options.
The Company enters into interest rate forwards to buy and sell securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made at a specified future date. The Company utilizes interest rate forwards in cash flow hedging relationships.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Derivatives
The Company uses foreign currency swaps to reduce the risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates associated with its assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. In a foreign currency swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between one currency and another at a fixed exchange rate, generally set at inception, calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. The notional amount of each currency is exchanged at the inception and termination of the currency swap by each party. The Company utilizes foreign currency swaps in fair value, cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.
To a lesser extent, the Company uses foreign currency forwards and exchange-traded currency futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
Credit Derivatives
The Company enters into purchased credit default swaps to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party to pay, at specified intervals, a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. Credit events vary by type of issuer but typically include bankruptcy, failure to pay debt obligations, repudiation, moratorium, involuntary restructuring or governmental intervention. In each case, payout on a credit default swap is triggered only after the Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) deems that a credit event has occurred. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
The Company enters into written credit default swaps to synthetically create credit investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and one or more cash instruments, such as U.S. Treasury securities, agency securities or other fixed maturity securities. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.
To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of certain securities. The Company utilizes credit forwards in cash flow hedging relationships. 

34

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

Equity Derivatives
The Company uses a variety of equity derivatives to reduce its exposure to equity market risk, including equity index options, equity variance swaps, exchange-traded equity futures and total rate of return swaps (“TRRs”).
Equity index options are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. To hedge against adverse changes in equity indices, the Company enters into contracts to sell the equity index within a limited time at a contracted price. The contracts will be net settled in cash based on differentials in the indices at the time of exercise and the strike price. Certain of these contracts may also contain settlement provisions linked to interest rates. In certain instances, the Company may enter into a combination of transactions to hedge adverse changes in equity indices within a pre-determined range through the purchase and sale of options. The Company utilizes equity index options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
Equity variance swaps are used by the Company primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. In an equity variance swap, the Company agrees with another party to exchange amounts in the future, based on changes in equity volatility over a defined period. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
In exchange-traded equity futures transactions, the Company agrees to purchase or sell a specified number of contracts, the value of which is determined by the different classes of equity securities, and to post variation margin on a daily basis in an amount equal to the difference in the daily market values of those contracts. The Company enters into exchange-traded futures with regulated futures commission merchants that are members of the exchange. Exchange-traded equity futures are used primarily to hedge minimum guarantees embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
TRRs are swaps whereby the Company agrees with another party to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between the economic risk and reward of an asset or a market index and the London Interbank Offered Rate (also, LIBOR), calculated by reference to an agreed notional amount. No cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract. Cash is paid and received over the life of the contract based on the terms of the swap. The Company uses TRRs to hedge its equity market guarantees in certain of its insurance products. TRRs can be used as hedges or to synthetically create investments. The Company utilizes TRRs in non-qualifying hedging relationships.

35

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

Primary Risks Managed by Derivatives
The following table presents the gross notional amount, estimated fair value and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivatives, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:
 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Primary Underlying Risk Exposure
 
Gross
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Gross
Notional
Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
(In millions)
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
Fair value hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate
 
$
359

 
$
27

 
$
2

 
$
379

 
$
33

 
$
2

Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency exchange rate
 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
 
 
359

 
27

 
2

 
379

 
33

 
2

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate
 
335

 
61

 

 
369

 
81

 

Interest rate forwards
Interest rate
 
35

 
7

 

 
155

 
45

 

Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency exchange rate
 
794

 
82

 
12

 
728

 
56

 
9

Subtotal
 
 
1,164

 
150

 
12

 
1,252

 
182

 
9

Total qualifying hedges
 
1,523

 
177

 
14

 
1,631

 
215

 
11

Derivatives Not Designated or Not Qualifying as Hedging Instruments
Interest rate swaps
Interest rate
 
25,227

 
1,537

 
559

 
25,919

 
1,709

 
601

Interest rate floors
Interest rate
 
9,504

 
50

 
40

 
16,404

 
83

 
69

Interest rate caps
Interest rate
 
8,012

 
6

 

 
7,901

 
11

 

Interest rate futures
Interest rate
 
360

 

 

 
325

 
1

 

Interest rate options
Interest rate
 
18,820

 
325

 
35

 
29,870

 
446

 
16

Foreign currency swaps
Foreign currency exchange rate
 
728

 
48

 
4

 
672

 
59

 
4

Foreign currency forwards
Foreign currency exchange rate
 
75

 

 
1

 
48

 
3

 

Credit default swaps — purchased
Credit
 
27

 

 

 
45

 

 
1

Credit default swaps — written
Credit
 
1,993

 
25

 
1

 
1,924

 
29

 
1

Equity futures
Equity market
 
3,113

 

 
7

 
3,086

 
34

 

Equity index options
Equity market
 
31,167

 
941

 
659

 
27,212

 
854

 
613

Equity variance swaps
Equity market
 
15,581

 
129

 
486

 
15,433

 
120

 
435

TRRs
Equity market
 
2,555

 
50

 
3

 
2,332

 
12

 
67

Total non-designated or non-qualifying derivatives
 
117,162

 
3,111

 
1,795

 
131,171

 
3,361

 
1,807

Total
 
$
118,685

 
$
3,288

 
$
1,809

 
$
132,802

 
$
3,576

 
$
1,818

Based on gross notional amounts, a substantial portion of the Company’s derivatives was not designated or did not qualify as part of a hedging relationship at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The Company’s use of derivatives includes (i) derivatives that serve as macro hedges of the Company’s exposure to various risks and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting due to the criteria required under the portfolio hedging rules; (ii) derivatives that economically hedge insurance liabilities that contain mortality or morbidity risk and that generally do not qualify for hedge accounting because the lack of these risks in the derivatives cannot support an expectation of a highly effective hedging relationship; (iii) derivatives that economically hedge embedded derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting because the changes in estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives are already recorded in net income; and (iv) written credit default swaps that are used to synthetically create credit investments and that do not qualify for hedge accounting because they do not involve a hedging relationship. For these non-qualified derivatives, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes on the statement of operations without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged.

36

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:
 
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In millions)
Derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1)
 
$
(787
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(466
)
 
$
193

Embedded derivatives gains (losses)
 
770

 
156

 
534

 
(205
)
Total net derivative gains (losses)
 
$
(17
)
 
$
138

 
$
68

 
$
(12
)
__________________
(1)
Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.
The following table presents earned income on derivatives:
 
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In millions)
Qualifying hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$
2

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
1

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Non-qualifying hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net derivative gains (losses)
 
86

 
20

 
177

 
100

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
4

 
(55
)
 
7

 
(64
)
Total
 
$
91

 
$
(36
)
 
$
188

 
$
36


37

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

Non-Qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
The following table presents the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:
 
Net
Derivative
Gains (Losses)
 
Net
Investment
Income (1)
 
Policyholder
Benefits and
Claims (2) 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
(682
)
 
$

 
$
(17
)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
(34
)
 

 

Credit derivatives — written
(6
)
 

 

Equity derivatives
(157
)
 

 
(23
)
Total
$
(879
)
 
$

 
$
(40
)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
323

 
$

 
$
9

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
39

 

 

Credit derivatives — written
3

 

 

Equity derivatives
(413
)
 
(4
)
 
(117
)
Total
$
(48
)
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(108
)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
(281
)
 
$

 
$
(6
)
Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
1

 

 

Credit derivatives — written
(5
)
 

 

Equity derivatives
(366
)
 
(1
)
 
(96
)
Total
$
(651
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(102
)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
576

 
$

 
$
21

Foreign currency exchange rate derivatives
93

 

 

Credit derivatives — written
1

 

 

Equity derivatives
(591
)
 
(7
)
 
(156
)
Total
$
79

 
$
(7
)
 
$
(135
)
__________________
(1)
Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures.
(2)
Changes in estimated fair value related to economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits.
Fair Value Hedges
The Company designates and accounts for the following as fair value hedges when they have met the requirements of fair value hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate assets and liabilities to floating rate assets and liabilities; and (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated liabilities.

38

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

The Company recognizes gains and losses on derivatives and the related hedged items in fair value hedges within net derivative gains (losses). The following table presents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses):


Derivatives in Fair Value
Hedging Relationships
 


Hedged Items in Fair Value
Hedging Relationships
 
Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
Recognized
for Derivatives
 
Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
Recognized for
Hedged Items
 
Ineffectiveness
Recognized in
Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps:
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
Policyholder liabilities (1)
 
(16
)
 
16

 

Foreign currency swaps:
 
Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)
 

 

 

Total
 
$
(15
)
 
$
16

 
$
1

Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps:
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
Policyholder liabilities (1)
 
5

 
(5
)
 

Foreign currency swaps:
 
Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)
 
(1
)
 
1

 

Total
 
$
4

 
$
(4
)
 
$

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps:
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
 
Policyholder liabilities (1)
 
(7
)
 
7

 

Foreign currency swaps:
 
Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)
 

 

 

Total
 
$
(7
)
 
$
8

 
$
1

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps:
 
Fixed maturity securities
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
Policyholder liabilities (1)
 
14

 
(14
)
 

Foreign currency swaps:
 
Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)
 

 

 

Total
 
$
14

 
$
(14
)
 
$

__________________
(1)
Fixed rate liabilities reported in policyholder account balances or future policy benefits.
(2)
Fixed rate or floating rate liabilities.
All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Company designates and accounts for the following as cash flow hedges when they have met the requirements of cash flow hedging: (i) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate assets and liabilities to fixed rate assets and liabilities; (ii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities; (iii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; and (iv) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments.
In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions were no longer probable of occurring. Because certain of the forecasted transactions also were not probable of occurring within two months of the anticipated date, the Company reclassified amounts from AOCI into net derivative gains (losses). For both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) related to such discontinued cash flow hedges were not significant.
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the maximum length of time over which the Company was hedging its exposure to variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions did not exceed four years and five years, respectively.
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the balance in AOCI associated with cash flow hedges was $290 million and $282 million, respectively. 

39

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) and the consolidated statements of stockholder’s equity:
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
Amount of Gains (Losses) Deferred in AOCI on Derivatives
 
Amount and Location
of Gains (Losses)
Reclassified from
AOCI into Income (Loss)
 
Amount and Location of Gains (Losses) Recognized in Income (Loss) on Derivatives
 
 
(Effective Portion)
 
(Effective Portion)
 
(Ineffective Portion)
 
 
 
 
Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
 
Net Investment
Income
 
Net Derivative
Gains (Losses)
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(41
)
 
$

 
$
1

 
$
1

Interest rate forwards
 
(11
)
 

 

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
(31
)
 
2

 

 

Credit forwards
 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
(83
)
 
$
2

 
$
1

 
$
1

Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
27

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
Interest rate forwards
 
11

 
2

 
1

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 

 

Credit forwards
 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
32

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
(1
)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(12
)
 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
1

Interest rate forwards
 

 
1

 
1

 

Foreign currency swaps
 
21

 
(2
)
 

 

Credit forwards
 

 
(1
)
 

 

Total
 
$
9

 
$
(1
)
 
$
2

 
$
1

Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
69

 
$

 
$

 
$

Interest rate forwards
 
31

 
2

 
1

 
1

Foreign currency swaps
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 

 

Credit forwards
 

 

 

 

Total
 
$
97

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
1

All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
At June 30, 2015, $20 million of deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in AOCI was expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months.
Credit Derivatives
In connection with synthetically created credit investment transactions, the Company writes credit default swaps for which it receives a premium to insure credit risk. Such credit derivatives are included within the non-qualifying derivatives and derivatives for purposes other than hedging table. If a credit event occurs, as defined by the contract, the contract may be cash settled or it may be settled gross by the Company paying the counterparty the specified swap notional amount in exchange for the delivery of par quantities of the referenced credit obligation. The Company’s maximum amount at risk, assuming the value of all referenced credit obligations is zero, was $2.0 billion and $1.9 billion at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current estimated fair value of the credit default swaps. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company would have received $24 million and $28 million, respectively, to terminate all of these contracts.

