10-Q 1 y90094te10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
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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, 2011
OR
o
  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: 33-03094
 
 
 
 
MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Connecticut
  06-0566090
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
1300 Hall Boulevard, Bloomfield, Connecticut   06002
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
 
(860) 656-3000
(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 o
 
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 o
 
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  o   Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  þ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller reporting company  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
At August 12, 2011, 34,595,317 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $2.50 par value per share, were outstanding, of which 30,000,000 shares were owned directly by MetLife, Inc. and the remaining 4,595,317 shares were owned by MetLife Investors Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of 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.
 


 

 
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As used in this Form 10-Q, “MICC,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, a Connecticut corporation incorporated in 1863, and its subsidiaries, including MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company (“MLI-USA”). MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (“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 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 Insurance Company of Connecticut and its subsidiaries. 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 of Connecticut’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These factors include: (1) difficult conditions in the global capital markets; (2) the delay by Congress in raising the statutory debt limit of the U.S., as well as rating agency downgrades of U.S. Treasury securities; (3) increased volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, which may affect our ability to seek financing or access our credit facilities; (4) uncertainty about the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s programs to stabilize the financial system, the imposition of fees relating thereto, or the promulgation of additional regulations; (5) impact of comprehensive financial services regulation reform on us; (6) exposure to financial and capital market risk; (7) changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates, which may affect our ability to raise 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; (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) impairments of goodwill and realized losses or market value impairments to illiquid assets; (11) defaults on our mortgage loans; (12) the impairment of other financial institutions that could adversely affect our investments or business; (13) our ability to address unforeseen liabilities, asset impairments, loss of key contractual relationships, or rating actions arising from acquisitions or dispositions and to successfully integrate and manage the growth of acquired businesses with minimal disruption; (14) economic, political, currency and other risks relating to our international operations, including with respect to fluctuations of exchange rates; (15) downgrades in our claims paying ability, financial strength or credit ratings; (16) ineffectiveness of risk management policies and procedures; (17) availability and effectiveness of reinsurance or indemnification arrangements, as well as default or failure of counterparties to perform; (18) discrepancies between actual claims experience and assumptions used in setting prices for our products and establishing the liabilities for our obligations for future policy benefits and claims; (19) catastrophe losses; (20) heightened competition, including with respect to pricing, entry of new competitors, consolidation of distributors, the development of new products by new and existing competitors, distribution of amounts available under U.S. government programs, and for personnel; (21) unanticipated changes in industry trends; (22) changes in accounting standards, practices and/or policies; (23) changes in assumptions related to deferred policy acquisition costs, deferred sales inducements, value of business acquired or goodwill; (24) exposure to losses related to variable annuity guarantee benefits, including from significant and sustained downturns or extreme


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volatility in equity markets, reduced interest rates, unanticipated policyholder behavior, mortality or longevity, and the adjustment for nonperformance risk; (25) adverse results or other consequences from litigation, arbitration or regulatory investigations; (26) inability to protect our intellectual property rights or claims of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; (27) discrepancies between actual experience and assumptions used in establishing liabilities related to other contingencies or obligations; (28) regulatory, legislative or tax changes that may affect the cost of, or demand for, our products or services, impair the ability of MetLife and its affiliates to attract and retain talented and experienced management and other employees, or increase the cost or administrative burdens of providing benefits to the employees who conduct our business; (29) the effects of business disruption or economic contraction due to terrorism, other hostilities, or natural catastrophes, including any related impact on our disaster recovery systems and management continuity planning which could impair our ability to conduct business effectively; (30) the effectiveness of our programs and practices in avoiding giving our associates incentives to take excessive risks; and (31) other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s filings with the SEC.
 
We do not undertake any obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if we later become aware that such statement is not likely to be achieved. Please consult any further disclosures MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut makes on related subjects in reports to the SEC.
 
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 of Connecticut, 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:
 
  •  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;
 
  •  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;
 
  •  may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors; and
 
  •  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 of Connecticut and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC website at www.sec.gov.


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Part I — Financial Information
 
Item 1.   Financial Statements
 
MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
 
Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2011 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2010
 
(In millions, except share and per share data)
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
 
Assets
               
Investments:
               
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost: $45,548 and $44,132, respectively)
  $ 46,837     $ 44,924  
Equity securities available-for-sale, at estimated fair value (cost: $293 and $427, respectively)
    308       405  
Other securities, at estimated fair value
    3,089       2,247  
Mortgage loans (net of valuation allowances of $70 and $87, respectively; includes $6,697 and $6,840, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
    12,645       12,730  
Policy loans
    1,190       1,190  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    519       501  
Other limited partnership interests
    1,610       1,538  
Short-term investments, principally at estimated fair value
    2,203       1,235  
Other invested assets, principally at estimated fair value
    1,673       1,716  
                 
Total investments
    70,074       66,486  
Cash and cash equivalents, principally at estimated fair value
    1,220       1,928  
Accrued investment income (includes $32 and $31, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    534       559  
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
    17,006       17,008  
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
    5,264       5,099  
Current income tax recoverable
    113       38  
Deferred income tax assets
          356  
Goodwill
    953       953  
Other assets
    851       839  
Separate account assets
    69,467       61,619  
                 
Total assets
  $ 165,482     $ 154,885  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Future policy benefits
  $ 24,056     $ 23,198  
Policyholder account balances
    40,659       39,291  
Other policy-related balances
    2,753       2,652  
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
    8,201       8,103  
Long-term debt (includes $6,617 and $6,773, respectively, at estimated fair value, relating to variable interest entities)
    7,410       7,568  
Deferred income tax liability
    10        
Other liabilities (includes $31 and $31, respectively, relating to variable interest entities)
    4,357       4,503  
Separate account liabilities
    69,467       61,619  
                 
Total liabilities
    156,913       146,934  
                 
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Note 5)
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Common stock, par value $2.50 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 34,595,317 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010
    86       86  
Additional paid-in capital
    6,667       6,719  
Retained earnings
    1,310       934  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    506       212  
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    8,569       7,951  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 165,482     $ 154,885  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
 
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
(In millions)
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
Revenues
                               
Premiums
  $ 641     $ 256     $ 777     $ 711  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    493       407       948       776  
Net investment income
    796       725       1,584       1,515  
Other revenues
    131       103       261       213  
Net investment gains (losses):
                               
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    (21 )     (19 )     (30 )     (53 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    6       7       4       23  
Other net investment gains (losses)
    (12 )     62       (15 )     117  
                                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
    (27 )     50       (41 )     87  
Net derivative gains (losses)
    133       563       (23 )     255  
                                 
Total revenues
    2,167       2,104       3,506       3,557  
                                 
Expenses
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims
    818       504       1,145       1,198  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    304       257       591       573  
Other expenses
    729       839       1,233       1,258  
                                 
Total expenses
    1,851       1,600       2,969       3,029  
                                 
Income (loss) before provision for income tax
    316       504       537       528  
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    100       162       161       154  
                                 
Net income
  $ 216     $ 342     $ 376     $ 374  
                                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
 
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
(In millions)
 
                                                         
                      Accumulated Other
       
                      Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
                      Net
          Foreign
       
          Additional
          Unrealized
    Other-Than-
    Currency
       
    Common
    Paid-in
    Retained
    Investment
    Temporary
    Translation
    Total
 
    Stock     Capital     Earnings     Gains (Losses)     Impairments     Adjustments     Equity  
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 86     $ 6,719     $ 934     $ 388     $ (51 )   $ (125 )   $ 7,951  
Return of capital (Note 6)
            (52 )                                     (52 )
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                       
Net income
                    376                               376  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax
                            6                       6  
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets and income tax
                            275       (7 )             268  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax
                                            20       20  
                                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                                                    294  
                                                         
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                                    670  
                                                         
Balance at June 30, 2011
  $ 86     $   6,667     $  1,310     $          669     $        (58 )   $      (105 )   $  8,569  
                                                         
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
 
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
(In millions)
 
                                                         
                      Accumulated Other
       
                      Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
                      Net
          Foreign
       
          Additional
          Unrealized
    Other-Than-
    Currency
       
    Common
    Paid-in
    Retained
    Investment
    Temporary
    Translation
    Total
 
    Stock     Capital     Earnings     Gains (Losses)     Impairments     Adjustments     Equity  
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 86     $ 6,719     $ 541     $ (593 )   $ (83 )   $ (109 )   $ 6,561  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax
                (34 )     23       11              
                                                         
Balance at January 1, 2010
    86       6,719       507       (570 )     (72 )     (109 )     6,561  
Comprehensive income (loss):
                                                       
Net income
                    374                               374  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                                       
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of income tax
                            16                       16  
Unrealized investment gains (losses), net of related offsets and income tax
                            1,041       9               1,050  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax
                                            (52 )     (52 )
                                                         
Other comprehensive income (loss)
                                                    1,014  
                                                         
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                                    1,388  
                                                         
Balance at June 30, 2010
  $ 86     $     6,719     $      881     $          487     $        (63 )   $       (161 )   $  7,949  
                                                         