40

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

The following table presents the estimated fair value, maximum amount of future payments and weighted average years to maturity of written credit default swaps at: 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Rating Agency Designation of Referenced Credit Obligations (1)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
of Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of
Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps (2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity (3)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
of Credit
Default
Swaps
 
Maximum
Amount of
Future
Payments under
Credit Default
Swaps (2)
 
Weighted
Average
Years to
Maturity (3)
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
Aaa/Aa/A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
 
$
2

 
$
180

 
1.5

 
$
2

 
$
155

 
2.1

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 

 
134

 
2.6

 
1

 
134

 
1.3

Subtotal
 
2

 
314

 
2.0

 
3

 
289

 
1.7

Baa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
 
4

 
409

 
1.9

 
5

 
454

 
2.3

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 
16

 
1,234

 
4.8

 
18

 
1,145

 
5.0

Subtotal
 
20

 
1,643

 
4.1

 
23

 
1,599

 
4.2

B
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit default swaps referencing indices
 
2

 
36

 
5.0

 
2

 
36

 
5.0

Subtotal
 
2

 
36

 
5.0

 
2

 
36

 
5.0

Total
 
$
24

 
$
1,993

 
3.8

 
$
28

 
$
1,924

 
3.8

__________________
(1)
The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings. If no rating is available from a rating agency, then an internally developed rating is used.
(2)
Assumes the value of the referenced credit obligations is zero.
(3)
The weighted average years to maturity of the credit default swaps is calculated based on weighted average gross notional amounts.
Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivatives. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivatives is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivatives at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of master netting or similar agreements and any collateral received pursuant to such agreements.
The Company manages its credit risk related to derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties and establishing and monitoring exposure limits. The Company’s OTC-bilateral derivative transactions are generally governed by ISDA Master Agreements which provide for legally enforceable set-off and close-out netting of exposures to specific counterparties in the event of early termination of a transaction, which includes, but is not limited to, events of default and bankruptcy. In the event of an early termination, the Company is permitted to set off receivables from the counterparty against payables to the same counterparty arising out of all included transactions. Substantially all of the Company’s ISDA Master Agreements also include Credit Support Annex provisions which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its OTC-bilateral derivatives.
The Company’s OTC-cleared derivatives are effected through central clearing counterparties and its exchange-traded derivatives are effected through regulated exchanges. Such positions are marked to market and margined on a daily basis (both initial margin and variation margin), and the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivatives.

41

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

See Note 6 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivatives.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities after the application of master netting agreements and collateral were as follows at: 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Derivatives Subject to a Master Netting Arrangement or a Similar Arrangement (6)
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
 
(In millions)
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral (1)
 
$
3,299

 
$
1,744

 
$
3,554

 
$
1,767

OTC-cleared (1)
 
72

 
71

 
75

 
73

Exchange-traded
 

 
7

 
35

 

Total gross estimated fair value of derivatives (1)
 
3,371

 
1,822

 
3,664

 
1,840

Amounts offset on the consolidated balance sheets
 

 

 

 

Estimated fair value of derivatives presented on the consolidated balance sheets (1)
 
3,371

 
1,822

 
3,664

 
1,840

Gross amounts not offset on the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross estimated fair value of derivatives: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral
 
(1,562
)
 
(1,562
)
 
(1,592
)
 
(1,592
)
OTC-cleared
 
(54
)
 
(54
)
 
(54
)
 
(54
)
Exchange-traded
 

 

 

 

Cash collateral: (3), (4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral
 
(1,027
)
 

 
(753
)
 

OTC-cleared
 
(18
)
 
(17
)
 
(21
)
 
(18
)
Exchange-traded
 

 
(6
)
 

 

Securities collateral: (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTC-bilateral
 
(509
)
 
(186
)
 
(1,152
)
 
(175
)
OTC-cleared
 

 

 

 

Exchange-traded
 

 
(1
)
 

 

Net amount after application of master netting agreements and collateral
 
$
201

 
$
(4
)
 
$
92

 
$
1

__________________
(1)
At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, derivative assets included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $83 million and $88 million, respectively, and derivative liabilities included income or expense accruals reported in accrued investment income or in other liabilities of $13 million and $22 million, respectively.
(2)
Estimated fair value of derivatives is limited to the amount that is subject to set-off and includes income or expense accruals.
(3)
Cash collateral received by the Company for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives is included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments or in fixed maturity securities, and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions on the balance sheet. In certain instances, cash collateral pledged to the Company as initial margin for OTC-bilateral derivatives is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet because the account title is in the name of the counterparty (but segregated for the benefit of the Company). The amount of this off-balance sheet collateral was $0 and $121 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

42

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

(4)
The receivable for the return of cash collateral provided by the Company is inclusive of initial margin on exchange-traded and OTC-cleared derivatives and is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the balance sheet. The amount of cash collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company received excess cash collateral of $1 million and $33 million (including $0 and $33 million off-balance sheet cash collateral held in separate custodial accounts), respectively, and provided excess cash collateral of $112 million and $30 million, respectively, which is not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.
(5)
Securities collateral received by the Company is held in separate custodial accounts and is not recorded on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the Company is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2015 none of the collateral had been sold or re-pledged. Securities collateral pledged by the Company is reported in fixed maturity securities on the balance sheet. Subject to certain constraints, the counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral. The amount of securities collateral offset in the table above is limited to the net estimated fair value of derivatives after application of netting agreements and cash collateral. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company received excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $2 million and $122 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company provided excess securities collateral with an estimated fair value of $61 million and $17 million, respectively, for its OTC-bilateral derivatives, and $36 million and $37 million, respectively, for its OTC-cleared derivatives, and $19 million and $165 million, respectively, for its exchange-traded derivatives, which are not included in the table above due to the foregoing limitation.
(6)
See Note 4 for information regarding the Company’s gross and net payables and receivables under repurchase agreement transactions.
The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC-bilateral derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the estimated fair value of that counterparty’s derivatives reaches a pre-determined threshold. Certain of these arrangements also include financial strength-contingent provisions that provide for a reduction of these thresholds (on a sliding scale that converges toward zero) in the event of downgrades in the financial strength ratings of the Company and/or the credit ratings of the counterparty. In addition, certain of the Company’s netting agreements for derivatives contain provisions that require both the Company and the counterparty to maintain a specific investment grade financial strength or credit rating from each of Moody’s and S&P. If a party’s financial strength or credit ratings were to fall below that specific investment grade financial strength or credit rating, that party would be in violation of these provisions, and the other party to the derivatives could terminate the transactions and demand immediate settlement and payment based on such party’s reasonable valuation of the derivatives.
The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC-bilateral derivatives that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements, together with the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the collateral pledged. The table also presents the incremental collateral that the Company would be required to provide if there was a one notch downgrade in the Company’s financial strength rating at the reporting date or if the Company’s financial strength rating sustained a downgrade to a level that triggered full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position at the reporting date. OTC-bilateral derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are excluded from this table. 
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value of
Collateral Provided
 
Fair Value of Incremental
 Collateral Provided Upon
 
Estimated
Fair Value of
Derivatives in
Net Liability
Position (1)
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
One Notch
Downgrade in
the Company’s
Financial
Strength
Rating
 
Downgrade in the
Company’s Financial
Strength Rating
to a Level that Triggers
Full Overnight
Collateralization or
Termination of
the Derivative Position
 
(In millions)
June 30, 2015
$
182

 
$
247

 
$

 
$

December 31, 2014
$
175

 
$
192

 
$

 
$

__________________
(1)
After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.

43

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
5. Derivatives (continued)

Embedded Derivatives
The Company issues certain products or purchases certain investments that contain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as freestanding derivatives. These host contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including GMWBs, guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”) and certain GMIBs; affiliated ceded reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; affiliated assumed reinsurance of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and certain GMIBs; funds withheld on ceded reinsurance; fixed annuities with equity-indexed returns; and certain debt and equity securities. 
The following table presents the estimated fair value and balance sheet location of the Company’s embedded derivatives that have been separated from their host contracts at:
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
(In millions)
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
 
$
200

 
$
217

Funds withheld on assumed reinsurance
Other invested assets
 
39

 
53

Options embedded in debt or equity securities
Investments
 
(51
)
 
(48
)
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts
 
$
188

 
$
222

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits
Policyholder account balances
 
$
(727
)
 
$
(609
)
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits
Policyholder account balances
 
764

 
827

Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance
Other liabilities
 
240

 
382

Other
Policyholder account balances
 
20


17

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts
 
$
297

 
$
617

The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2)
$
770

 
$
156

 
$
534

 
$
(205
)
Policyholder benefits and claims
$
(43
)
 
$
8

 
$
(19
)
 
$
23

__________________
(1)
The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes a nonperformance risk adjustment. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses) in connection with this adjustment were ($30) million and ($14) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and ($53) million and ($9) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
(2)
See Note 10 for discussion of affiliated net derivative gains (losses) included in the table above.

44

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

6. Fair Value
Considerable judgment is often required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value, and the use of different assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented below.
 
June 30, 2015
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Total Estimated
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
$

 
$
15,368

 
$
1,412

 
$
16,780

U.S. Treasury and agency
6,769

 
5,789

 

 
12,558

RMBS
1,430

 
6,930

 
1,025

 
9,385

Foreign corporate

 
4,476

 
664

 
5,140

State and political subdivision

 
2,556

 
8

 
2,564

CMBS

 
1,574

 
194

 
1,768

ABS

 
1,876

 
545

 
2,421

Foreign government

 
701

 

 
701

Total fixed maturity securities
8,199

 
39,270

 
3,848

 
51,317

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
108

 
130

 
30

 
268

Non-redeemable preferred stock

 
135

 
80

 
215

Total equity securities
108

 
265

 
110

 
483

Short-term investments (1)
340

 
1,176

 
374

 
1,890

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO

 
266

 

 
266

Derivative assets: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate

 
2,006

 
7

 
2,013

Foreign currency exchange rate

 
130

 

 
130

Credit

 
25

 

 
25

Equity market

 
914

 
206

 
1,120

Total derivative assets

 
3,075

 
213

 
3,288

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)

 

 
239

 
239

Separate account assets (4)
257

 
107,276

 
150

 
107,683

Total assets
$
8,904

 
$
151,328

 
$
4,934

 
$
165,166

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
$

 
$
636

 
$

 
$
636

Foreign currency exchange rate

 
17

 

 
17

Credit

 
1

 

 
1

Equity market
7

 
641

 
507

 
1,155

Total derivative liabilities
7

 
1,295

 
507

 
1,809

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)

 

 
297

 
297

Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO

 
122

 

 
122

Total liabilities
$
7

 
$
1,417

 
$
804

 
$
2,228


45

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
Total Estimated
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate
$

 
$
15,447

 
$
1,355

 
$
16,802

U.S. Treasury and agency
10,226

 
5,600

 

 
15,826

RMBS

 
5,365

 
716

 
6,081

Foreign corporate

 
4,704

 
710

 
5,414

State and political subdivision

 
2,592

 

 
2,592

CMBS

 
1,531

 
148

 
1,679

ABS

 
1,381

 
181

 
1,562

Foreign government

 
741

 

 
741

Total fixed maturity securities
10,226

 
37,361

 
3,110

 
50,697

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
105

 
99

 
29

 
233

Non-redeemable preferred stock

 
155

 
71

 
226

Total equity securities
105

 
254

 
100

 
459

Short-term investments (1)
253

 
812

 
71

 
1,136

Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO

 
280

 

 
280

Derivative assets: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
1

 
2,363

 
45

 
2,409

Foreign currency exchange rate

 
118

 

 
118

Credit

 
28

 
1

 
29

Equity market
34

 
770

 
216

 
1,020

Total derivative assets
35

 
3,279

 
262

 
3,576

Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)

 

 
270

 
270

Separate account assets (4)
249

 
108,454

 
158

 
108,861

Total assets
$
10,868

 
$
150,440

 
$
3,971

 
$
165,279

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
$

 
$
688

 
$

 
$
688

Foreign currency exchange rate

 
13

 

 
13

Credit

 
2

 

 
2

Equity market

 
657

 
458

 
1,115

Total derivative liabilities

 
1,360

 
458

 
1,818

Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)

 

 
617

 
617

Long-term debt of CSEs — FVO

 
139

 

 
139

Total liabilities
$

 
$
1,499

 
$
1,075

 
$
2,574

__________________
(1)
Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented on the consolidated balance sheets because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.
(2)
Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets on the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation on the consolidated balance sheets, but are presented net for purposes of the rollforward in the Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) tables.
(3)
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented primarily within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented within policyholder account balances and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, equity securities also included embedded derivatives of ($51) million and ($48) million, respectively.

46

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

(4)
Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders whose liability is reflected within separate account liabilities. Separate account liabilities are set equal to the estimated fair value of separate account assets.
The following describes the valuation methodologies used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. The description includes the valuation techniques and key inputs for each category of assets or liabilities that are classified within Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments
Valuation Controls and Procedures
On behalf of the Company and MetLife, Inc.’s Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer, a pricing and valuation committee that is independent of the trading and investing functions and comprised of senior management provides oversight of control systems and valuation policies for securities, mortgage loans and derivatives. On a quarterly basis, this committee reviews and approves new transaction types and markets, ensures that observable market prices and market-based parameters are used for valuation, wherever possible, and determines that judgmental valuation adjustments, when applied, are based upon established policies and are applied consistently over time. This committee also provides oversight of the selection of independent third party pricing providers and the controls and procedures to evaluate third party pricing. Periodically, the Chief Accounting Officer reports to MetLife Insurance Company USA’s Audit Committee regarding compliance with fair value accounting standards.
The Company reviews its valuation methodologies on an ongoing basis and revises those methodologies when necessary based on changing market conditions. Assurance is gained on the overall reasonableness and consistent application of input assumptions, valuation methodologies and compliance with fair value accounting standards through controls designed to ensure valuations represent an exit price. Several controls are utilized, including certain monthly controls, which include, but are not limited to, analysis of portfolio returns to corresponding benchmark returns, comparing a sample of executed prices of securities sold to the fair value estimates, comparing fair value estimates to management’s knowledge of the current market, reviewing the bid/ask spreads to assess activity, comparing prices from multiple independent pricing services and ongoing due diligence to confirm that independent pricing services use market-based parameters. The process includes a determination of the observability of inputs used in estimated fair values received from independent pricing services or brokers by assessing whether these inputs can be corroborated by observable market data. The Company ensures that prices received from independent brokers, also referred to herein as “consensus pricing,” represent a reasonable estimate of fair value by considering such pricing relative to the Company’s knowledge of the current market dynamics and current pricing for similar financial instruments. While independent non-binding broker quotations are utilized, they are not used for a significant portion of the portfolio. For example, fixed maturity securities priced using independent non-binding broker quotations represent less than 1% of the total estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities and 13% of the total estimated fair value of Level 3 fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2015.
The Company also applies a formal process to challenge any prices received from independent pricing services that are not considered representative of estimated fair value. If prices received from independent pricing services are not considered reflective of market activity or representative of estimated fair value, independent non-binding broker quotations are obtained, or an internally developed valuation is prepared. Internally developed valuations of current estimated fair value, which reflect internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks, compared with pricing received from the independent pricing services, did not produce material differences in the estimated fair values for the majority of the portfolio; accordingly, overrides were not material. This is, in part, because internal estimates of liquidity and nonperformance risks are generally based on available market evidence and estimates used by other market participants. In the absence of such market-based evidence, management’s best estimate is used.
Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO
When available, the estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly obtainable. Generally, these are the most liquid of the Company’s securities holdings and valuation of these securities does not involve management’s judgment.