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)
 
Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)
 
(In millions)
 
                 
    Six Months
 
    Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2011     2010  
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 406     $ 519  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Sales, maturities and repayments of:
               
Fixed maturity securities
    8,910       8,500  
Equity securities
    131       109  
Mortgage loans
    517       437  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    6       9  
Other limited partnership interests
    171       56  
Purchases of:
               
Fixed maturity securities
    (10,303 )     (9,145 )
Equity securities
    (6 )     (46 )
Mortgage loans
    (387 )     (395 )
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    (48 )     (57 )
Other limited partnership interests
    (176 )     (163 )
Cash received in connection with freestanding derivatives
    286       48  
Cash paid in connection with freestanding derivatives
    (250 )     (108 )
Net change in policy loans
          (1 )
Net change in short-term investments
    (972 )     (202 )
Net change in other invested assets
    (253 )     (39 )
Other, net
    1        
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,373 )     (997 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Policyholder account balances:
               
Deposits
    10,207       12,565  
Withdrawals
    (8,858 )     (12,604 )
Net change in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
    98       491  
Long-term debt repaid
    (170 )     (311 )
Financing element on certain derivative instruments
    (23 )     (15 )
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,254       126  
                 
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents balances
    5       (24 )
                 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
    (708 )     (376 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    1,928       2,574  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 1,220     $ 2,198  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Net cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 221     $ 245  
                 
Income tax
  $ 20     $ 42  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(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
 
“MICC” or the “Company” refers to MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, a Connecticut corporation incorporated in 1863, and its subsidiaries, including MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company (“MLI-USA”). MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (“MetLife”). The Company offers individual annuities, individual life insurance, and institutional protection and asset accumulation products.
 
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 the Company’s accounting policies, management makes 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 the Company’s businesses and operations. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and its subsidiaries, 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 investments in equity securities in which it has a significant influence or more than a 20% interest and for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests in which it has more than a minor equity interest or more than a minor influence over the joint venture’s or partnership’s operations, but does not have a controlling interest and is not the primary beneficiary. The Company uses the cost method of accounting for investments in real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests in which it has a minor equity investment and virtually no influence over the joint venture’s or the partnership’s operations.
 
Certain amounts in the prior year periods’ interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2011 presentation. Such reclassifications include:
 
  •  Reclassification from other net investment gains (losses) of $563 million and $255 million to net derivative gains (losses) in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively;
 
  •  Reclassifications related to operating revenues and expenses that affected results of operations on a segment and consolidated basis. See Note 8.
 
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.
 
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company at June 30, 2011, its consolidated results of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, its consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and its consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, in conformity with GAAP. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of full year performance. The December 31, 2010 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Annual Report”),


10


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 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 2010 Annual Report.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted new guidance that addresses when a business combination should be assumed to have occurred for the purpose of providing pro forma disclosure. Under the new guidance, if an entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include additional narratives. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted new guidance regarding goodwill impairment testing. This guidance modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity would be required to perform Step 2 of the test if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists. The adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted new guidance regarding accounting for investment funds determined to be VIEs. Under this guidance, an insurance entity would not be required to consolidate a voting-interest investment fund when it holds the majority of the voting interests of the fund through its separate accounts. In addition, an insurance entity would not consider the interests held through separate accounts for the benefit of policyholders in the insurer’s evaluation of its economics in a VIE, unless the separate account contractholder is a related party. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance regarding comprehensive income (Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income), effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The new guidance provides companies with the option to present the total of comprehensive income, components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The objective of the standard is to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The standard eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding fair value measurement (ASU 2011- 04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs), effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied prospectively. The amendments in this ASU are intended to establish common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP and IFRS. Some of the amendments clarify the FASB’s intent on the application of existing fair value measurement requirements. Other amendments change a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.


11


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding effective control in repurchase agreements (ASU 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements), effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. The amendments in this ASU remove from the assessment of effective control the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued new guidance regarding accounting for troubled debt restructuring (ASU 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310): A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring), effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011 and which should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. This guidance clarifies whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for the purpose of determining when a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
 
In October 2010, the FASB issued new guidance regarding accounting for deferred acquisition costs (ASU 2010-26, Financial Services— Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts) effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The guidance should be applied prospectively upon adoption. Retrospective application to all prior periods presented upon the date of adoption also is permitted, but not required. This guidance clarifies the costs that should be deferred by insurance entities when issuing and renewing insurance contracts. The guidance also specifies that only costs related directly to successful acquisition of new or renewal contracts can be capitalized. All other acquisition-related costs should be expensed as incurred. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.


12


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
2.   Investments
 
Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities and the percentage that each sector represents by the respective total holdings for the periods shown. The unrealized loss amounts presented below include the noncredit loss component of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses:
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2011  
    Cost or
    Gross Unrealized     Estimated
       
    Amortized
          Temporary
    OTTI
    Fair
    % of
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Losses     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 15,125     $ 916     $ 220     $     $ 15,821       33.8 %
Foreign corporate securities
    8,409       561       70             8,900       19.0  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    8,615       131       135             8,611       18.4  
Residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”)
    6,563       234       139       86       6,572       14.0  
Commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”)
    2,068       115       17             2,166       4.6  
Asset-backed securities (“ABS”)
    1,937       43       72       11       1,897       4.0  
State and political subdivision securities
    1,903       63       108             1,858       4.0  
Foreign government securities
    928       89       5             1,012       2.2  
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities (1), (2)
  $ 45,548     $ 2,152     $ 766     $ 97     $ 46,837       100.0 %
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock (1)
  $ 166     $ 11     $ 16     $     $ 161       52.3 %
Common stock
    127       21       1             147       47.7  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 293     $ 32     $ 17     $     $ 308       100.0 %
                                                 
 


13


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2010  
    Cost or
    Gross Unrealized     Estimated
       
    Amortized
          Temporary
    OTTI
    Fair
    % of
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Losses     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 14,860     $ 816     $ 302     $     $ 15,374       34.2 %
Foreign corporate securities
    8,095       502       127             8,470       18.8  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    7,665       143       132             7,676       17.1  
RMBS
    6,803       203       218       79       6,709       14.9  
CMBS
    2,203       113       39             2,277       5.1  
ABS
    1,927       44       95       7       1,869       4.2  
State and political subdivision securities
    1,755       22       131             1,646       3.7  
Foreign government securities
    824       81       2             903       2.0  
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities (1), (2)
  $ 44,132     $ 1,924     $ 1,046     $ 86     $ 44,924       100.0 %
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock (1)
  $ 306     $ 9     $ 47     $     $ 268       66.2 %
Common stock
    121       17       1             137       33.8  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 427     $ 26     $ 48     $     $ 405       100.0 %
                                                 
 
 
(1) Upon acquisition, the Company classifies perpetual securities that have attributes of both debt and equity as fixed maturity securities if the security has an interest rate step-up feature which, when combined with other qualitative factors, indicates that the security has more debt-like characteristics; while those with more equity-like characteristics are classified as equity securities within non-redeemable preferred stock. Many of such securities have been issued by non-U.S. financial institutions that are accorded Tier 1 and Upper Tier 2 capital treatment by their respective regulatory bodies and are commonly referred to as “perpetual hybrid securities.” The following table presents the perpetual hybrid securities held by the Company at:
 
                         
            June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
            Estimated
    Estimated
 
Classification   Fair
    Fair
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets   Sector Table   Primary Issuers   Value     Value  
            (In millions)  
 
Fixed maturity securities
  Foreign corporate securities   Non-U.S. financial institutions   $ 217     $ 450  
Fixed maturity securities
  U.S. corporate securities   U.S. financial institutions   $ 10     $ 10  
Equity securities
  Non-redeemable preferred stock   Non-U.S. financial institutions   $ 112     $ 202  
Equity securities
  Non-redeemable preferred stock   U.S. financial institutions   $ 32     $ 35  
 
 
(2) The Company’s holdings in redeemable preferred stock with stated maturity dates, commonly referred to as “capital securities,” were primarily issued by U.S. financial institutions and have cumulative interest deferral features. The Company held $510 million and $645 million at estimated fair value of such securities at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, which are included in the U.S. and foreign corporate securities sectors within fixed maturity securities.
 
The below investment grade and non-income producing amounts presented below are based on rating agency designations and equivalent designations of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), with

14


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
the exception of certain structured securities described below held by MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and its domestic insurance subsidiary. Non-agency RMBS, CMBS and ABS held by MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and its domestic insurance subsidiary, are presented based on final ratings from the revised NAIC rating methodologies for structured securities (which may not correspond to rating agency designations). All NAIC designation (e.g., NAIC 1 – 6) amounts and percentages presented herein are based on the revised NAIC methodologies. All rating agency designation (e.g., Aaa/AAA) amounts and percentages presented herein are based on rating agency designations without adjustment for the revised NAIC methodologies described above. Rating agency designations are based on availability of applicable ratings from rating agencies on the NAIC acceptable rating organization list, including Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”).
 
The following table presents selected information about certain fixed maturity securities held by the Company at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    (In millions)
 
Below investment grade or non-rated fixed maturity securities:
               
Estimated fair value
  $ 4,072     $ 4,027  
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  $ (57 )   $ (125 )
Non-income producing fixed maturity securities:
               
Estimated fair value
  $ 5     $ 36  
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  $ (1 )   $ 2  
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — Summary.  The following section contains a summary of the concentrations of credit risk related to fixed maturity securities holdings.
 
The Company was not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity, other than the government securities summarized in the table below.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Government and Agency Securities).  The following section contains a summary of the concentrations of credit risk related to government and agency fixed maturity and fixed-income securities holdings which were greater than 10% of the Company’s equity at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    Carrying Value (1)
    (In millions)
 
U.S. Treasury and agency fixed maturity securities
  $ 8,611     $ 7,676  
U.S. Treasury and agency fixed-income securities included in:
               
Short-term investments
  $ 1,841     $ 935  
Cash equivalents
  $ 494     $ 1,287  
 
 
(1) Represents estimated fair value for fixed maturity securities; amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value or estimated fair value, if available, for short-term investments; and amortized cost, which approximates estimated fair value, for cash equivalents.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — U.S. and Foreign Corporate Securities.  The Company maintains a diversified portfolio of corporate fixed maturity securities across industries and issuers. This


15


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
portfolio does not have an exposure to any single issuer in excess of 1% of total investments. The tables below present information for U.S. and foreign corporate securities at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Corporate fixed maturity securities — by sector:
                               
Foreign corporate fixed maturity securities (1)
  $ 8,900       36.0 %   $ 8,470       35.5 %
U.S. corporate fixed maturity securities — by industry:
                               
Consumer
    3,988       16.1       3,893       16.3  
Industrial
    3,497       14.1       3,282       13.7  
Utility
    3,372       13.6       3,379       14.2  
Finance
    2,592       10.5       2,569       10.8  
Communications
    1,544       6.3       1,444       6.1  
Other
    828       3.4       807       3.4  
                                 
Total
  $ 24,721       100.0 %   $ 23,844       100.0 %
                                 
 
 
(1) Includes U.S. dollar-denominated debt obligations of foreign obligors and other foreign fixed maturity securities.
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    Estimated
      Estimated
   
    Fair
  % of Total
  Fair
  % of Total
    Value   Investments   Value   Investments
    (In millions)
 
Concentrations within corporate fixed maturity securities:
                               
Largest exposure to a single issuer
  $ 250       0.4 %   $ 252       0.4 %
Holdings in ten issuers with the largest exposures
  $ 1,671       2.4 %   $ 1,683       2.5 %
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — RMBS.  The table below presents information on the Company’s RMBS holdings at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
By security type:
                               
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 3,401       51.7 %   $ 3,243       48.3 %
Pass-through securities
    3,171       48.3       3,466       51.7  
                                 
Total RMBS
  $ 6,572       100.0 %   $ 6,709       100.0 %
                                 
By risk profile:
                               
Agency
  $ 4,762       72.5 %   $ 5,080       75.7 %
Prime
    1,071       16.3       1,023       15.3  
Alternative residential mortgage loans
    739       11.2       606       9.0  
                                 
Total RMBS
  $ 6,572       100.0 %   $ 6,709       100.0 %
                                 
Rated Aaa/AAA
  $ 4,906       74.7 %   $ 5,254       78.3 %
                                 
Rated NAIC 1
  $ 5,337       81.2 %   $ 5,618       83.7 %
                                 


16


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
See Note 2 “— Investments — Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — RMBS” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a description of the security types and risk profile.
 
The following tables present information on the Company’s investment in alternative residential mortgage loans (“Alt-A”) RMBS at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Vintage Year:
                               
2005 & Prior
  $ 361       48.8 %   $ 311       51.3 %
2006
    188       25.5       88       14.6  
2007
    190       25.7       207       34.1  
2008 to 2011
                       
                                 
Total
  $ 739       100.0 %   $ 606       100.0 %
                                 
                                 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          % of
          % of
 
    Amount     Total     Amount     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  $ (129 )           $ (141 )        
Rated Aa/AA or better
            0.5 %             1.5 %
Rated NAIC 1
            17.4 %             14.9 %
Distribution of holdings — at estimated fair value — by collateral type:
                               
Fixed rate mortgage loans collateral
            97.2 %             96.1 %
Hybrid adjustable rate mortgage loans collateral
            2.8               3.9  
                                 
Total Alt-A RMBS
            100.0 %             100.0 %
                                 


17


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — CMBS.  The following tables present information about CMBS held by the Company at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
    Estimated
      Estimated
   
    Fair
  % of
  Fair
  % of
    Value   Total   Value   Total
    (In millions)
 
Vintage Year:
                               
2003 & Prior
  $ 728       33.6 %   $ 947       41.6 %
2004
    455       21.0       442       19.4  
2005
    430       19.9       431       18.9  
2006
    455       21.0       442       19.4  
2007
    16       0.7       15       0.7  
2008 to 2011
    82       3.8              
                                 
Total
  $ 2,166       100.0 %   $ 2,277       100.0 %
                                 
                                 
                                 
    June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010
        % of
      % of
    Amount   Total   Amount   Total
    (In millions)
 
Net unrealized gains (losses)
  $ 98             $ 74          
Rated Aaa/AAA
            89 %             88 %
Rated NAIC 1
            95 %             95 %
 
The tables above reflect rating agency designations assigned by nationally recognized rating agencies including Moody’s, S&P, Fitch and Realpoint, LLC.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Fixed Maturity Securities) — ABS.  The Company’s ABS are diversified both by collateral type and by issuer. The following table presents information about ABS held by the Company at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Estimated
          Estimated
       
    Fair
    % of
    Fair
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
By collateral type:
                               
Credit card loans
  $ 565       29.8 %   $ 753       40.3 %
Collateralized debt obligations
    364       19.2       254       13.5  
RMBS backed by sub-prime mortgage loans
    231       12.2       247       13.2  
Student loans
    210       11.0       174       9.3  
Utility loans
    155       8.2       157       8.4  
Automobile loans
    145       7.6       98       5.3  
Other loans
    227       12.0       186       10.0  
                                 
Total
  $ 1,897       100.0 %   $ 1,869       100.0 %
                                 
Rated Aaa/AAA
  $ 1,083       57.1 %   $ 1,251       66.9 %
                                 
Rated NAIC 1
  $ 1,722       90.8 %   $ 1,699       90.9 %
                                 


18


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk (Equity Securities).  The Company was not exposed to any concentrations of credit risk in its equity securities holdings of any single issuer greater than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity or 1% of total investments at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Maturities of Fixed Maturity Securities.  The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by contractual maturity date (excluding scheduled sinking funds), were as follows at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          Estimated
          Estimated
 
    Amortized
    Fair
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Value     Cost     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 1,816     $ 1,833     $ 1,874     $ 1,889  
Due after one year through five years
    11,265       11,742       9,340       9,672  
Due after five years through ten years
    7,595       8,173       7,829       8,333  
Due after ten years
    14,304       14,454       14,156       14,175  
                                 
Subtotal
    34,980       36,202       33,199       34,069  
RMBS, CMBS and ABS
    10,568       10,635       10,933       10,855  
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 45,548     $ 46,837     $ 44,132     $ 44,924  
                                 
 
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 included in the above table in the year of final contractual maturity. RMBS, CMBS and ABS are shown separately in the table, as they are not due at a single maturity.
 
Evaluating Available-for-Sale Securities for Other-Than-Temporary Impairment
 
As described more fully in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report, the Company performs a regular evaluation, on a security-by-security basis, of its available-for-sale securities holdings, 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.


19


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Net Unrealized Investment Gains (Losses)
 
The components of net unrealized investment gains (losses), included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 1,381     $ 878  
Fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (97 )     (86 )
                 
Total fixed maturity securities
    1,284       792  
                 
Equity securities
    18       (21 )
Derivatives
    (99 )     (109 )
Short-term investments
    (2 )     (2 )
Other
    (4 )     (3 )
                 
Subtotal
    1,197       657  
                 
Amounts allocated from:
               
Insurance liability loss recognition
    (65 )     (33 )
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    6       5  
DAC and VOBA
    (213 )     (126 )
                 
Subtotal
    (272 )     (154 )
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    33       30  
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
    (347 )     (196 )
                 
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  $ 611     $ 337  
                 
 
The changes in fixed maturity securities with noncredit OTTI losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), were as follows:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ (86 )   $ (141 )
Noncredit OTTI losses recognized (1)
    (4 )     (53 )
Transferred to retained earnings (2)
          16  
Securities sold with previous noncredit OTTI loss
    18       28  
Subsequent changes in estimated fair value
    (25 )     64  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ (97 )   $ (86 )
                 
 
 
(1) Noncredit OTTI losses recognized, net of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”), were ($4) million and ($44) million for the periods ended June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
(2) Amounts transferred to retained earnings were in connection with the adoption of guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs as described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report.