47

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies, giving priority to observable inputs. The significant inputs to the market standard valuation methodologies for certain types of securities with reasonable levels of price transparency are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs can be based in large part on management’s judgment or estimation and cannot be supported by reference to market activity. Even though these inputs are unobservable, management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances.
The estimated fair value of long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is determined on a basis consistent with the methodologies described herein for securities.
The valuation of most instruments listed below is determined using independent pricing sources, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow methodologies or other similar techniques that use either observable market inputs or unobservable inputs.

48

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Instrument
 
Level 2
Observable Inputs
Level 3
Unobservable Inputs
Fixed Maturity Securities
U.S. corporate and Foreign corporate securities
 
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market and income approaches.
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market approach.
 
Key Inputs:
Key Inputs:
 
quoted prices in markets that are not active
illiquidity premium
 
benchmark yields
delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
 
spreads off benchmark yields
credit spreads
 
new issuances
quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
 
issuer rating
 
 
duration
independent non-binding broker quotations
 
trades of identical or comparable securities
 
 
 
Privately-placed securities are valued using the additional key inputs:
 
 
 
 
market yield curve
 
 
 
 
call provisions
 
 
 
 
observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded securities that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer
 
 
 
 
delta spread adjustments to reflect specific credit-related issues
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency, State and political subdivision and Foreign government securities
 
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market approach.
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market approach.
 
Key Inputs:
Key Inputs:
 
quoted prices in markets that are not active
independent non-binding broker quotations
 
benchmark U.S. Treasury yield or other yields
quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
 
the spread off the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the identical security
 
 
issuer ratings and issuer spreads
credit spreads
 
broker-dealer quotes
 
 
 
comparable securities that are actively traded
 
 
 
reported trades of similar securities, including those that are actively traded, and those within the same sub-sector or with a similar maturity or credit rating
 
 
Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS
 
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market and income approaches.
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market and income approaches.
 
Key Inputs:
Key Inputs:
 
quoted prices in markets that are not active
credit spreads
 
spreads for actively traded securities
quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
 
spreads off benchmark yields
 
 
expected prepayment speeds and volumes
independent non-binding broker quotations
 
current and forecasted loss severity
 
 
 
ratings
 
 
 
weighted average coupon and weighted average maturity
 
 
 
average delinquency rates
 
 
 
geographic region
 
 
 
debt-service coverage ratios
 
 
 
issuance-specific information, including, but not limited to:
 
 
 
 
collateral type
 
 
 
 
payment terms of the underlying assets
 
 
 
 
payment priority within the tranche
 
 
 
 
structure of the security
 
 
 
 
deal performance
 
 
 
 
vintage of loans
 
 

49

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Instrument
Level 2
Observable Inputs
Level 3
Unobservable Inputs
Equity Securities
Common and Non-redeemable preferred stock
 
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market approach.
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market and income approaches.
 
Key Input:
Key Inputs:
 
quoted prices in markets that are not considered active
credit ratings
 
 
 
issuance structures
 
 
 
quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2
 
 
 
independent non-binding broker quotations
Short-term investments
 
Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation techniques and observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.
Short-term investments are of a similar nature and class to the fixed maturity and equity securities described above; accordingly, the valuation techniques and unobservable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described above.
Commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO
 
Valuation Techniques: Principally the market approach.
N/A
 
Key Input:
 
 
 
quoted securitization market price of the obligations of the CSEs determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs
 
 
 
 
 
 
Separate Account Assets (1)
Mutual funds without readily determinable fair values as prices are not published publicly
 
Key Input:
 
 
 
quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers
N/A
Other limited partnership interests
 
N/A
Valuation Techniques: Valued giving consideration to the underlying holdings of the partnerships and by applying a premium or discount, if appropriate.
 
 
 
Key Inputs:
 
 
 
liquidity
 
 
 
bid/ask spreads
 
 
 
the performance record of the fund manager
 
 
 
other relevant variables that may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest
__________________
(1)
Estimated fair value equals carrying value, based on the value of the underlying assets, including: mutual fund interests, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents are similar in nature to the instruments described under “— Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO” and “— Derivatives — Freestanding Derivatives Valuation Techniques and Key Inputs.”
Derivatives
The estimated fair value of derivatives is determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives, or through the use of pricing models for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value when quoted market values are not available is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that management believes are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk, nonperformance risk, volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models. The valuation controls and procedures for derivatives are described in “— Investments.”

50

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Certain OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives may rely on inputs that are significant to the estimated fair value that are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. These unobservable inputs may involve significant management judgment or estimation. Even though unobservable, these inputs are based on assumptions deemed appropriate given the circumstances and management believes they are consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.
Most inputs for OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives are mid-market inputs but, in certain cases, liquidity adjustments are made when they are deemed more representative of exit value. Market liquidity, as well as the use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs, may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s derivatives and could materially affect net income.
The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives, and any potential credit adjustment is based on the net exposure by counterparty after taking into account the effects of netting agreements and collateral arrangements. The Company values its OTC-bilateral and OTC-cleared derivatives using standard swap curves which may include a spread to the risk-free rate, depending upon specific collateral arrangements. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with similar collateral arrangements. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties generally execute trades at such pricing levels and hold sufficient collateral, additional credit risk adjustments are not currently required in the valuation process. The Company’s ability to consistently execute at such pricing levels is in part due to the netting agreements and collateral arrangements that are in place with all of its significant derivative counterparties. An evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.
Freestanding Derivatives Valuation Techniques and Key Inputs
Level 2
This level includes all types of derivatives utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives included within Level 1 and those derivatives with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3.
Level 3
These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections for Level 2 measurements of derivatives. However, these derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
Freestanding derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. Key inputs are as follows:
Instrument
 
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
Exchange Rate
 
Credit
 
Equity Market
Inputs common to Level 2 and Level 3 by instrument type
swap yield curve
swap yield curve
swap yield curve
swap yield curve
basis curves
basis curves
credit curves
spot equity index levels
interest rate volatility (1)
currency spot rates
recovery rates
dividend yield curves
 
 
 

cross currency basis curves
 
 

equity volatility (1)
Level 3
swap yield curve (2)

N/A
swap yield curve (2)
dividend yield curves (2)
 
basis curves (2)
 
 

credit curves (2)

equity volatility (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 

credit spreads
correlation between model inputs (1)
 
 
 
 
 

repurchase rates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
independent non-binding broker quotations
 
 
______________
(1)
Option-based only.

51

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

(2)
Extrapolation beyond the observable limits of the curve(s).
Embedded Derivatives
Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees, equity or bond indexed crediting rates within certain annuity contracts, and those related to funds withheld on ceded reinsurance. Embedded derivatives are recorded at estimated fair value with changes in estimated fair value reported in net income.
The Company issues certain variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits. GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs contain embedded derivatives, which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company’s actuarial department calculates the fair value of these embedded derivatives, which are estimated as the present value of projected future benefits minus the present value of projected future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior. The calculation is based on in-force business, and is performed using standard actuarial valuation software which projects future cash flows from the embedded derivative over multiple risk neutral stochastic scenarios using observable risk-free rates.
Capital market assumptions, such as risk-free rates and implied volatilities, are based on market prices for publicly traded instruments to the extent that prices for such instruments are observable. Implied volatilities beyond the observable period are extrapolated based on observable implied volatilities and historical volatilities. Actuarial assumptions, including mortality, lapse, withdrawal and utilization, are unobservable and are reviewed at least annually based on actuarial studies of historical experience.
The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes nonperformance risk adjustments and adjustments for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for MetLife, Inc.’s debt, including related credit default swaps. These observable spreads are then adjusted, as necessary, to reflect the priority of these liabilities and the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance subsidiaries compared to MetLife, Inc.
Risk margins are established to capture the non-capital market risks of the instrument which represent the additional compensation a market participant would require to assume the risks related to the uncertainties of such actuarial assumptions as annuitization, premium persistency, partial withdrawal and surrenders. The establishment of risk margins requires the use of significant management judgment, including assumptions of the amount and cost of capital needed to cover the guarantees. These guarantees may be more costly than expected in volatile or declining equity markets. Market conditions including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity indices, market volatility and foreign currency exchange rates; changes in nonperformance risk; and variations in actuarial assumptions regarding policyholder behavior, mortality and risk margins related to non-capital market inputs, may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of the guarantees that could materially affect net income.
The Company assumed from an affiliated insurance company the risk associated with certain GMIBs. These embedded derivatives are included in other policy-related balances on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on these assumed risks is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company.
The Company ceded to an affiliated reinsurance company the risk associated with certain of the GMIBs, GMABs and GMWBs described above that are also accounted for as embedded derivatives. In addition to ceding risks associated with guarantees that are accounted for as embedded derivatives, the Company also cedes, to the same affiliated reinsurance company, certain directly written GMIBs that are accounted for as insurance (i.e., not as embedded derivatives), but where the reinsurance agreement contains an embedded derivative. These embedded derivatives are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on the ceded risk is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company with the exception of the input for nonperformance risk that reflects the credit of the reinsurer.

52

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

The estimated fair value of the embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance is determined based on the change in estimated fair value of the underlying assets held by the Company in a reference portfolio backing the funds withheld liability. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets is determined as previously described in “— Investments — Securities, Short-term Investments and Long-term Debt of CSEs — FVO.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). Changes in the credit spreads on the underlying assets, interest rates and market volatility may result in significant fluctuations in the estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives that could materially affect net income.
The Company issues certain annuity contracts which allow the policyholder to participate in returns from equity indices. These equity indexed features are embedded derivatives which are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host fixed annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). These embedded derivatives are classified within policyholder account balances on the consolidated balance sheets.
The estimated fair value of the embedded equity indexed derivatives, based on the present value of future equity returns to the policyholder using actuarial and present value assumptions including expectations concerning policyholder behavior, is calculated by the Company’s actuarial department. The calculation is based on in-force business and uses standard capital market techniques, such as Black-Scholes, to calculate the value of the portion of the embedded derivative for which the terms are set. The portion of the embedded derivative covering the period beyond where terms are set is calculated as the present value of amounts expected to be spent to provide equity indexed returns in those periods. The valuation of these embedded derivatives also includes the establishment of a risk margin, as well as changes in nonperformance risk.
Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts
Level 3 Valuation Techniques and Key Inputs:
Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits
These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. Valuations are based on option pricing techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include swap yield curve, currency exchange rates and implied volatilities. These embedded derivatives result in Level 3 classification because one or more of the significant inputs are not observable in the market or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Significant unobservable inputs generally include: the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and implied volatilities, actuarial assumptions for policyholder behavior and mortality and the potential variability in policyholder behavior and mortality, nonperformance risk and cost of capital for purposes of calculating the risk margin.
Reinsurance ceded on certain guaranteed minimum benefits
These embedded derivatives are principally valued using the income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those described above in “— Direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits” and also include counterparty credit spreads.
Transfers between Levels
Overall, transfers between levels occur when there are changes in the observability of inputs and market activity. Transfers into or out of any level are assumed to occur at the beginning of the period.
Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:
For assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value and still held at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant.
Transfers into or out of Level 3:
Assets and liabilities are transferred into Level 3 when a significant input cannot be corroborated with market observable data. This occurs when market activity decreases significantly and underlying inputs cannot be observed, current prices are not available, and/or when there are significant variances in quoted prices, thereby affecting transparency. Assets and liabilities are transferred out of Level 3 when circumstances change such that a significant input can be corroborated with market observable data. This may be due to a significant increase in market activity, a specific event, or one or more significant input(s) becoming observable.