20


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) were as follows:
 
         
    Six Months
 
    Ended
 
    June 30, 2011  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 337  
Fixed maturity securities on which noncredit OTTI losses have been recognized
    (11 )
Unrealized investment gains (losses) during the period
    551  
Unrealized investment gains (losses) relating to:
       
Insurance liability gain (loss) recognition
    (32 )
DAC and VOBA related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    1  
DAC and VOBA
    (87 )
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) related to noncredit OTTI losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    3  
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
    (151 )
         
Balance, end of period
  $ 611  
         
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)
  $ 274  
         


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Continuous Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale by Sector
 
The following tables present the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses of the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by sector and by length of time that the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position. The unrealized loss amounts presented below include the noncredit component of OTTI loss. Fixed maturity securities on which a noncredit OTTI loss has been recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are categorized by length of time as being “less than 12 months” or “equal to or greater than 12 months” in a continuous unrealized loss position based on the point in time that the estimated fair value initially declined to below the amortized cost basis and not the period of time since the unrealized loss was deemed a noncredit OTTI loss.
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2011  
          Equal to or Greater
       
    Less than 12 Months     than 12 Months     Total  
    Estimated
    Gross
    Estimated
    Gross
    Estimated
    Gross
 
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (In millions, except number of securities)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 1,850     $ 40     $ 1,320     $ 180     $ 3,170     $ 220  
Foreign corporate securities
    1,143       24       274       46       1,417       70  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    2,396       115       84       20       2,480       135  
RMBS
    1,888       41       1,066       184       2,954       225  
CMBS
    140       1       116       16       256       17  
ABS
    325       4       531       79       856       83  
State and political subdivision securities
    324       16       371       92       695       108  
Foreign government securities
    198       5       3             201       5  
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 8,264     $ 246     $ 3,765     $ 617     $ 12,029     $ 863  
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  $ 20     $ 3     $ 68     $ 13     $ 88     $ 16  
Common stock
    9       1                   9       1  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 29     $ 4     $ 68     $ 13     $ 97     $ 17  
                                                 
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
    818               441                          
                                                 
 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2010  
          Equal to or Greater
       
    Less than 12 Months     than 12 Months     Total  
    Estimated
    Gross
    Estimated
    Gross
    Estimated
    Gross
 
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
    Fair
    Unrealized
 
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
    (In millions, except number of securities)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $ 1,956     $ 56     $ 1,800     $ 246     $ 3,756     $ 302  
Foreign corporate securities
    727       24       816       103       1,543       127  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    2,857       113       85       19       2,942       132  
RMBS
    2,228       59       1,368       238       3,596       297  
CMBS
    68       1       237       38       305       39  
ABS
    245       5       590       97       835       102  
State and political subdivision securities
    716       36       352       95       1,068       131  
Foreign government securities
    49       1       9       1       58       2  
                                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
  $ 8,846     $ 295     $ 5,257     $ 837     $ 14,103     $ 1,132  
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  $ 26     $ 5     $ 187     $ 42     $ 213     $ 47  
Common stock
    9       1                   9       1  
                                                 
Total equity securities
  $ 35     $ 6     $ 187     $ 42     $ 222     $ 48  
                                                 
Total number of securities in an unrealized loss position
    759               637                          
                                                 

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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Aging of Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The following tables present the cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized losses, including the portion of OTTI loss on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), gross unrealized losses as a percentage of cost or amortized cost and number of securities for fixed maturity and equity securities where the estimated fair value had declined and remained below cost or amortized cost by less than 20%, or 20% or more at:
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2011  
    Cost or Amortized Cost     Gross Unrealized Losses     Number of Securities  
    Less than
    20% or
    Less than
    20% or
    Less than
    20% or
 
    20%     more     20%     more     20%     more  
    (In millions, except number of securities)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
Less than six months
  $ 4,795     $ 368     $ 70     $ 83       492       32  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
    3,333       203       143       51       180       16  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
    369       15       29       5       146       4  
Twelve months or greater
    3,295       514       305       177       340       48  
                                                 
Total
  $ 11,792     $ 1,100     $ 547     $ 316                  
                                                 
Percentage of amortized cost
                    5 %     29 %                
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Less than six months
  $ 9     $ 2     $     $ 1       3       4  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
    23             3             6       1  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
                                  2  
Twelve months or greater
    62       18       7       6       8       2  
                                                 
Total
  $ 94     $ 20     $ 10     $ 7                  
                                                 
Percentage of cost
                    11 %     35 %                
                                                 
 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2010  
    Cost or Amortized Cost     Gross Unrealized Losses     Number of Securities  
    Less than
    20% or
    Less than
    20% or
    Less than
    20% or
 
    20%     more     20%     more     20%     more  
    (In millions, except number of securities)  
 
Fixed Maturity Securities:
                                               
Less than six months
  $ 8,882     $ 439     $ 268     $ 109       686       43  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
    152       40       6       13       30       10  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
    48       25       2       11       11       3  
Twelve months or greater
    4,768       881       450       273       475       101  
                                                 
Total
  $ 13,850     $ 1,385     $ 726     $ 406                  
                                                 
Percentage of amortized cost
                    5 %     29 %                
                                                 
Equity Securities:
                                               
Less than six months
  $ 31     $ 30     $ 4     $ 7       8       12  
Six months or greater but less than nine months
          3             1             1  
Nine months or greater but less than twelve months
    5       7             2       1       1  
Twelve months or greater
    150       44       18       16       12       5  
                                                 
Total
  $ 186     $ 84     $ 22     $ 26                  
                                                 
Percentage of cost
                    12 %     31 %                
                                                 
 
Equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more for twelve months or greater decreased from $16 million at December 31, 2010 to $6 million at June 30, 2011. As shown in the section “— Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Available-for-Sale Securities” below, all of the equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more for twelve months or greater at June 30, 2011 were financial services industry investment grade non-redeemable preferred stock, of which 33% were rated A or better.

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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Concentration of Gross Unrealized Losses and OTTI Losses for Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities Available-for-Sale
 
The Company’s gross unrealized losses related to its fixed maturity and equity securities, including the portion of OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were $880 million and $1.2 billion at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The concentration, calculated as a percentage of gross unrealized losses (including OTTI losses) by sector and industry was as follows at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
 
Sector:
               
RMBS
    26 %     25 %
U.S. corporate securities
    25       26  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    15       11  
State and political subdivision securities
    12       11  
ABS
    9       9  
Foreign corporate securities
    8       11  
CMBS
    2       3  
Other
    3       4  
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
Industry:
               
Mortgage-backed
    28 %     28 %
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    15       11  
Finance
    12       19  
State and political subdivision securities
    12       11  
Asset-backed
    9       9  
Consumer
    6       5  
Utility
    3       3  
Communications
    2       2  
Transportation
    2       1  
Industrial
    1       1  
Other
    10       10  
                 
Total
    100 %     100 %
                 
 
Evaluating Temporarily Impaired Available-for-Sale Securities
 
The following table presents the Company’s fixed maturity and equity securities, each with gross unrealized losses of greater than $10 million, the number of securities, total gross unrealized losses and percentage of total gross unrealized losses at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Fixed Maturity
    Equity
    Fixed Maturity
    Equity
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions, except number of securities)  
 
Number of securities
    17             15        
Total gross unrealized losses
  $ 249     $  —     $ 210     $  —  
Percentage of total gross unrealized losses
    29 %     %     19 %     %


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Fixed maturity and equity securities, each with gross unrealized losses greater than $10 million, increased $39 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011. The increase in gross unrealized losses for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was primarily attributable to an increase in 30-year interest rates on our longer-term U.S. Treasury securities. These securities were included in the Company’s OTTI review process. Based upon the Company’s current evaluation of these securities and other available-for-sale 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 has concluded that these securities are not other-than-temporarily impaired.
 
In the Company’s impairment review process, the duration and severity of an unrealized loss position for equity securities are given greater weight and consideration than for fixed maturity securities. An extended and severe unrealized loss position on a fixed maturity security may not have any impact on the ability of the issuer to service all scheduled interest and principal payments and the Company’s evaluation of recoverability of all contractual cash flows or the ability to recover an amount at least equal to its amortized cost based on the present value of the expected future cash flows to be collected. In contrast, for an equity security, greater weight and consideration are given by the Company to a decline in market value and the likelihood such market value decline will recover.
 