53

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Transfers into Level 3 for fixed maturity securities were due primarily to a lack of trading activity, decreased liquidity and credit ratings downgrades (e.g., from investment grade to below investment grade) which have resulted in decreased transparency of valuations and an increased use of independent non-binding broker quotations and unobservable inputs, such as illiquidity premiums, delta spread adjustments, or credit spreads.
Transfers out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities resulted primarily from increased transparency of both new issuances that, subsequent to issuance and establishment of trading activity, became priced by independent pricing services and existing issuances that, over time, the Company was able to obtain pricing from, or corroborate pricing received from, independent pricing services with observable inputs (such as observable spreads used in pricing securities) or increases in market activity and upgraded credit ratings.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
The following table presents certain quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement, and the sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in those inputs, for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Impact of
Increase in Input
on Estimated
Fair Value (2)
 
Valuation
Techniques
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
 

Range
 
Weighted
Average (1)
 
Range
 
Weighted
Average (1)
 
Fixed maturity securities (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate
Matrix pricing
 
Delta spread adjustments (4)
 
(25)
-
240
 
48
 
(35)
-
240
 
51
 
Decrease
 
Market pricing
 
Quoted prices (5)
 
11
-
780
 
336
 
-
750
 
418
 
Increase
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes (5)
 
68
-
101
 
87
 
78
-
103
 
86
 
Increase
RMBS
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes (5)
 
33
-
111
 
95
 
1
-
117
 
93
 
Increase (6)
ABS
Market pricing
 
Quoted prices (5)
 
97
-
106
 
100
 
97
-
108
 
101
 
Increase (6)
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes (5)
 
65
-
106
 
100
 
62
-
106
 
99
 
Increase (6)
Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
Present value techniques
 
Swap yield (7)
 
333
-
333
 
 
 
278
-
297
 
 
 
Increase (11)
Credit
Present value techniques
 
Credit spreads (8)
 
100
-
100
 
 
 
99
-
99
 
 
 
Decrease (8)
 
Consensus pricing
 
Offered quotes (9)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity market
Present value techniques or option pricing models
 
Volatility (10)
 
17%
-
35%
 
 
 
15%
-
27%
 
 
 
Increase (11)
 
 
 
 
Correlation (12)
 
70%
-
70%
 
 
 
70%
-
70%
 
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Direct and ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
Option pricing techniques
 
Mortality rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ages 0 - 40
 
0%
-
0.09%
 
 
 
0%
-
0.10%
 
 
 
Decrease (13)
 
 
 
 
 
Ages 41 - 60
 
0.04%
-
0.65%
 
 
 
0.04%
-
0.65%
 
 
 
Decrease (13)
 
 
 
 
 
Ages 61 - 115
 
0.26%
-
100%
 
 
 
0.26%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (13)
 
 
 
 
Lapse rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Durations 1 - 10
 
0.50%
-
100%
 
 
 
0.50%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (14)
 
 
 
 
 
Durations 11 - 20
 
3%
-
100%
 
 
 
3%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (14)
 
 
 
 
 
Durations 21 - 116
 
3%
-
100%
 
 
 
3%
-
100%
 
 
 
Decrease (14)
 
 
 
 
Utilization rates
 
0%
-
30%
 
 
 
20%
-
50%
 
 
 
Increase (15)
 
 
 
 
Withdrawal rates
 
0.08%
-
10%
 
 
 
0.07%
-
10%
 
 
 
(16)
 
 
 
 
Long-term equity volatilities
 
17.40%
-
25%
 
 
 
17.40%
-
25%
 
 
 
Increase (17)
 
 
 
 
Nonperformance risk spread
 
0.04%
-
0.45%
 
 
 
0.03%
-
1.39%
 
 
 
Decrease (18)
___________________
(1)
The weighted average for fixed maturity securities is determined based on the estimated fair value of the securities.

54

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

(2)
The impact of a decrease in input would have the opposite impact on the estimated fair value. For embedded derivatives, changes to direct guaranteed minimum benefits are based on liability positions and changes to ceded guaranteed minimum benefits are based on asset positions.
(3)
Significant increases (decreases) in expected default rates in isolation would result in substantially lower (higher) valuations.
(4)
Range and weighted average are presented in basis points.
(5)
Range and weighted average are presented in accordance with the market convention for fixed maturity securities of dollars per hundred dollars of par.
(6)
Changes in the assumptions used for the probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for prepayment rates.
(7)
Ranges represent the rates across different yield curves and are presented in basis points. The swap yield curve is utilized among different types of derivatives to project cash flows, as well as to discount future cash flows to present value. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across a yield curve to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.
(8)
Represents the risk quoted in basis points of a credit default event on the underlying instrument. Credit derivatives with significant unobservable inputs are primarily comprised of written credit default swaps.
(9)
At both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, independent non-binding broker quotations were used in the determination of less than 1% of the total net derivative estimated fair value.
(10)
Ranges represent the underlying equity volatility quoted in percentage points. Since this valuation methodology uses a range of inputs across multiple volatility surfaces to value the derivative, presenting a range is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation.
(11)
Changes are based on long U.S. dollar net asset positions and will be inversely impacted for short U.S. dollar net asset positions.
(12)
Ranges represent the different correlation factors utilized as components within the valuation methodology. Presenting a range of correlation factors is more representative of the unobservable input used in the valuation. Increases (decreases) in correlation in isolation will increase (decrease) the significance of the change in valuations.
(13)
Mortality rates vary by age and by demographic characteristics such as gender. Mortality rate assumptions are based on company experience. A mortality improvement assumption is also applied. For any given contract, mortality rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
(14)
Base lapse rates are adjusted at the contract level based on a comparison of the actuarially calculated guaranteed values and the current policyholder account value, as well as other factors, such as the applicability of any surrender charges. A dynamic lapse function reduces the base lapse rate when the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, as in the money contracts are less likely to lapse. Lapse rates are also generally assumed to be lower in periods when a surrender charge applies. For any given contract, lapse rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
(15)
The utilization rate assumption estimates the percentage of contract holders with a GMIB or lifetime withdrawal benefit who will elect to utilize the benefit upon becoming eligible. The rates may vary by the type of guarantee, the amount by which the guaranteed amount is greater than the account value, the contract’s withdrawal history and by the age of the policyholder. For any given contract, utilization rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
(16)
The withdrawal rate represents the percentage of account balance that any given policyholder will elect to withdraw from the contract each year. The withdrawal rate assumption varies by age and duration of the contract, and also by other factors such as benefit type. For any given contract, withdrawal rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative. For GMWBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in an increase (decrease) in the estimated fair value of the guarantees. For GMABs and GMIBs, any increase (decrease) in withdrawal rates results in a decrease (increase) in the estimated fair value.

55

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

(17)
Long-term equity volatilities represent equity volatility beyond the period for which observable equity volatilities are available. For any given contract, long-term equity volatility rates vary throughout the period over which cash flows are projected for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
(18)
Nonperformance risk spread varies by duration and by currency. For any given contract, multiple nonperformance risk spreads will apply, depending on the duration of the cash flow being discounted for purposes of valuing the embedded derivative.
The following is a summary of the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities classified within Level 3 that are not included in the preceding table. Generally, all other classes of securities classified within Level 3, including those within separate account assets and embedded derivatives within funds withheld related to certain ceded reinsurance, use the same valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs as previously described for Level 3 securities. This includes matrix pricing and discounted cash flow methodologies, inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar securities that are less liquid and based on lower levels of trading activity than securities classified in Level 2, as well as independent non-binding broker quotations. The sensitivity of the estimated fair value to changes in the significant unobservable inputs for these other assets and liabilities is similar in nature to that described in the preceding table. The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement for the more significant assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis and determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) are summarized in “— Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements.”

56

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

The following tables summarize the change of all assets and (liabilities) measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
U.S.
Corporate
 
RMBS
 
Foreign
Corporate
 
State and
Political
Subdivision
 
CMBS
 
ABS
 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,452

 
$
921

 
$
699

 
$

 
$
187

 
$
419

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
2

 
5

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 
2

 

 

 

 

Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 

OCI
 
(61
)
 
1

 
(9
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Purchases (3)
 
36

 
222

 
13

 
8

 
7

 
294

Sales (3)
 
(35
)
 
(69
)
 
(40
)
 

 

 
(19
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 
31

 

 
1

 

 

 
44

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 
(13
)
 
(57
)
 

 

 

 
(191
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
1,412

 
$
1,025

 
$
664

 
$
8

 
$
194

 
$
545

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$
2

 
$
5

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


57

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Equity Securities
 
 
 
Net Derivatives (6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Non-
redeemable
Preferred
Stock
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Interest
Rate
 
Credit
 
Equity
Market
 
Net
Embedded
Derivatives (7)
 
Separate
Account
Assets (8)
 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
28

 
$
62

 
$
307

 
$
48

 
$

 
$
(273
)
 
$
(662
)
 
$
156

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 
(8
)
 

 
(32
)
 
761

 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(43
)
 

OCI
 
2

 

 

 
(10
)
 

 

 

 

Purchases (3)
 

 

 
324

 

 

 
4

 

 

Sales (3)
 

 

 
(170
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 
(23
)
 

 

 
(114
)
 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 

 
18

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 

 

 
(87
)
 

 

 

 

 
(4
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
30

 
$
80

 
$
374

 
$
7

 
$

 
$
(301
)
 
$
(58
)
 
$
150

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(32
)
 
$
739

 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(44
)
 
$


58

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)


 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
U.S.
Corporate
 
RMBS
 
Foreign
Corporate
 
State and
Political
Subdivision
 
CMBS
 
ABS
 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,421

 
$
563

 
$
757

 
$

 
$
144

 
$
193

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
2

 
1

 
1

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 

 
(2
)
 

 

 

Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 

OCI
 
17

 
7

 
15

 

 
1

 
(3
)
Purchases (3)
 
32

 
64

 
9

 

 
2

 
61

Sales (3)
 
(25
)
 
(14
)
 
(49
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(27
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 
16

 

 

 
3

 

 
38

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 
(35
)
 
(63
)
 
(8
)
 

 
(15
)
 
(29
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
1,428

 
$
558

 
$
723

 
$
3

 
$
127

 
$
233

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$
2

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


59

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Equity Securities
 
 
 
Net Derivatives (6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Non-
redeemable
Preferred
Stock
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Interest
Rate
 
Credit
 
Equity
Market
 
Net
Embedded
Derivatives (7)
 
Separate
Account
Assets (8)
 
 
(In millions)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
33

 
$
108

 
$
150

 
$
37

 
$
4

 
$
(345
)
 
$
(262
)
 
$
160

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 
10

 
(1
)
 
(40
)
 
156

 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 
2

 
8

 

OCI
 
3

 
6

 

 
11

 

 

 
(24
)
 

Purchases (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 
4

 

 
6

Sales (3)
 

 

 
(106
)
 

 

 

 

 
(4
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 
(35
)
 

 

 
(218
)
 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 

 
(32
)
 
(44
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
36

 
$
81

 
$

 
$
23

 
$
3

 
$
(379
)
 
$
(340
)
 
$
161

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(40
)
 
$
147

 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2

 
$
8

 
$


60

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)


 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
U.S.
Corporate
 
RMBS
 
Foreign
Corporate
 
State and
Political
Subdivision
 
CMBS
 
ABS
 
 
(In millions)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,355

 
$
716

 
$
710

 
$

 
$
148

 
$
181

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
4

 
8

 
2

 

 
(1
)
 
1

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 
2

 

 

 

 

Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 

OCI
 
(49
)
 
(1
)
 
(21
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Purchases (3)
 
83

 
449

 
14

 
8

 
82

 
417

Sales (3)
 
(43
)
 
(102
)
 
(47
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(21
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 
66

 

 
6

 

 
2

 
41

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 
(4
)
 
(47
)
 

 

 
(35
)
 
(73
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
1,412

 
$
1,025

 
$
664

 
$
8

 
$
194

 
$
545

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$
4

 
$
8

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


61

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)


 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Equity Securities
 
 
 
Net Derivatives (6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Non-
redeemable
Preferred
Stock
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Interest
Rate
 
Credit
 
Equity
Market
 
Net
Embedded
Derivatives (7)
 
Separate
Account
Assets (8)
 
 
(In millions)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
29

 
$
71

 
$
71

 
$
45

 
$
1

 
$
(242
)
 
$
(347
)
 
$
158

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(65
)
 
538

 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
(19
)
 

OCI
 
1

 
(3
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases (3)
 

 

 
374

 

 

 
4

 

 

Sales (3)
 

 

 
(16
)
 

 

 

 

 
(4
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 
(31
)
 

 
1

 
(230
)
 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 

 
19

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 

 
(7
)
 
(55
)
 

 

 

 

 
(3
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
30

 
$
80

 
$
374

 
$
7

 
$

 
$
(301
)
 
$
(58
)
 
$
150

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(65
)
 
$
515

 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
(19
)
 
$


62

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Fixed Maturity Securities
 
 
U.S.
Corporate
 
RMBS
 
Foreign
Corporate
 
State and
Political
Subdivision
 
CMBS
 
ABS
 
 
(In millions)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
1,270

 
$
450

 
$
779

 
$

 
$
129

 
$
426

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
3

 
2

 
1

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)
 