The following table presents certain information about the Company’s equity securities available-for-sale with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more at June 30, 2011:
 
                                                                 
          Non-Redeemable Preferred Stock  
          All Types of
             
    All Equity
    Non-Redeemable
    Investment Grade  
    Securities     Preferred Stock     All Industries     Financial Services Industry  
    Gross
    Gross
    % of All
    Gross
    % of All
    Gross
          % A
 
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Equity
    Unrealized
    Non-Redeemable
    Unrealized
    % of All
    Rated or
 
    Losses     Losses     Securities     Losses     Preferred Stock     Losses     Industries     Better  
    (In millions)  
 
Less than six months
  $ 1     $       %   $       %   $       %     %
Six months or greater but less than twelve months
                %           %           %     %
Twelve months or greater
    6       6       100 %     6       100 %     6       100 %     33 %
                                                                 
All equity securities with gross unrealized losses of 20% or more
  $ 7     $ 6       86 %   $ 6       100 %   $ 6       100 %     33 %
                                                                 
 
In connection with the equity securities impairment review process, the Company evaluated its holdings in non-redeemable preferred stock, particularly those in the financial services industry. The Company considered several factors including whether there has been any deterioration in credit of the issuer and the likelihood of recovery in value of non-redeemable preferred stock with a severe or an extended unrealized loss. The Company also considered whether any issuers of non-redeemable preferred stock with an unrealized loss held by the Company, regardless of credit rating, have deferred any dividend payments. No such dividend payments had been deferred.
 
With respect to common stock holdings, the Company considered the duration and severity of the unrealized losses for securities in an unrealized loss position of 20% or more; and the duration of unrealized losses for securities in an unrealized loss position of less than 20% in an extended unrealized loss position (i.e., 12 months or greater).
 
Future OTTIs 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, changes in collateral


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
valuation, changes in interest rates and changes in credit spreads. If economic fundamentals and any of the above factors deteriorate, additional OTTIs may be incurred in upcoming quarters.
 
Net Investment Gains (Losses)
 
The components of net investment gains (losses) were as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities:
                               
Total OTTI losses recognized
  $ (21 )   $ (19 )   $ (30 )   $ (53 )
Less: Noncredit portion of OTTI losses transferred to and recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
    6       7       4       23  
                                 
Net OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings
    (15 )     (12 )     (26 )     (30 )
Fixed maturity securities — net gains (losses) on sales and disposals
    2       58       (18 )     62  
                                 
Total gains (losses) on fixed maturity securities
    (13 )     46       (44 )     32  
                                 
Other net investment gains (losses):
                               
Equity securities
    (24 )     20       (23 )     19  
Mortgage loans
    14       (7 )     18       (15 )
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
          (3 )           (19 )
Other limited partnership interests
    (4 )     (8 )     (2 )     (10 )
Other investment portfolio gains (losses)
    (1 )     (4 )     (5 )     7  
                                 
Subtotal — investment portfolio gains (losses)
    (28 )     44       (56 )     14  
                                 
Fair value option (“FVO”) consolidated securitization entities — changes in estimated fair value:
                               
Commercial mortgage loans
    7       172       25       653  
Long-term debt — related to commercial mortgage loans
    (5 )     (162 )     (11 )     (647 )
Other gains (losses)
    (1 )     (4 )     1       67  
                                 
Subtotal FVO consolidated securitization entities and other gains (losses)
    1       6       15       73  
                                 
Total net investment gains (losses)
  $ (27 )   $ 50     $ (41 )   $ 87  
                                 
 
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of consolidated securitization entities (“CSEs”) included in the table above.
 
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 ($2) million and ($3) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and ($4) million and $76 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 below. Investment gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis.
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    Fixed Maturity Securities     Equity Securities     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Proceeds
  $ 2,529     $ 3,076     $ 128     $ 74     $ 2,657     $ 3,150  
                                                 
Gross investment gains
  $ 33     $ 87     $ 2     $ 20     $ 35     $ 107  
                                                 
Gross investment losses
    (31 )     (29 )     (20 )           (51 )     (29 )
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
                                               
Credit-related
    (6 )     (12 )                 (6 )     (12 )
Other (1)
    (9 )           (6 )           (15 )      
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings
    (15 )     (12 )     (6 )           (21 )     (12 )
                                                 
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (13 )   $ 46     $ (24 )   $ 20     $ (37 )   $ 66  
                                                 
 
                                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
    Fixed Maturity Securities     Equity Securities     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Proceeds
  $ 5,042     $ 5,264     $ 144     $ 79     $ 5,186     $ 5,343  
                                                 
Gross investment gains
  $ 51     $ 131     $ 5     $ 20     $ 56     $ 151  
                                                 
Gross investment losses
    (69 )     (69 )     (22 )     (1 )     (91 )     (70 )
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings:
                                               
Credit-related
    (17 )     (29 )                 (17 )     (29 )
Other (1)
    (9 )     (1 )     (6 )           (15 )     (1 )
                                                 
Total OTTI losses recognized in earnings
    (26 )     (30 )     (6 )           (32 )     (30 )
                                                 
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (44 )   $ 32     $ (23 )   $ 19     $ (67 )   $ 51  
                                                 
 
 
(1) Other OTTI losses recognized in earnings include impairments on equity securities, impairments on perpetual hybrid securities classified within fixed maturity securities where the primary reason for the impairment was the severity and/or the duration of an unrealized loss position and fixed maturity securities where there is an intent to sell or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the decline in estimated fair value.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Fixed maturity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings related to the following sectors and industries within the U.S. and foreign corporate securities sector:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Sector:
                               
U.S. and foreign corporate securities — by industry:
                               
Finance
  $ 9     $ 1     $ 9     $ 2  
Communications
                4       3  
Consumer
                      9  
Utility
          2             2  
                                 
Total U.S. and foreign corporate securities
    9       3       13       16  
ABS
    3             5        
RMBS
    3       3       5       7  
CMBS
          6       3       7  
                                 
Total
  $ 15     $ 12     $ 26     $ 30  
                                 
 
Equity security OTTI losses recognized in earnings related to the following sectors and industries:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Sector:
                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock
  $ 6     $  —     $ 6     $  —  
                                 
Total
  $ 6     $     $ 6     $  
                                 
Industry:
                               
Financial services industry — perpetual hybrid securities
  $ 6     $     $ 6     $  
                                 
Total
  $ 6     $     $ 6     $  
                                 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Credit Loss Rollforward — 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)
 
The table below presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit loss component of OTTI loss recognized in earnings on fixed maturity securities still held by the Company for which a portion of the OTTI loss was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss):
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 43     $ 80     $ 63     $ 213  
Additions:
                               
Initial impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities not previously impaired
    4       1       4       3  
Additional impairments — credit loss OTTI recognized on securities previously impaired
    1       4       4       6  
Reductions:
                               
Due to sales (maturities, pay downs or prepayments) during the period of securities previously credit loss OTTI impaired
    (2 )     (16 )     (4 )     (52 )
Due to securities de-recognized in connection with the adoption of new guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs
                      (100 )
Due to securities impaired to net present value of expected future cash flows
                (20 )      
Due to increases in cash flows — accretion of previous credit loss OTTI
          (1 )     (1 )     (2 )
                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 46     $ 68     $ 46     $ 68  
                                 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Net Investment Income
 
The components of net investment income were as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Investment income:
                               
Fixed maturity securities
  $ 538     $ 525     $ 1,073     $ 1,054  
Equity securities
    5       7       7       9  
Other securities — FVO general account securities (1)
    1             1        
Mortgage loans
    87       72       171       140  
Policy loans
    15       17       31       33  
Real estate and real estate joint ventures
    10       1       2       (25 )
Other limited partnership interests
    40       34       120       102  
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
    1       1       3       3  
International joint ventures
    2       (1 )     1       (2 )
Other
    3       9       5       11  
                                 
Subtotal
    702       665       1,414       1,325  
Less: Investment expenses
    27       23       51       46  
                                 
Subtotal, net
    675       642       1,363       1,279  
                                 
Other securities — FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments (1)
    25       (22 )     30       26  
FVO consolidated securitization entities — Commercial mortgage loans
    96       105       191       210  
                                 
Subtotal
    121       83       221       236  
                                 
Net investment income
  $ 796     $ 725     $ 1,584     $ 1,515  
                                 
                               
(1) Changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase included in net investment income were:
                                 
Other securities — FVO general account securities
  $ 1     $     $ 1     $  
                                 
Other securities — FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked
  $ 18     $ (38 )   $ (7 )   $ 3  
 
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above.
 
Affiliated investment expenses, included in the table above, were $18 million and $33 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $14 million and $27 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. See “— Related Party Investment Transactions” for discussion of affiliated net investment income included in the table above.
 
Securities Lending
 
The Company participates in a securities lending program whereby blocks of securities, which are included in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments, are loaned to third parties, primarily brokerage firms and commercial banks. The Company generally obtains collateral, generally cash, in an amount equal to 102% of the estimated fair value of the securities loaned, which is obtained at the inception of a loan and maintained at a level greater than or equal to 100% for the duration of the loan. Securities loaned under such transactions may be sold or


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
repledged by the transferee. The Company is liable to return to its counterparties the cash collateral under its control. These transactions are treated as financing arrangements and the associated liability is recorded at the amount of the cash received.
 