(1
)
 
3

 
(3
)
 

 

 
1

Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 

OCI
 
46

 
10

 
31

 

 
1

 

Purchases (3)
 
63

 
145

 
9

 

 
18

 
87

Sales (3)
 
(68
)
 
(47
)
 
(52
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(81
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 
168

 
14

 

 
3

 

 
22

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 
(53
)
 
(19
)
 
(42
)
 

 
(16
)
 
(222
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
1,428

 
$
558

 
$
723

 
$
3

 
$
127

 
$
233

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$
3

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


63

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)


 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
Equity Securities
 
 
 
Net Derivatives (6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Non-
redeemable
Preferred
Stock
 
Short-term
Investments
 
Interest
Rate
 
Credit
 
Equity
Market
 
Net
Embedded
Derivatives (7)
 
Separate
Account
Assets (8)
 
 
(In millions)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
31

 
$
100

 
$

 
$
11

 
$
6

 
$
(309
)
 
$
288

 
$
153

Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss): (1), (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment gains (losses)
 
(3
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
5

Net derivative gains (losses)
 

 

 

 
17

 
(3
)
 
(79
)
 
(215
)
 

Policyholder benefits and claims
 

 

 

 

 

 
6

 
23

 

OCI
 
8

 
5

 

 
31

 

 
(1
)
 
(23
)
 

Purchases (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 
4

 

 
8

Sales (3)
 
(6
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(5
)
Issuances (3)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (3)
 

 

 

 
(36
)
 

 

 
(413
)
 

Transfers into Level 3 (4)
 
6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
 

 
(23
)
 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
 
$
36

 
$
81

 
$

 
$
23

 
$
3

 
$
(379
)
 
$
(340
)
 
$
161

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss): (5)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net investment gains (losses)
 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Net derivative gains (losses)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(3
)
 
$
(79
)
 
$
(202
)
 
$

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
6

 
$
24

 
$

__________________
(1)
Amortization of premium/accretion of discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to net income (loss) on securities are included in net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with net embedded derivatives are included in net derivative gains (losses).
(2)
Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.
(3)
Items purchased/issued and then sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. Fees attributed to embedded derivatives are included in settlements.
(4)
Gains and losses in net income (loss) and OCI are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and then out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.
(5)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in net income (loss) relate to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the respective periods.
(6)
Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
(7)
Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
(8)
Investment performance related to separate account assets is fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to contractholders within separate account liabilities. Therefore, such changes in estimated fair value are not recorded in net income. For the purpose of this disclosure, these changes are presented within net investment gains (losses).

64

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Fair Value Option
The following table presents information for certain assets and liabilities of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO. These assets and liabilities were initially measured at fair value.
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In millions)
Assets (1)
 
 
 
Unpaid principal balance
$
208

 
$
223

Difference between estimated fair value and unpaid principal balance
58

 
57

Carrying value at estimated fair value
$
266

 
$
280

Liabilities (1)
 
 
 
Contractual principal balance
$
116

 
$
133

Difference between estimated fair value and contractual principal balance
6

 
6

Carrying value at estimated fair value
$
122

 
$
139

__________________
(1)
These assets and liabilities are comprised of commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. Changes in estimated fair value on these assets and liabilities and gains or losses on sales of these assets are recognized in net investment gains (losses). Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs — FVO is recognized in net investment income. Interest expense from long-term debt of CSEs — FVO is recognized in other expenses.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents information for assets measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the periods and still held at the reporting dates (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The estimated fair values for these assets were determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
At June 30,
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Carrying Value After Measurement
 
Gains (Losses)
 
(In millions)
Mortgage loans (1)
$
3

 
$
17

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(1
)
Other limited partnership interests (2)
$

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(4
)
__________________
(1)
Estimated fair values for impaired mortgage loans are based on independent broker quotations or valuation models using unobservable inputs or, if the loans are in foreclosure or are otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, are based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral or the present value of the expected future cash flows.
(2)
For these cost method investments, estimated fair value is determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying entities including NAV data. These investments include private equity and debt funds that typically invest primarily in various strategies including domestic and international leveraged buyout funds; power, energy, timber and infrastructure development funds; venture capital funds; and below investment grade debt and mezzanine debt funds. Distributions will be generated from investment gains, from operating income from the underlying investments of the funds and from liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the funds will be liquidated over the next two to 10 years. Unfunded commitments for these investments at both June 30, 2015 and 2014 were not significant.

65

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Carried at Other Than Fair Value
The following tables provide fair value information for financial instruments that are carried on the balance sheet at amounts other than fair value. These tables exclude the following financial instruments: cash and cash equivalents, accrued investment income, payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions and those short-term investments that are not securities, such as time deposits, and therefore are not included in the three level hierarchy table disclosed in the “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” section. The estimated fair value of the excluded financial instruments, which are primarily classified in Level 2, approximates carrying value, as they are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit quality. All remaining balance sheet amounts excluded from the table below are not considered financial instruments subject to this disclosure.
The carrying values and estimated fair values for such financial instruments, and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
 
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
 
 
Carrying
Value
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$
6,519

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,889

 
$
6,889

Policy loans
$
1,182

 
$

 
$
829

 
$
442

 
$
1,271

Real estate joint ventures
$
29

 
$

 
$

 
$
76

 
$
76

Other limited partnership interests
$
60

 
$

 
$

 
$
74

 
$
74

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
$
7,103

 
$

 
$
951

 
$
7,111

 
$
8,062

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances
$
19,594

 
$

 
$

 
$
20,953

 
$
20,953

Long-term debt
$
789

 
$

 
$
1,101

 
$

 
$
1,101

Other liabilities
$
2,494

 
$

 
$
2,322

 
$
172

 
$
2,494

Separate account liabilities
$
1,387

 
$

 
$
1,387

 
$

 
$
1,387

 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
 
 
Carrying
Value
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Total
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
$
5,559

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,020

 
$
6,020

Policy loans
$
1,194

 
$

 
$
834

 
$
454

 
$
1,288

Real estate joint ventures
$
37

 
$

 
$

 
$
83

 
$
83

Other limited partnership interests
$
63

 
$

 
$

 
$
81

 
$
81

Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
$
6,231

 
$

 
$
51

 
$
7,156

 
$
7,207

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Policyholder account balances
$
20,554

 
$

 
$

 
$
22,079

 
$
22,079

Long-term debt
$
789

 
$

 
$
1,120

 
$

 
$
1,120

Other liabilities
$
245

 
$

 
$
76

 
$
169

 
$
245

Separate account liabilities
$
1,432

 
$

 
$
1,432

 
$

 
$
1,432


66

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

The methods, assumptions and significant valuation techniques and inputs used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:
Mortgage Loans
The estimated fair value of mortgage loans is primarily determined by estimating expected future cash flows and discounting them using current interest rates for similar mortgage loans with similar credit risk, or is determined from pricing for similar loans.
Policy Loans
Policy loans with fixed interest rates are classified within Level 3. The estimated fair values for these loans are determined using a discounted cash flow model applied to groups of similar policy loans determined by the nature of the underlying insurance liabilities. Cash flow estimates are developed by applying a weighted-average interest rate to the outstanding principal balance of the respective group of policy loans and an estimated average maturity determined through experience studies of the past performance of policyholder repayment behavior for similar loans. These cash flows are discounted using current risk-free interest rates with no adjustment for borrower credit risk, as these loans are fully collateralized by the cash surrender value of the underlying insurance policy. Policy loans with variable interest rates are classified within Level 2 and the estimated fair value approximates carrying value due to the absence of borrower credit risk and the short time period between interest rate resets, which presents minimal risk of a material change in estimated fair value due to changes in market interest rates.
Real Estate Joint Ventures and Other Limited Partnership Interests
The estimated fair values of these cost method investments are generally based on the Company’s share of the NAV as provided in the financial statements of the investees. In certain circumstances, management may adjust the NAV by a premium or discount when it has sufficient evidence to support applying such adjustments. 
Premiums, Reinsurance and Other Receivables
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables are principally comprised of certain amounts recoverable under reinsurance agreements, amounts on deposit with financial institutions to facilitate daily settlements related to certain derivatives and amounts receivable for securities sold but not yet settled. Embedded derivatives on investment contracts and certain variable annuity guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives are excluded from this caption in the preceding tables as they are separately presented in “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements.”
Amounts recoverable under ceded reinsurance agreements, which the Company has determined do not transfer significant risk such that they are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting, have been classified as Level 3. The valuation is based on discounted cash flow methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using interest rates determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.
The amounts on deposit for derivative settlements, classified within Level 2, essentially represent the equivalent of demand deposit balances and amounts due for securities sold are generally received over short periods such that the estimated fair value approximates carrying value.
Policyholder Account Balances
These policyholder account balances include investment contracts. Embedded derivatives on investment contracts and certain variable annuity guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives are excluded from this caption in the preceding tables as they are separately presented in “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements.”
The investment contracts primarily include certain funding agreements, fixed deferred annuities, modified guaranteed annuities, fixed term payout annuities and total control accounts. The valuation of these investment contracts is based on discounted cash flow methodologies using significant unobservable inputs. The estimated fair value is determined using current market risk-free interest rates adding a spread to reflect the nonperformance risk in the liability.
Long-term Debt
The estimated fair value of long-term debt is principally determined using market standard valuation methodologies. Valuations of instruments are based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active or using matrix pricing that use standard market observable inputs such as quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market. Instruments valued using discounted cash flow methodologies use standard market observable inputs including market yield curve, duration, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues.

67

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
6. Fair Value (continued)

Other Liabilities
Other liabilities consist primarily of interest payable, amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled and funds withheld amounts payable, which are contractually withheld by the Company in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements. The Company evaluates the specific terms, facts and circumstances of each instrument to determine the appropriate estimated fair values, which are not materially different from the carrying values. 
Separate Account Liabilities
Separate account liabilities represent those balances due to policyholders under contracts that are classified as investment contracts.
Separate account liabilities classified as investment contracts primarily represent variable annuities with no significant mortality risk to the Company such that the death benefit is equal to the account balance and certain contracts that provide for benefit funding.
Since separate account liabilities are fully funded by cash flows from the separate account assets which are recognized at estimated fair value as described in the section “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements,” the value of those assets approximates the estimated fair value of the related separate account liabilities. The valuation techniques and inputs for separate account liabilities are similar to those described for separate account assets.

68

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

7. Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Information regarding changes in the balances of each component of AOCI was as follows:
 
Three Months 
 Ended 
 June 30, 2015
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
2,488

 
$
245

 
$
(13
)
 
$
2,720

OCI before reclassifications
(1,519
)
 
(83
)
 
(20
)
 
(1,622
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
536

 
28

 
7

 
571

AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
1,505

 
190

 
(26
)
 
1,669

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
7

 
(3
)
 

 
4

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(2
)
 
1

 

 
(1
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
5

 
(2
)
 

 
3

Sale of subsidiary

 

 

 

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)

 

 

 

Sale of subsidiary, net of income tax

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
1,510

 
$
188

 
$
(26
)
 
$
1,672

 
Three Months 
 Ended 
 June 30, 2014
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
1,561

 
$
67

 
$
34

 
$
1,662

OCI before reclassifications
712

 
32

 
8

 
752

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(178
)
 
(11
)
 

 
(189
)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
2,095

 
88

 
42

 
2,225

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(21
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(23
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
6

 

 

 
6

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
(15
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(17
)
Sale of subsidiary (2)
(320
)
 

 
6

 
(314
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
80

 

 

 
80

Sale of subsidiary, net of income tax
(240
)
 

 
6

 
(234
)
Balance, end of period
$
1,840

 
$
86

 
$
48

 
$
1,974


69

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
7. Equity (continued)

 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30, 2015
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
2,250

 
$
183

 
$
(7
)
 
$
2,426

OCI before reclassifications
(1,126
)
 
9

 
(30
)
 
(1,147
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
398

 
(3
)
 
11

 
406

AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
1,522

 
189

 
(26
)
 
1,685

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(19
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(20
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
7

 

 

 
7

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
(12
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(13
)
Sale of subsidiary

 

 

 

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)

 

 

 

Sale of subsidiary, net of income tax

 

 

 

Balance, end of period
$
1,510

 
$
188

 
$
(26
)
 
$
1,672

 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30, 2014
 
Unrealized
Investment Gains
(Losses), Net of
Related Offsets (1)
 
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Derivatives
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 
Total
 
(In millions)
Balance, beginning of period
$
916

 
$
25

 
$
39

 
$
980

OCI before reclassifications
1,712

 
97

 
19

 
1,828

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
(515
)
 
(34
)
 
(16
)
 
(565
)
AOCI before reclassifications, net of income tax
2,113

 
88

 
42

 
2,243

Amounts reclassified from AOCI
(48
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(50
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
15

 

 

 
15

Amounts reclassified from AOCI, net of income tax
(33
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(35
)
Sale of subsidiary (2)
(320
)
 

 
6

 
(314
)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
80

 

 

 
80

Sale of subsidiary, net of income tax
(240
)
 

 
6

 
(234
)
Balance, end of period
$
1,840

 
$
86

 
$
48

 
$
1,974

__________________
(1)
See Note 4 for information on offsets to investments related to future policy benefits, DAC, VOBA and DSI.
(2)
See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report.

70

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
7. Equity (continued)

Information regarding amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI was as follows:
AOCI Components
 
Amounts Reclassified from AOCI
 
Consolidated Statement of
Operations and
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Locations
 
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 
$
(8
)
 
$
6

 
$
11

 
$
25

 
Net investment gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 
2

 
12

 
13

 
18

 
Net investment income
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
 
(1
)
 
3

 
(5
)
 
5

 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), before income tax
 
(7
)
 
21

 
19

 
48

 
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
2

 
(6
)
 
(7
)
 
(15
)
 
 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses), net of income tax
 
$
(5
)
 
$
15

 
$
12

 
$
33

 
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives - cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate swaps
 
1

 

 
1

 

 
Net investment income
Interest rate forwards
 

 
2

 
1

 
2

 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Interest rate forwards
 

 
1

 
1

 
1

 
Net investment income
Foreign currency swaps
 
2

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Credit forwards
 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
Net derivative gains (losses)
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, before income tax
 
3

 
2

 
1

 
2

 
 
Income tax (expense) benefit
 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
 
Gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of income tax
 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
 
Total reclassifications, net of income tax
 
$
(3
)
 
$
17

 
$
13

 
$
35

 
 

71

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)

8. Other Expenses
Information on other expenses was as follows:
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Compensation
$
111

 
$
81

 
$
236

 
$
144

Commissions
150

 
143

 
314

 
295

Volume-related costs
12

 
49

 
59

 
78

Affiliated interest costs on ceded reinsurance
71

 
81

 
158

 
147

Capitalization of DAC
(86
)
 
(88
)
 
(185
)
 
(164
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
57

 
209

 
252

 
482

Interest expense on debt
18

 
29

 
36

 
66

Rent and related expenses
13

 
8

 
30

 
16

Other
99

 
137

 
192

 
262

Total other expenses
$
445

 
$
649

 
$
1,092

 
$
1,326

Affiliated Expenses
Commissions, capitalization of DAC and amortization of DAC and VOBA include the impact of affiliated reinsurance transactions. See Note 10 for a discussion of affiliated expenses included in the table above.
9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
Contingencies
Litigation
The Company is a defendant in a number of litigation matters. In some of the matters, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of monetary damages or other relief. Jurisdictions may permit claimants not to specify the monetary damages sought or may permit claimants to state only that the amount sought is sufficient to invoke the jurisdiction of the trial court. In addition, jurisdictions may permit plaintiffs to allege monetary damages in amounts well exceeding reasonably possible verdicts in the jurisdiction for similar matters. This variability in pleadings, together with the actual experience of the Company in litigating or resolving through settlement numerous claims over an extended period of time, demonstrates to management that the monetary relief which may be specified in a lawsuit or claim bears little relevance to its merits or disposition value.
Due to the vagaries of litigation, the outcome of a litigation matter and the amount or range of potential loss at particular points in time may normally be difficult to ascertain. Uncertainties can include how fact finders will evaluate documentary evidence and the credibility and effectiveness of witness testimony, and how trial and appellate courts will apply the law in the context of the pleadings or evidence presented, whether by motion practice, or at trial or on appeal. Disposition valuations are also subject to the uncertainty of how opposing parties and their counsel will themselves view the relevant evidence and applicable law. 
The Company establishes liabilities for litigation and regulatory loss contingencies when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. It is possible that some matters could require the Company to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at June 30, 2015.
Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made
For some loss contingency matters, the Company is able to estimate a reasonably possible range of loss. For such matters where a loss is believed to be reasonably possible, but not probable, no accrual has been made. As of June 30, 2015, the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters was not material for the Company.

72

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)

Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made
For other matters, the Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss. The Company is often unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss until developments in such matters have provided sufficient information to support an assessment of the range of possible loss, such as quantification of a damage demand from plaintiffs, discovery from other parties and investigation of factual allegations, rulings by the court on motions or appeals, analysis by experts, and the progress of settlement negotiations. On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company reviews relevant information with respect to litigation contingencies and updates its accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses or ranges of loss based on such reviews.
Unclaimed Property Litigation
On December 28, 2012, the West Virginia Treasurer filed an action (West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, Circuit Court of Putnam County), alleging that MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut violated the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, seeking to compel compliance with the Act, and seeking payment of unclaimed property, interest, and penalties. On November 14, 2012, the Treasurer filed a substantially identical suit against MLI‑USA. On June 16, 2015, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court’s order that had granted defendants’ motions to dismiss the actions and remanded them to the Circuit Court for further proceedings. The defendants intend to defend these actions vigorously.
Sales Practices Claims
Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims and regulatory inquiries and investigations, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. The Company continues to defend vigorously against the claims in these matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its consolidated financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.
Summary
Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, employer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Commitments
Mortgage Loan Commitments
The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $82 million and $36 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments and Private Corporate Bond Investments
The Company commits to fund partnership investments and to lend funds under private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.0 billion and $918 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

73

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
9. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (continued)

Other Commitments
The Company has entered into collateral arrangements with affiliates, which require the transfer of collateral in connection with secured demand notes. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had agreed to fund up to $20 million and $32 million, respectively, of cash upon the request by these affiliates and had transferred collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $24 million and $57 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, to custody accounts to secure the demand notes. Each of these affiliates is permitted by contract to sell or re-pledge this collateral.
10. Related Party Transactions
Service Agreements
The Company has entered into various agreements with affiliates for services necessary to conduct its activities. Typical services provided under these agreements include management, policy administrative functions, personnel, investment advice and distribution services. For certain agreements, charges are based on various performance measures or activity-based costing. The bases for such charges are modified and adjusted by management when necessary or appropriate to reflect fairly and equitably the actual incidence of cost incurred by the Company and/or affiliate. Expenses and fees incurred with affiliates related to these agreements, recorded in other expenses, were $365 million and $756 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $457 million and $790 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Revenues received from affiliates related to these agreements, recorded in universal life and investment-type product policy fees, were $63 million and $126 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $68 million and $135 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. Revenues received from affiliates related to these agreements, recorded in other revenues, were $54 million and $104 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $54 million and $107 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
The Company had net receivables from affiliates related to the items discussed above of $129 million and $26 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
See Note 4 for additional information on related party transactions.
Related Party Reinsurance Transactions
The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain MetLife subsidiaries, including MLIC, MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina, First MetLife Investors Insurance Company, General American Life Insurance Company, MetLife Europe Limited, MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, New England Life Insurance Company, MetLife Reinsurance Company of Delaware (“MRD”), Delaware American Life Insurance Company and American Life Insurance Company, all of which are related parties.

74

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) was as follows:
 
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Premiums
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
12

 
$
7

 
$
37

 
$
17

Reinsurance ceded
(215
)
 
(184
)
 
(415
)
 
(447
)
Net premiums
$
(203
)
 
$
(177
)
 
$
(378
)
 
$
(430
)
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
33

 
$
83

 
$
64

 
$
164

Reinsurance ceded
(99
)
 
(86
)
 
(186
)
 
(180
)
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees
$
(66
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(122
)
 
$
(16
)
Other revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
7

Reinsurance ceded
64

 
67

 
122

 
138

Net other revenues
$
64

 
$
70

 
$
122

 
$
145

Policyholder benefits and claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
31

 
$
39

 
$
66

 
$
76

Reinsurance ceded
(244
)
 
(204
)
 
(484
)
 
(514
)
Net policyholder benefits and claims
$
(213
)
 
$
(165
)
 
$
(418
)
 
$
(438
)
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
19

 
$
23

 
$
38

 
$
46

Reinsurance ceded
(34
)
 
(35
)
 
(71
)
 
(68
)
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances
$
(15
)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
(33
)
 
$
(22
)
Other expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reinsurance assumed
$
9

 
$
13

 
$
24

 
$
31

Reinsurance ceded
33

 
45

 
83

 
67

Net other expenses
$
42

 
$
58

 
$
107

 
$
98



75

MetLife Insurance Company USA
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
10. Related Party Transactions (continued)

Information regarding the significant effects of affiliated reinsurance included on the consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Assumed
 
Ceded
 
Assumed
 
Ceded
 
(In millions)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
$
47

 
$
12,357

 
$
45

 
$
12,718

Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
133

 
(744
)
 
164

 
(707
)
Total assets
$
180

 
$
11,613

 
$
209

 
$
12,011

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future policy benefits
$
602

 
$
(68
)
 
$
593

 
$

Policyholder account balances
764

 

 
827

 

Other policy-related balances
1,719

 
769

 
1,689

 
763

Other liabilities
15

 
4,643

 
16

 
5,109

Total liabilities
$
3,100

 
$
5,344

 
$
3,125

 
$
5,872

The Company assumes risks from affiliates related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the affiliates. These assumed reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in their estimated fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with the cessions are included within policyholder account balances and were liabilities of $764 million and $827 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Changes in estimated fair value of such embedded derivatives resulted in net derivative gains (losses) of $131 million and $68 million, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and $52 million and ($94) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
The Company ceded several blocks of business to affiliates on a 90% coinsurance with funds withheld basis. Certain contractual features of this agreement qualify as embedded derivatives, which are separately accounted for at estimated fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The embedded derivative related to the funds withheld associated with this reinsurance agreement is included within other liabilities and increased the funds withheld balance by $240 million and $382 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $218 million and $142 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, and ($93) million and ($220) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.
Prior to the Mergers, the Company entered into an agreement with MLIC which ceded all existing New York insurance policies and annuity contracts that include a separate account feature. Certain contractual features of this agreement qualify as embedded derivatives, which are separately accounted for at estimated fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The embedded derivative related to this agreement is included within receivables from affiliates and was $4 million at both June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivative was less than $1 million for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015 and less than $1 million and $2 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively. See Note 1 for further information on the Mergers.
In December 2014, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement to cede two blocks of business to MRD on a 90% coinsurance with funds withheld basis. This agreement covers certain term and certain universal life policies issued in 2014 by the Company. This agreement transfers risk to MRD and, therefore, is accounted for as reinsurance. As a result of the agreement, affiliated reinsurance recoverables, included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables, were $77 million and $54 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company also recorded a funds withheld liability and other reinsurance payables, included in other liabilities, which were $15 million and $118 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) includes a loss for this agreement of $8 million and $11 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.


76


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Index to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

77


Forward-Looking Statements and Other Financial Information
For purposes of this discussion, “MetLife USA,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife Insurance Company USA (formerly, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut (“MICC”)), a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in Connecticut in 1863, and its subsidiaries. MetLife Insurance Company USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (MetLife, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, “MetLife”). Management’s narrative analysis of the results of operations is presented pursuant to General Instruction H(2)(a) of Form 10-Q. This narrative analysis should be read in conjunction with MetLife Insurance Company USA’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Annual Report”), the cautionary language regarding forward-looking statements included below, the “Risk Factors” set forth in Part II, Item 1A, and the additional risk factors referred to therein, and the Company’s interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.
This narrative analysis may contain or incorporate by reference information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, prospective services or products, future performance or results of current and anticipated services or products, sales efforts, expenses, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, trends in operations and financial results. Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. See “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
This narrative analysis includes references to our performance measure, operating earnings, that is not based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Operating earnings is the measure of segment profit or loss we use to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources. Consistent with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, operating earnings is our measure of segment performance. See “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” for definitions of this and other measures.
Business
Overview
The Company is organized into two segments: Retail and Corporate Benefit Funding. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company implemented certain segment reporting changes related to the measurement of segment operating earnings, which included revising the Company’s capital allocation methodology. These changes were applied retrospectively and did not have an impact on total consolidated operating earnings or net income.
Management continues to evaluate the Company’s segment performance and allocated resources and may adjust related measurements in the future to better reflect segment profitability. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on the Company’s segments and Corporate & Other.
In November 2014, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc., re-domesticated from Connecticut to Delaware, changed its name to MetLife Insurance Company USA and merged with its subsidiary, MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company (“MLI-USA”), and its affiliate, MetLife Investors Insurance Company, each a U.S. insurance company that issued variable annuity products in addition to other products, and Exeter Reassurance Company, Ltd., a former offshore, reinsurance subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. and affiliate of MICC that mainly reinsured guarantees associated with variable annuity products (the “Mergers”). The surviving entity of the Mergers was MetLife USA. The Mergers represent a transaction among entities under common control and have been accounted for in a manner similar to the pooling-of-interests method, which requires that the merged entities be combined at their historical cost. The Company’s consolidated financial statements and related footnotes are presented as if the transaction occurred at the beginning of the earliest date presented and prior periods’ results have been retrospectively adjusted. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report for further information on the Mergers.