Elements of the securities lending program are presented below at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Securities on loan:
               
Amortized cost
  $ 6,992     $ 6,992  
Estimated fair value
  $ 7,047     $ 7,054  
Aging of cash collateral liability:
               
Open (1)
  $ 845     $ 1,292  
Less than thirty days
    4,479       3,297  
Thirty days or greater but less than sixty days
    1,039       1,221  
Sixty days or greater but less than ninety days
    513       326  
Ninety days or greater
    340       1,002  
                 
Total cash collateral liability
  $ 7,216     $ 7,138  
                 
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties
  $ 9     $  
                 
Reinvestment portfolio — estimated fair value
  $ 7,097     $ 6,916  
                 
 
 
(1) Open — meaning that the related loaned security could be returned to the Company on the next business day requiring the Company to immediately return the cash collateral.
 
The estimated fair value of the securities on loan related to the cash collateral on open at June 30, 2011 was $825 million, of which $743 million were U.S. Treasury and agency securities which, if put to the Company, can be immediately sold to satisfy the cash requirements. The remainder of the securities on loan was primarily U.S. Treasury and agency securities, and very liquid RMBS. The U.S. Treasury securities on loan were primarily holdings of on-the-run U.S. Treasury securities, the most liquid U.S. Treasury securities available. If these high quality securities that are on loan are put back to the Company, the proceeds from immediately selling these securities can be used to satisfy the related cash requirements. The reinvestment portfolio acquired with the cash collateral consisted principally of fixed maturity securities (including RMBS, U.S. Treasury and agency securities, U.S. corporate securities and ABS). If the on loan securities 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 are put back to the Company.
 
Security collateral on deposit from counterparties in connection with the securities lending transactions may not be sold or repledged, unless the counterparty is in default, and is not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Invested Assets on Deposit and Pledged as Collateral
 
Invested assets on deposit and pledged as collateral are presented below at estimated fair value for cash and cash equivalents and fixed maturity securities and at carrying value for mortgage loans.
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Invested assets on deposit:
               
Regulatory agencies
  $ 55     $ 55  
Invested assets pledged as collateral:
               
Funding agreements — Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
    534       211  
Funding agreements — Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
    231       231  
Derivative transactions
    82       83  
                 
Total invested assets on deposit and pledged as collateral
  $ 902     $ 580  
                 
 
See Note 2 “— Investments — Invested Assets on Deposit and Pledged as Collateral” of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for a description of the types of invested assets on deposit and pledged as collateral and selected other information about the related program or counterparty.
 
See also “— Securities Lending” for the amount of the Company’s cash received from and due back to counterparties pursuant to the Company’s securities lending program. See “— Variable Interest Entities” for assets of certain CSEs that can only be used to settle liabilities of such entities.
 
Other Securities
 
The table below presents certain information about the Company’s securities for which the FVO has been elected:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
FVO general account securities
  $ 48     $ 7  
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
    3,041       2,240  
                 
Total other securities — at estimated fair value
  $ 3,089     $ 2,247  
                 
 
See Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2010 Annual Report for discussion of FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments. See “— Net Investment Income” for the net investment income recognized on other securities and the related changes in estimated fair value subsequent to purchase included in net investment income.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Mortgage Loans
 
Mortgage loans are summarized as follows at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying
    % of
    Carrying
    % of
 
    Value     Total     Value     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
Mortgage loans:
                               
Commercial
  $ 4,675       37.0 %   $ 4,635       36.4 %
Agricultural
    1,343       10.6       1,342       10.6  
                                 
Subtotal
    6,018       47.6 %     5,977       47.0 %
Valuation allowances
    (70 )     (0.6 )     (87 )     (0.7 )
                                 
Subtotal mortgage loans, net
    5,948       47.0 %     5,890       46.3 %
Commercial mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities — FVO
    6,697       53.0       6,840       53.7  
                                 
Total mortgage loans, net
  $ 12,645       100.0 %   $ 12,730       100.0 %
                                 
 
See “— Variable Interest Entities” for discussion of CSEs included in the table above.
 
See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2010 Annual Report for discussion of affiliated mortgage loans included in the table above. The carrying values of such loans were $198 million and $199 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk.  The Company diversifies its mortgage loan portfolio by both geographic region and property type to reduce the risk of concentration. The Company’s commercial and agricultural mortgage loans are collateralized by properties primarily located in the United States (“U.S.”). The carrying values of the Company’s commercial and agricultural mortgage loans located in California, New York and Illinois were 26%, 16% and 6%, respectively, of total mortgage loans (excluding commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs) at June 30, 2011. Additionally, the Company manages risk when originating commercial and agricultural mortgage loans by generally lending only up to 75% of the estimated fair value of the underlying real estate.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following tables present the recorded investment in mortgage loans, by portfolio segment, by method of evaluation of credit loss, and the related valuation allowances, by type of credit loss, at:
 
                         
    Commercial     Agricultural     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
June 30, 2011:
                       
Mortgage loans:
                       
Evaluated individually for credit losses
  $ 23     $     $ 23  
Evaluated collectively for credit losses
    4,652       1,343       5,995  
                         
Total mortgage loans
    4,675       1,343       6,018  
                         
Valuation allowances:
                       
Specific credit losses
    15             15  
Non-specifically identified credit losses
    51       4       55  
                         
Total valuation allowances
    66       4       70  
                         
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowance
  $ 4,609     $ 1,339     $ 5,948  
                         
                         
December 31, 2010:
                       
Mortgage loans:
                       
Evaluated individually for credit losses
  $ 23     $     $ 23  
Evaluated collectively for credit losses
    4,612       1,342       5,954  
                         
Total mortgage loans
    4,635       1,342       5,977  
                         
Valuation allowances:
                       
Specific credit losses
    23             23  
Non-specifically identified credit losses
    61       3       64  
                         
Total valuation allowances
    84       3       87  
                         
Mortgage loans, net of valuation allowance
  $ 4,551     $ 1,339     $ 5,890  
                         


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following tables present the changes in the valuation allowance, by portfolio segment:
 
                         
    Mortgage Loan Valuation Allowances  
    Commercial     Agricultural     Total  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 80     $ 4     $ 84  
Provision (release)
    (14 )           (14 )
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
                 
                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 66     $ 4     $ 70  
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 82     $ 3     $ 85  
Provision (release)
    8             8  
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
                 
                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 90     $ 3     $ 93  
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 84     $ 3     $ 87  
Provision (release)
    (18 )     1       (17 )
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
                 
                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 66     $ 4     $ 70  
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 74     $ 3     $ 77  
Provision (release)
    16             16  
Charge-offs, net of recoveries
                 
                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 90     $ 3     $ 93  
                         


37


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Commercial Mortgage Loans — by Credit Quality Indicators with Estimated Fair Value.  Presented below for the commercial mortgage loans is the recorded investment, prior to valuation allowances, by the indicated loan-to-value ratio categories and debt service coverage ratio categories and estimated fair value of such mortgage loans by the indicated loan-to-value ratio categories at:
 
                                                         
    Commercial  
    Recorded Investment              
    Debt Service Coverage Ratios                 Estimated
       
    > 1.20x     1.00x - 1.20x     < 1.00x     Total     % of Total     Fair Value     % of Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
June 30, 2011:
                                                       
Loan-to-value ratios:
                                                       
Less than 65%
  $ 2,417     $ 35     $ 148     $ 2,600       55.6 %   $ 2,771       57.6 %
65% to 75%
    680       43       137       860       18.4       900       18.8  
76% to 80%
    315                   315       6.7       314       6.5  
Greater than 80%
    672       113       115       900       19.3       824       17.1  
                                                         
Total
  $ 4,084     $ 191     $ 400     $ 4,675       100.0 %   $ 4,809       100.0 %
                                                         
December 31, 2010:
                                                       
Loan-to-value ratios:
                                                       
Less than 65%
  $ 2,051     $ 11     $ 34     $ 2,096       45.2 %   $ 2,196       47.1 %
65% to 75%
    824       99       148       1,071       23.1       1,099       23.6  
76% to 80%
    301       29       7       337       7.3       347       7.4  
Greater than 80%
    828       163       140       1,131       24.4       1,018       21.9  
                                                         
Total
  $ 4,004     $ 302     $ 329     $ 4,635       100.0 %   $ 4,660       100.0 %
                                                         
 
Agricultural Mortgage Loans — by Credit Quality Indicator.  The recorded investment in agricultural mortgage loans, prior to valuation allowances, by credit quality indicator, is as shown below. The estimated fair value of agricultural mortgage loans was $1.4 billion at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
                                 
    Agricultural  
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Recorded Investment     % of Total     Recorded Investment     % of Total  
    (In millions)           (In millions)        
 
Loan-to-value ratios:
                               
Less than 65%
  $ 1,284       95.6 %   $ 1,289       96.0 %
65% to 75%
    59       4.4       53       4.0  
                                 
Total
  $ 1,343       100.0 %   $ 1,342       100.0 %
                                 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Past Due and Interest Accrual Status of Mortgage Loans.  The Company has a high quality, well performing, mortgage loan portfolio with approximately 99% of all mortgage loans classified as performing at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The Company defines delinquent mortgage loans consistent with industry practice, when interest and principal payments are past due as follows: commercial mortgage loans — 60 days or more past due; and agricultural mortgage loans — 90 days or more past due. The recorded investment in mortgage loans, prior to valuation allowances, past due according to these aging categories, greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest and in nonaccrual status, by portfolio segment, were as follows at:
 