78


Regulatory Developments
The U.S. insurance industry is regulated primarily at the state level, with some products and services also subject to federal regulation. In addition, we are subject to regulation under the insurance holding company laws of our state of domicile, Delaware. As a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc., a non-bank systemically important financial institution (“non-bank SIFI”), we are affected by MetLife, Inc.’s regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (together with the Federal Reserve Board, the “Federal Reserve”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We may also be affected by any additional capital requirements to which MetLife, Inc. may become subject as a global systemically important insurer (“G-SII”). Furthermore, some of our operations, products and services are subject to consumer protection laws, securities regulation, environmental and unclaimed property laws and regulations, and to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). See “— ERISA Considerations” and “— Designation Process and Policy Measures that May Apply to Global Systemically Important Insurers” below, as well as “Business Regulation,” “Risk Factors Regulatory and Legal Risks Our Insurance Businesses Are Highly Regulated, and Changes in Regulation and in Supervisory and Enforcement Policies May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth,” “Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Business Our Statutory Life Insurance Reserve Financings May Be Subject to Cost Increases and New Financings May Be Subject to Limited Market Capacity,” and “Risk Factors Regulatory and Legal Risks Changes in U.S. Federal and State Securities Laws and Regulations, and State Insurance Regulations Regarding Suitability of Annuity Product Sales, May Affect Our Operations and Our Profitability” included in the 2014 Annual Report, as may be amended or supplemented in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Business Regulatory Developments” and similarly named sections under the caption “Risk Factors.”
ERISA Considerations
We provide products and services to certain employee benefit plans that are subject to ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, our activities are subject to the restrictions imposed by ERISA and the Code, including the requirement under ERISA that fiduciaries must perform their duties solely in the interests of ERISA plan participants and beneficiaries, and that fiduciaries may not cause a covered plan to engage in certain prohibited transactions. The prohibited transaction rules of ERISA and the Code generally restrict the provision of investment advice to ERISA plans and participants and Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) if the investment recommendation results in fees paid to the individual advisor, his or her firm or their affiliates that vary according to the investment recommendation chosen.
The Department of Labor (“DOL”) proposed new regulations in April 2015 that would substantially expand the definition of “investment advice” and thereby broaden the circumstances under which MetLife, in providing investment advice with respect to ERISA plans, plan participants or IRAs, could be deemed a fiduciary under ERISA or the Code. Pursuant to the proposal, any communications with plans, plan participants and IRA holders, including the marketing of products, and marketing of investment management or advisory services, could be deemed fiduciary investment advice, thus, causing increased exposure to fiduciary liability. The DOL also proposed amendments to its prohibited transaction exemptions, and proposed a new exemption, that would apply more onerous disclosure and contract requirements to, and increase fiduciary requirements and fiduciary liability exposure in respect of, transactions involving ERISA plans, plan participants and IRAs. 
If the new DOL proposals become final, MetLife may find it necessary to change sales representative and/or broker compensation and may limit the assistance or advice they can provide. Sales to middle income investors would be unlikely to generate fees sufficient to offset the increased cost of providing advice under the rules, if adopted as proposed. Under the rules as proposed, MetLife could reduce its risk of exposure to fiduciary liability by electing not to engage in the concurrent manufacturing and distribution of certain products, including individual annuity products. Further, if the proposed rules apply to welfare benefit plans, they will disrupt settled practices in the marketing and sales of welfare benefit plan insurance products.

79


Designation Process and Policy Measures that May Apply to Global Systemically Important Insurers
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (“IAIS”), an association of insurance supervisors and regulators and a member of the Financial Stability Board (“FSB”), an international entity established to coordinate, develop and promote regulatory, supervisory and other financial sector policies in the interest of financial stability, is participating in the FSB’s initiative to identify and manage global systemically important financial institutions and has devised and published a methodology to assess the systemic relevance of global insurers and a framework of policy measures to be applied to G-SIIs. In July 2013 and November 2014, the FSB published its lists of G-SIIs, based on the IAIS’ assessment methodology, each of which included MetLife, Inc. The FSB will continue to update the list annually.
For G-SIIs which engage in activities deemed to be systemically risky, the framework of policy measures calls for imposition of additional capital (higher loss absorbency (“HLA”)) requirements on those activities. Given the absence of a common global base on which to calculate an HLA for insurers, the FSB directed the IAIS to develop basic capital requirements (“BCR”). G-SIIs will initially report BCR and HLA results to their group-wide supervisors on a confidential basis to allow for refinement of the BCR until fully adopted and implemented in 2019. On June 25, 2015, the IAIS published a proposed draft of HLA requirements and has requested comments by August 21, 2015. HLA requirements must be finalized by the end of 2015 and are to be applied in 2019 to companies designated as G-SIIs in 2017.
In addition, on December 17, 2014, the IAIS released a first exposure draft of a risk-based global insurance capital standard (“ICS”) which will apply to all internationally active insurance groups, including G-SIIs. The IAIS expects to publish an interim version of the ICS by the end of 2019 for implementation by individual jurisdictions with the further goal of reaching an ultimate ICS at some later date.
The FSB and IAIS propose that national authorities ensure that any insurers identified as G-SIIs be subject to additional requirements consistent with the framework of policy measures, which include preparation of a systemic risk management plan, preparation of a recovery and resolution plan, enhanced liquidity planning and management, more intensive supervision, closer coordination among regulators through global supervisory colleges led by a regulator with group-wide supervisory authority, and a policy bias in favor of separation of non-traditional insurance and non-insurance activities from traditional insurance activities. The IAIS policy measures would need to be implemented by legislation or regulation in each applicable jurisdiction, and the impact on MetLife, Inc. and other designated G-SIIs is uncertain.
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The most critical estimates include those used in determining:
(i)
liabilities for future policy benefits and the accounting for reinsurance;
(ii)
capitalization and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and the establishment and amortization of value of business acquired (“VOBA”);
(iii)
estimated fair values of investments in the absence of quoted market values;
(iv)
investment impairments;
(v)
estimated fair values of freestanding derivatives and the recognition and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;
(vi)
measurement of goodwill and related impairment;
(vii)
measurement of income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets; and
(viii)
liabilities for litigation and regulatory matters.
In applying our accounting policies, we make subjective and complex judgments that frequently require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Many of these policies, estimates and related judgments are common in the insurance and financial services industries; others are specific to our business and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The above critical accounting estimates are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2014 Annual Report.

80


Economic Capital
Economic capital is an internally developed risk capital model, the purpose of which is to measure the risk in the business and to provide a basis upon which capital is deployed. The economic capital model accounts for the unique and specific nature of the risks inherent in MetLife’s and the Company’s business.
MetLife’s economic capital model, coupled with considerations of local capital requirements, aligns segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. The model applies statistics-based risk evaluation principles to the material risks to which the Company is exposed. These consistent risk principles include calibrating required economic capital shock factors to a specific confidence level and time horizon while applying an industry standard method for the inclusion of diversification benefits among risk types. Economic capital-based risk estimation is an evolving science and industry best practices have emerged and continue to evolve. Areas of evolving industry best practices include stochastic liability valuation techniques, alternative methodologies for the calculation of diversification benefits, and the quantification of appropriate shock levels. MetLife’s management is responsible for the ongoing production and enhancement of the economic capital model and reviews its approach periodically to ensure that it remains consistent with emerging industry practice standards.
Segment net investment income is credited or charged based on the level of allocated equity; however, changes in allocated equity do not impact the Company’s consolidated net investment income, operating earnings or net income (loss).
Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable investment portfolios adjusted for allocated equity. Other costs are allocated to each of the segments based upon: (i) a review of the nature of such costs; (ii) time studies analyzing the amount of employee compensation costs incurred by each segment; and (iii) cost estimates included in the Company’s product pricing.

81


Results of Operations
Consolidated Results
Business Overview. Variable annuity sales increased 13% in response to the introduction of new products and enhancements in late 2014 and early 2015. A significant portion of our operating earnings is driven by separate account values. These separate account balances primarily affect the level of asset-based fee income but they also impact DAC amortization and asset-based commissions. Separate account balances are driven by sales, movements in the market, surrenders, withdrawals, benefit payments, transfers and policy charges. Separate account balances increased compared to the prior period as a result of continued strong market performance, partially offset by negative net flows from our deferred annuities business as surrenders and withdrawals exceeded sales.
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Revenues
 
 
 
Premiums
$
536

 
$
495

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
1,429

 
1,625

Net investment income
1,324

 
1,365

Other revenues
250

 
282

Net investment gains (losses)
37

 
(537
)
Net derivative gains (losses)
68

 
(12
)
Total revenues
3,644

 
3,218

Expenses
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
1,174

 
1,374

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
519

 
536

Capitalization of DAC
(185
)
 
(164
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
252

 
482

Interest expense on debt
36

 
66

Other expenses
989

 
942

Total expenses
2,785

 
3,236

Income (loss) before provision for income tax
859

 
(18
)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
235

 
(33
)
   Net income (loss)
$
624

 
$
15

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
During the six months ended June 30, 2015, income (loss) before provision for income tax increased $877 million ($609 million, net of income tax) over the prior period primarily driven by favorable changes in net investment gains (losses), other adjustments to net income, and net derivative gains (losses). The favorable change in other adjustments to net income was primarily the result of the offsets to investment and derivative gains and losses related to the amortization of DAC and VOBA.

82


Management of Investment Portfolio and Hedging Market Risks with Derivatives. We manage our investment portfolio using disciplined asset/liability management principles, focusing on cash flow and duration to support our current and future liabilities. Our intent is to match the timing and amount of liability cash outflows with invested assets that have cash inflows of comparable timing and amount, while optimizing risk-adjusted net investment income and risk-adjusted total return. Our investment portfolio is heavily weighted toward fixed income investments, with over 80% of our portfolio invested in fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans. These securities and loans have varying maturities and other characteristics which cause them to be generally well suited for matching the cash flow and duration of insurance liabilities. We also use derivatives as an integral part of our management of the investment portfolio to hedge certain risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and equity market levels. We purchase investments to support our insurance liabilities and not to generate net investment gains and losses. However, net investment gains and losses are incurred and can change significantly from period to period due to changes in external influences, including changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, credit spreads and equity markets; counterparty specific factors such as financial performance, credit rating and collateral valuation; and internal factors such as portfolio rebalancing. Changes in these factors from period to period can significantly impact the levels of both impairments and realized gains and losses on investments sold.
We use freestanding interest rate, equity, credit and currency derivatives to hedge certain invested assets and insurance liabilities. Certain of these hedges are designated and qualify as accounting hedges, which reduce volatility in earnings. For those hedges not designated as accounting hedges, changes in market factors lead to the recognition of fair value changes in net derivative gains (losses) generally without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged which creates volatility in earnings.
Certain direct or assumed variable annuity products with guaranteed minimum benefits contain embedded derivatives that are measured at estimated fair value separately from the host variable annuity contract, with changes in estimated fair value recorded in net derivative gains (losses). We use freestanding derivatives to hedge the market risks inherent in these variable annuity guarantees. The valuation of these embedded derivatives includes a nonperformance risk adjustment, which is unhedged, and can be a significant driver of net derivative gains (losses) and volatility in earnings, but does not have an economic impact on us.
Net Investment Gains (Losses). The favorable change in net investment gains (losses) of $574 million ($373 million, net of income tax) was primarily the result of the prior period loss on the disposition of MetLife Assurance Limited (“MAL”). For further information on MAL, see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2014 Annual Report.

83


Net Derivative Gains (Losses). Direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives and associated freestanding derivative hedges are collectively referred to as “VA program derivatives” in the following table. All other derivatives that are economic hedges of certain invested assets and insurance liabilities are referred to as “non-VA program derivatives” in the following table. The table below presents the impact on net derivative gains (losses) from non-VA program derivatives and VA program derivatives:
 
Six Months
Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Non-VA program derivatives
 
 
 
Interest rate
$
(30
)
 
$
114

Foreign currency exchange rate
9

 
16

Credit
3

 
11

Equity
(92
)
 
(42
)
Non-VA embedded derivatives
121

 
(195
)
Total non-VA program derivatives
11

 
(96
)
VA program derivatives
 
 
 
Embedded derivatives-direct and assumed guarantees:
 
 
 
 Market risks
578

 
187

 Nonperformance risk adjustment
(14
)
 
(9
)
 Other risks
(151
)
 
(188
)
Total
413

 
(10
)
Freestanding derivatives hedging direct and assumed embedded derivatives
(356
)
 
94

Total VA program derivatives
57

 
84

Net derivative gains (losses)
$
68

 
$
(12
)
The favorable change in net derivative gains (losses) on non-VA program derivatives was $107 million ($70 million, net of income tax). This was primarily due to changes in the value of underlying assets and the recapture of a certain reinsurance agreement by an affiliate favorably impacting non-VA embedded derivatives related to affiliated ceded reinsurance written on a coinsurance with funds withheld basis. These favorable changes were partially offset by long-term interest rates increasing in the current period and decreasing in the prior period, unfavorably impacting receive-fixed interest rate swaps and receiver swaptions primarily hedging long duration liability portfolios. The unfavorable change in equity derivatives was primarily due to the effect of the passage of time on equity options. Because certain of these hedging strategies are not designated or do not qualify as accounting hedges, the changes in the estimated fair value of these freestanding derivatives are recognized in net derivative gains (losses) without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged.
The unfavorable change in net derivative gains (losses) on VA program derivatives was $27 million ($18 million, net of income tax). This was due to an unfavorable change of $59 million ($38 million, net of income tax) related to the change in market risks on direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives, net of the impact of freestanding derivatives hedging those risks, and an unfavorable change of $5 million ($3 million, net of income tax) in the nonperformance risk adjustment on direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives, partially offset by a favorable change of $37 million ($24 million, net of income tax) on other risks in direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives. Other risks relate primarily to the impact of policyholder behavior and other non-market risks that generally cannot be hedged.    
The foregoing $59 million ($38 million, net of income tax) unfavorable change was due to the impact of the recapture of certain variable annuity reinsurance by an affiliate, as well as due to the impact of changes in market factors on the direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives, net of the freestanding derivatives hedging those market factors.