                                                 
          Greater than 90 Days Past Due
       
    Past Due     Still Accruing Interest     Nonaccrual Status  
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010     June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010     June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Commercial
  $     $     $     $     $     $ 1  
Agricultural
    7       7       1             6       6  
                                                 
Total
  $ 7     $ 7     $ 1     $     $ 6     $ 7  
                                                 
 
Impaired Mortgage Loans.  The unpaid principal balance, recorded investment, valuation allowances and carrying value, net of valuation allowances, for impaired mortgage loans, by portfolio segment, were as follows at:
 
                                                                 
    Impaired Mortgage Loans  
          Loans without
       
    Loans with a Valuation Allowance     a Valuation Allowance     All Impaired Loans  
    Unpaid
                      Unpaid
          Unpaid
       
    Principal
    Recorded
    Valuation
    Carrying
    Principal
    Recorded
    Principal
    Carrying
 
    Balance     Investment     Allowances     Value     Balance     Investment     Balance     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
June 30, 2011:
                                                               
Commercial
  $ 23     $ 23     $ 15     $ 8     $     $     $ 23     $ 8  
Agricultural
                            7       7       7       7  
                                                                 
Total
  $ 23     $ 23     $ 15     $ 8     $ 7     $ 7     $ 30     $ 15  
                                                                 
December 31, 2010:
                                                               
Commercial
  $ 23     $ 23     $ 23     $     $     $     $ 23     $  
Agricultural
                            7       7       7       7  
                                                                 
Total
  $ 23     $ 23     $ 23     $     $ 7     $ 7     $ 30     $ 7  
                                                                 
 
Unpaid principal balance is generally prior to any charge-off.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The average investment in impaired mortgage loans, and the related interest income, by portfolio segment, was:
 
                         
    Impaired Mortgage Loans  
    Average Investment     Interest Income Recognized  
          Cash Basis     Accrual Basis  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Commercial
  $ 23     $     $  —  
Agricultural
    7              
                         
Total
  $ 30     $     $  
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Commercial
  $ 54     $ 2     $  
Agricultural
    15              
                         
Total
  $ 69     $ 2     $  
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Commercial
  $ 23     $ 1     $  
Agricultural
    7              
                         
Total
  $ 30     $ 1     $  
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Commercial
  $ 44     $ 2     $  
Agricultural
    14              
                         
Total
  $ 58     $ 2     $  
                         
 
Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents, which include investments with an original or remaining maturity of three months or less, at the time of purchase, were $1.1 billion and $1.8 billion at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Purchased Credit Impaired Investments
 
Investments acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at the acquisition date that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are classified as purchased credit impaired investments. For each investment, the excess of the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date over its acquisition date fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized as net investment income on an effective yield basis. If subsequently, based on current information and events, it is probable that there is a significant increase in cash flows previously expected to be collected or if actual cash flows are significantly greater than cash flows previously expected to be collected, the accretable yield is adjusted prospectively. The excess of the contractually required payments (including interest) as of the acquisition date over the cash flows expected to be collected as of the acquisition date is referred to as the nonaccretable difference, and this amount is not expected to be realized as net investment income. Decreases in cash flows expected to be collected can result in OTTI.
 


40


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The table below presents the purchased credit impaired fixed maturity securities held at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Outstanding principal and interest balance (1)
  $ 429     $ 20  
Carrying value (2)
  $ 333     $ 19  
 
 
(1) Represents the contractually required payments which is the sum of contractual principal, whether or not currently due, and accrued interest.
 
(2) Estimated fair value plus accrued interest.
 
The following table presents information about purchased credit impaired fixed maturity securities acquired during the periods, as of their respective acquisition dates:
 
                 
    Six Months
 
    Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Contractually required payments (including interest)
  $ 672     $  —  
Cash flows expected to be collected (1)
  $ 621     $  
Fair value of investments acquired
  $ 325     $  
 
 
(1) Represents undiscounted principal and interest cash flow expectations at the date of acquisition.
 
The following table presents activity for the accretable yield on purchased credit impaired fixed maturity securities for:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Accretable yield, beginning of period
  $ 30     $  —     $ 5     $  —  
Investments purchased
    273             296        
Accretion recognized in net investment income
    (3 )           (3 )      
Disposals
                       
Reclassification (to) from nonaccretable difference
    6             8        
                                 
Accretable yield, end of period
  $ 306     $     $ 306     $  
                                 
 
Variable Interest Entities
 
The Company holds investments in certain entities 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 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, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Creditors or beneficial interest holders of


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Consolidated securitization entities: (1)
               
Assets:
               
Mortgage loans held-for-investment (commercial mortgage loans)
  $ 6,697     $ 6,840  
Accrued investment income
    32       31  
                 
Total assets
  $ 6,729     $ 6,871  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
  $ 6,617     $ 6,773  
Other liabilities
    31       31  
                 
Total liabilities
  $ 6,648     $ 6,804  
                 
 
 
(1) The Company consolidated former qualified special purpose entities (“QSPEs”) 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 or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates liable for any principal or interest shortfalls should any arise. The Company’s exposure was limited to that of its remaining investment in the former QSPEs of $76 million and $64 million at estimated fair value at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The long-term debt referred to above bears interest at primarily fixed rates ranging from 2.25% to 5.57%, payable primarily on a monthly basis and is expected to be repaid over the next 7 years. Interest expense related to these obligations, included in other expenses, was $94 million and $187 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $101 million and $204 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
The following table presents the carrying amount and maximum exposure to loss relating to VIEs for which the Company holds significant variable interests but is not the primary beneficiary and which have not been consolidated at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          Maximum
          Maximum
 
    Carrying
    Exposure
    Carrying
    Exposure
 
    Amount     to Loss (1)     Amount     to Loss (1)  
          (In millions)        
 
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
                               
RMBS (2)
  $ 6,572     $ 6,572     $ 6,709     $ 6,709  
CMBS (2)
    2,166       2,166       2,277       2,277  
ABS (2)
    1,897       1,897       1,869       1,869  
U.S. corporate securities
    379       379       336       336  
Foreign corporate securities
    333       333       348       348  
Other limited partnership interests
    1,208       1,909       1,192       1,992  
Real estate joint ventures
    26       30       10       35  
                                 
Total
  $ 12,581     $ 13,286     $ 12,741     $ 13,566  
                                 
 
 
(1) The maximum exposure to loss relating to the fixed maturity securities is equal to the carrying amounts or carrying amounts of retained interests. The maximum exposure to loss relating to the other limited partnership


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
interests and real estate joint ventures is equal to the carrying amounts plus any unfunded commitments of the Company. 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.
 
As described in Note 5, 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 the six months ended June 30, 2011.
 
Related Party Investment Transactions
 
At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company held $83 million and $63 million, respectively, in the Metropolitan Money Market Pool and the MetLife Intermediate Income Pool, which are affiliated partnerships. These amounts are included in short-term investments. Net investment income from these investments was less than $1 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010.
 
In the normal course of business, the Company transfers invested assets, primarily consisting of fixed maturity securities, to and from affiliates. There were no invested assets transferred from affiliates, inclusive of amounts related to reinsurance agreements, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. Invested assets transferred to affiliates, inclusive of amounts related to reinsurance agreements, were as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Estimated fair value of assets transferred to affiliates
  $  —     $ 445     $  —     $ 445  
Amortized cost of assets transferred to affiliates
  $     $ 406     $     $ 406  
Net investment gains (losses) recognized on transfers
  $     $ 39     $     $ 39  
 
3.   Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments
 
Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are 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. The Company uses a variety of derivatives, including swaps, forwards, futures and option contracts, to manage various risks relating to its ongoing business. To a lesser extent, the Company uses credit derivatives, such as credit default swaps, to synthetically replicate investment risks and returns which are not readily available in the cash market. The Company also purchases certain securities, issues certain insurance policies and investment contracts and engages in certain reinsurance contracts that have embedded derivatives.
 
Freestanding derivatives are carried on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets either as assets within other invested assets or as liabilities within other liabilities at estimated fair value as determined through the use of quoted market prices for exchange-traded derivatives or through the use of pricing models for OTC derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that are assumed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing the instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk (including the counterparties to the contract), volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models.
 
The Company does not offset the fair value amounts recognized for derivatives executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting agreement.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 generally reported in net derivative gains (losses) except for those (i) in policyholder benefits and claims for economic hedges of variable annuity guarantees included in future policy benefits; and (ii) in net investment income for economic hedges of equity method investments in joint ventures. The fluctuations in estimated fair value of derivatives which have not been designated for hedge accounting can result in significant volatility in net income.
 
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 as either (i) a hedge of the estimated fair value of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value hedge”); or (ii) 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 (“cash flow hedge”). In this 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 which 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 periodically 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 accounting for derivatives is complex and interpretations of the primary accounting guidance continue to evolve in practice. Judgment is applied in determining the availability and application of hedge accounting designations and the appropriate accounting treatment under such accounting guidance. If it was determined that hedge accounting designations were not appropriately applied, reported net income could be materially affected.
 