84


The primary changes in market factors are summarized as follows:
Long-term interest rates increased in the current period and decreased in the prior period, contributing to a favorable change in our embedded derivatives and an unfavorable change in our freestanding derivatives. For example, the 10-year U.S. swap rate increased by 18 basis points in the current period and decreased by 46 basis points in the prior period.
Key equity volatility measures generally increased in the current period and decreased in the prior period, contributing to an unfavorable change in our embedded derivatives and a favorable change in our freestanding derivatives.
The aforementioned $5 million ($3 million, net of income tax) unfavorable change in the nonperformance risk adjustment, which includes the impact of the aforementioned recapture of certain variable annuities reinsurance by an affiliate, was due to an unfavorable change of $43 million, before income tax, as a result of changes in capital market inputs, such as long-term interest rates and key equity index levels, on the variable annuity guarantees, partially offset by a favorable change of $38 million, before income tax, related to changes in our own credit spread.
When equity index levels decrease in isolation, the direct and assumed variable annuity guarantees become more valuable to policyholders, which results in an increase in the undiscounted embedded derivative liability. Discounting this unfavorable change by the risk-adjusted rate yields a smaller loss than by discounting at the risk-free rate, thus creating a gain from including an adjustment for nonperformance risk on the direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives.
When the risk-free interest rate decreases in isolation, discounting the embedded derivative liability produces a higher valuation of the liability than if the risk-free interest rate had remained constant. Discounting this unfavorable change by the risk-adjusted rate yields a smaller loss than by discounting at the risk-free interest rate, thus creating a gain from including an adjustment for nonperformance risk on the direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives.
When our own credit spread increases in isolation, discounting the embedded derivative liability produces a lower valuation of the liability than if our own credit spread had remained constant. As a result, a gain is created from including an adjustment for nonperformance risk on the direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives. For each of these primary market drivers, the opposite effect occurs when they move in the opposite direction.
The foregoing $37 million ($24 million, net of income tax) favorable change in other risks in direct and assumed variable annuity embedded derivatives, which includes the impact of the recapture of certain variable annuities reinsurance by an affiliate, reflected:
An increase in the risk margin adjustment caused by higher policyholder behavior risks, along with updates to the actuarial assumptions, resulted in a favorable period over period change in the valuation of the embedded derivatives.
Refinements in the valuation model which resulted in an unfavorable period over period change in the valuation of the embedded derivatives.
The cross effect of capital markets changes which resulted in an unfavorable period over period change in the valuation of the embedded derivatives.
A combination of other factors, including reserve changes influenced by benefit features and policyholder behavior, and foreign currency translation adjustments, which resulted in a favorable period over period change in the valuation of embedded derivatives.
Divested Business. Income (loss), before provision for income tax, related to divested business, excluding net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), decreased $16 million from the prior period. This reflects a decrease in total revenues of $64 million, before income tax, and a decrease in total expenses of $48 million, before income tax. There was no divested business recorded in the current period.
Taxes. Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $235 million, or 27% of income (loss) before provision for income tax, compared with an income tax benefit of $33 million, or 183% of income (loss) before provision for income tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company’s current period effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to non-taxable investment income. The Company’s prior period effective tax rate was different from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to non-taxable investment income and the tax effects of the MAL divestiture.

85


Operating Earnings. As more fully described in “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures,” we use operating earnings, which does not equate to net income (loss), as determined in accordance with GAAP, to analyze our performance, evaluate segment performance, and allocate resources. We believe that the presentation of operating earnings, as we measure it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for net income (loss). Operating earnings decreased $3 million, net of income tax, to $618 million, net of income tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2015 from $621 million, net of income tax, for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating earnings
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Net income (loss)
$
624

 
$
15

Less: Net investment gains (losses)
37

 
(537
)
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
68

 
(12
)
Less: Other adjustments to net income (1)
(95
)
 
(346
)
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
(4
)
 
289

Operating earnings
$
618

 
$
621

__________________
(1)
See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses under “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” for the components of such adjustments.
Reconciliation of GAAP revenues to operating revenues and GAAP expenses to operating expenses
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Total revenues
$
3,644

 
$
3,218

Less: Net investment gains (losses)
37

 
(537
)
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
68

 
(12
)
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)

 
15

Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)
18

 
161

Total operating revenues
$
3,521

 
$
3,591

Total expenses
$
2,785

 
$
3,236

Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
(54
)
 
142

Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)
167

 
380

Total operating expenses
$
2,672

 
$
2,714

__________________
(1)
See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses under “— Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures” for the components of such adjustments.

86


Consolidated Results — Operating
 
Six Months 
 Ended 
 June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In millions)
Operating revenues
 
 
 
Premiums
$
536

 
$
493

Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
1,296

 
1,459

Net investment income
1,439

 
1,358

Other revenues
250

 
281

Total operating revenues
3,521

 
3,591

Operating expenses
 
 
 
Policyholder benefits and claims
982

 
1,010

Interest credited to policyholder account balances
517

 
535

Capitalization of DAC
(185
)
 
(164
)
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
335

 
362

Interest expense on debt
34

 
36

Other expenses
989

 
935

Total operating expenses
2,672

 
2,714

Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
231

 
256

Operating earnings
$
618

 
$
621

Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
Overview. The primary drivers of the decrease in operating earnings were lower fee income, partially offset by higher net investment income.
Business Growth. In our deferred annuity business, the impact of negative net flows contributed to a decrease in asset-based fee income and reduced interest credited expense in the general account. Asset-based fee income related to the assumed variable annuity reinsurance agreements recaptured in connection with the Mergers also declined. Direct business expenses were higher however, this was offset by lower costs associated with our variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits. A decrease in funding agreement issuances in our Corporate Benefit Funding segment and the aforementioned negative net flows in our deferred annuity business were partially offset by positive net flows in our life businesses, which caused a decrease in invested assets. This was partially offset by the related decrease in interest credited expense in our Corporate Benefit Funding segment. The changes in business growth discussed above resulted in a $60 million decrease in operating earnings.
Market Factors. Investment returns improved as a result of the lengthening of our portfolio and higher income on interest rate derivatives and real estate joint ventures, as well as increased prepayment fees. This was partially offset by lower yields on our fixed maturity securities and mortgage loans as a result of the sustained low interest rate environment, and lower returns on other limited partnership interests. In our deferred annuity business, higher average separate account balances drove an increase in asset-based fee income and lower costs associated with our variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits. Operating earnings decreased due to higher interest credited expense in our Corporate Benefit Funding segment as a result of higher average interest credited rates, partially offset by lower interest credited expense in our Retail segment as a result of reduced average interest credited rates. The changes in market factors, including equity markets and interest rates, discussed above resulted in a $20 million increase in operating earnings.
Underwriting and Other Insurance Adjustments. Favorable claims experience in our traditional life and immediate annuities businesses, partially offset by unfavorable claims experience in our variable and universal life and structured settlement businesses, increased operating earnings by $18 million. Refinements to DAC and certain insurance-related liabilities that were recorded in both periods, resulted in a $13 million decrease in operating earnings.
Amortization of DAC. DAC amortization decreased due to lower yields and the decrease in our deferred annuity in-force business resulting from negative net flows. These decreases were partially offset by less favorable separate account returns in the current period as compared to the prior period, resulting in a $26 million increase in operating earnings.

87


Taxes. The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to non-taxable investment income and tax credits for low income housing. In the current period, the Company realized additional tax benefits of $15 million compared to the prior period, primarily from the higher utilization of tax preferenced investments.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Disclosures
Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax.
Operating revenues and operating expenses exclude results of discontinued operations and other businesses that have been or will be sold or exited by the Company and are referred to as divested businesses. Operating revenues also excludes net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses). Operating expenses also excludes goodwill impairments.
The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP revenues, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating revenues: 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees excludes the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”) fees (“GMIB Fees”); and
Net investment income: (i) includes amounts for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of investments or that are used to replicate certain investments, but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) includes income from discontinued real estate operations, (iii) excludes post-tax operating earnings adjustments relating to insurance joint ventures accounted for under the equity method, and (iv) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) consolidated under GAAP.
The following additional adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses: 
Policyholder benefits and claims excludes: (i) amounts associated with periodic crediting rate adjustments based on the total return of a contractually referenced pool of assets, (ii) benefits and hedging costs related to GMIBs (“GMIB Costs”), and (iii) market value adjustments associated with surrenders or terminations of contracts (“Market Value Adjustments”);
Interest credited to policyholder account balances includes adjustments for scheduled periodic settlement payments and amortization of premium on derivatives that are hedges of policyholder account balances but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment;
Amortization of DAC and VOBA excludes amounts related to: (i) net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses), (ii) GMIB Fees and GMIB Costs, and (iii) Market Value Adjustments;
Interest expense on debt excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP; and
Other expenses excludes costs related to: (i) implementation of new insurance regulatory requirements, and (ii) acquisition and integration costs.
We believe the presentation of operating earnings, as we measure it for management purposes, enhances the understanding of our performance by highlighting the results of operations and the underlying profitability drivers of our business. Operating revenues, operating expenses and operating earnings should not be viewed as substitutes for the following financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP: GAAP revenues, GAAP expenses, and net income (loss), respectively. Reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in “— Results of Operations.”

88


In this discussion, we sometimes refer to sales activity for various products. These sales statistics do not correspond to revenues under GAAP, but are used as relevant measures of business activity. The following additional information is relevant to an understanding of our financial results:
Allocated equity is defined as the portion of common stockholders’ equity that management allocates to each of its segments and sub-segments based on MetLife’s economic capital model, coupled with considerations of local capital requirements. See “— Economic Capital.”
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (“Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There were no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(f) during the quarter ended June 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

89


Part II — Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The following should be read in conjunction with (i) Part I, Item 3, of the 2014 Annual Report; (ii) Part II, Item 1, of MetLife Insurance Company USA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015; and (iii) Note 9 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report.
Unclaimed Property Litigation
On December 28, 2012, the West Virginia Treasurer filed an action (West Virginia ex rel. John D. Perdue v. MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, Circuit Court of Putnam County), alleging that MICC violated the West Virginia Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, seeking to compel compliance with the Act, and seeking payment of unclaimed property, interest, and penalties. On November 14, 2012, the Treasurer filed a substantially identical suit against MLI-USA. On June 16, 2015, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court’s order that had granted defendants’ motions to dismiss the actions and remanded them to the Circuit Court for further proceedings. The defendants intend to defend these actions vigorously.
Summary
Various litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to those discussed previously and those otherwise provided for in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, have arisen in the course of the Company’s business, including, but not limited to, in connection with its activities as an insurer, employer, investor and taxpayer. Further, state insurance regulatory authorities and other federal and state authorities regularly make inquiries and conduct investigations concerning the Company’s compliance with applicable insurance and other laws and regulations.
It is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings. In some of the matters referred to previously, large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages, are sought. Although in light of these considerations it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain cases could have a material effect upon the Company’s financial position, based on information currently known by the Company’s management, in its opinion, the outcomes of such pending investigations and legal proceedings are not likely to have such an effect. However, given the large and/or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these matters and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material effect on the Company’s net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Certain factors that may affect the Company’s business or operations are described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of the 2014 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented by the information under “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A, of MetLife Insurance Company USA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. There have been no other material changes to our risk factors from the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2014 Annual Report, as amended or supplemented by such information in MetLife Insurance Company USA’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

90


Item 6. Exhibits
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife Insurance Company USA and its subsidiaries, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife Insurance Company USA and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife Insurance Company USA’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)
Exhibit
No.
 
Description
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

91


Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY USA
 
 
 
By:
 
 
/s/ Peter M. Carlson
 
Name:
 
Peter M. Carlson
 
Title:
 
Executive Vice President
 
 
 
and Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
 
(Authorized Signatory and Principal Accounting Officer)
Date: August 12, 2015

92


Exhibit Index
(Note Regarding Reliance on Statements in Our Contracts: In reviewing the agreements included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please remember that they are included to provide you with information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about MetLife Insurance Company USA and its subsidiaries, or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) should not in all instances be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreement; (iii) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement and are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time. Additional information about MetLife Insurance Company USA and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife Insurance Company USA’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at www.sec.gov.)
Exhibit
No.
 
Description
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

E-1