Under a fair value hedge, changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging derivative, including amounts measured as ineffectiveness, and changes in the estimated fair value of the hedged item related to the designated risk being hedged, are reported within net derivative gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle until maturity are included in the estimated fair value of derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Under a cash flow hedge, changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging derivative measured as effective are reported within other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders’ equity, and the deferred gains or losses on the derivative are reclassified into the consolidated statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item. Changes in the estimated fair value of the hedging instrument measured as ineffectiveness are reported within net derivative gains (losses). The estimated fair values of the hedging derivatives are exclusive of any accruals that are separately reported in the consolidated statement of operations within interest income or interest expense to match the location of the hedged item. However, accruals that are not scheduled to settle until maturity are included in the estimated fair value of derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
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 in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized currently in net derivative gains (losses). The carrying value of the hedged recognized asset or liability under a fair value


44


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
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 other comprehensive income (loss) related to discontinued cash flow hedges are released into the consolidated statement of operations when the Company’s earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the hedged item.
 
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 in the consolidated balance sheets 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 other comprehensive income (loss) 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 in the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in its estimated fair value recognized in the current period as net derivative gains (losses).
 
The Company is also a party to financial instruments that contain terms which are deemed to be embedded derivatives. The Company assesses each identified embedded derivative to determine whether it is required to be bifurcated. If the instrument would not be accounted for in its entirety at estimated fair value and it is determined that the terms of the embedded derivative are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, and that a separate instrument with the same terms would qualify as a derivative instrument, the embedded derivative is bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a freestanding derivative. Such embedded derivatives are carried in the consolidated balance sheets at estimated fair value with the host contract and changes in their estimated fair value are generally reported in net derivative gains (losses). 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.
 
See Note 4 for information about the fair value hierarchy for derivatives.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Primary Risks Managed by Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company is exposed to various risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and equity market risk. The Company uses a variety of strategies to manage these risks, including the use of derivative instruments. The following table presents the gross notional amount, estimated fair value and primary underlying risk exposure of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, excluding embedded derivatives, held at:
 
                                                     
        June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
              Estimated Fair
          Estimated Fair
 
Primary Underlying
      Notional
    Value (1)     Notional
    Value (1)  
Risk Exposure
  Instrument Type   Amount     Assets     Liabilities     Amount     Assets     Liabilities  
        (In millions)  
 
Interest rate
  Interest rate swaps   $ 10,912     $ 686     $ 244     $ 9,102     $ 658     $ 252  
    Interest rate floors     7,986       139       73       7,986       127       62  
    Interest rate caps     7,658       33             7,158       29       1  
    Interest rate futures     2,135       5       5       1,966       5       7  
    Interest rate forwards     695             67       695             71  
Foreign currency
  Foreign currency swaps     2,019       384       92       2,561       585       68  
    Foreign currency forwards     189       1       4       151       4       1  
Credit
  Credit default swaps     1,833       16       16       1,324       15       22  
Equity market
  Equity futures     249       1       2       93              
    Equity options     1,778       228             733       77        
    Variance swaps     1,807       15       13       1,081       20       8  
    Total rate of return swaps     150                                
                                                     
      Total   $ 37,411     $ 1,508     $ 516     $ 32,850     $ 1,520     $ 492  
                                                     
 
 
(1) The estimated fair value of all derivatives in an asset position is reported within other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets and the estimated fair value of all derivatives in a liability position is reported within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
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 principal amount. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by the counterparty at each due date. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps in fair value, cash flow and non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company also enters into basis swaps to better match the cash flows from assets and related liabilities. In a basis swap, both legs of the swap are floating with each based on a different index. Generally, no cash is exchanged at the outset of the contract and no principal payments are made by either party. A single net payment is usually made by one counterparty at each due date. Basis swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes basis swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Inflation swaps are used as an economic hedge to reduce inflation risk generated from inflation-indexed liabilities. Inflation swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes inflation swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Implied volatility swaps are used by the Company primarily as economic hedges of interest rate risk associated with the Company’s investments in mortgage-backed securities. In an implied volatility swap, the Company exchanges fixed payments for floating payments that are linked to certain market volatility measures. If implied volatility rises, the floating payments that the Company receives will increase, and if implied volatility falls, the floating payments that the Company receives will decrease. Implied volatility swaps are included in interest rate swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes implied volatility swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
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 (duration mismatches), 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 and to hedge against changes in interest rates on anticipated liability issuances by replicating Treasury or swap curve performance. The Company utilizes exchange-traded interest rate futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
The Company writes covered call options on its portfolio of U.S. Treasuries as an income generation strategy. In a covered call transaction, the Company receives a premium at the inception of the contract in exchange for giving the derivative counterparty the right to purchase the referenced security from the Company at a predetermined price. The call option is “covered” because the Company owns the referenced security over the term of the option. Covered call options are included in interest rate options. The Company utilizes covered call options in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
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 and non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Foreign currency derivatives, including foreign currency swaps and foreign currency forwards, are used by the Company 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 principal amount. The principal 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.
 
In a foreign currency forward transaction, the Company agrees with another party to deliver a specified amount of an identified currency at a specified future date. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for such a contract is made in a different currency at the specified future date. The Company utilizes foreign currency forwards in non-qualifying hedging relationships.


47


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Swap spreadlocks are used by the Company to hedge invested assets on an economic basis against the risk of changes in credit spreads. Swap spreadlocks are forward transactions between two parties whose underlying reference index is a forward starting interest rate swap where the Company agrees to pay a coupon based on a predetermined reference swap spread in exchange for receiving a coupon based on a floating rate. The Company has the option to cash settle with the counterparty in lieu of maintaining the swap after the effective date. The Company utilizes swap spreadlocks in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Certain credit default swaps are used by the Company to hedge against credit-related changes in the value of its investments and to diversify its credit risk exposure in certain portfolios. In a credit default swap transaction, the Company agrees with another party, at specified intervals, to pay a premium to hedge credit risk. If a credit event, as defined by the contract, occurs, generally the contract will require the swap to be settled gross by the delivery of par quantities of the referenced investment equal to the specified swap notional in exchange for the payment of cash amounts by the counterparty equal to the par value of the investment surrendered. The Company utilizes credit default swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Credit default swaps are also used to synthetically create investments that are either more expensive to acquire or otherwise unavailable in the cash markets. These transactions are a combination of a derivative and a cash instrument such as a U.S. Treasury or agency security. These credit default swaps are not designated as hedging instruments.
 
The Company enters into forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of certain securities. The price is agreed upon at the time of the contract and payment for the contract is made at a specified future date. When the primary purpose of entering into these transactions is to hedge against the risk of changes in purchase price due to changes in credit spreads, the Company designates these as credit forwards. The Company utilizes credit forwards in cash flow 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 liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products offered by the Company. The Company utilizes exchange-traded equity futures in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
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. 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. Equity index options are included in equity options in the preceding table. 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. Equity variance swaps are included in variance swaps in the preceding table. The Company utilizes equity variance swaps in non-qualifying hedging relationships.
 
Total rate of return swaps (“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 Inter-Bank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”), calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal 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. These transactions are entered into pursuant to master agreements that provide for a single net payment to


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
be made by the counterparty at each due date. 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.
 
Hedging
 
The following table presents the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments by type of hedge designation at:
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Notional
    Estimated Fair Value     Notional
    Estimated Fair Value  
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments   Amount     Assets     Liabilities     Amount     Assets     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Fair value hedges:
                                               
Foreign currency swaps
  $ 598     $ 272     $ 16     $ 787     $ 334     $ 18  
Interest rate swaps
    330       11       16       193       11       15  
                                                 
Subtotal
    928       283       32       980       345       33  
                                                 
Cash flow hedges:
                                               
Foreign currency swaps
    441       17       16       295       15       11  
Interest rate swaps
    415             26       575       1       45  
Interest rate forwards
    695             67       695             71  
                                                 
Subtotal
    1,551       17       109       1,565       16       127  
                                                 
Total qualifying hedges
  $ 2,479     $ 300     $ 141     $ 2,545     $ 361     $ 160  
                                                 
 
The following table presents the gross notional amount and estimated fair value of derivatives that were not designated or do not qualify as hedging instruments by derivative type at:
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
Derivatives Not Designated or Not
  Notional
    Estimated Fair Value     Notional
    Estimated Fair Value  
Qualifying as Hedging Instruments   Amount     Assets     Liabilities     Amount     Assets     Liabilities  
    (In millions)  
 
Interest rate swaps
  $ 10,167     $ 675     $ 202     $ 8,334     $ 646     $ 192  
Interest rate floors
    7,986       139       73       7,986       127       62  
Interest rate caps
    7,658       33             7,158       29       1  
Interest rate futures
    2,135       5       5       1,966       5       7  
Foreign currency swaps
    980       95       60       1,479       236       39  
Foreign currency forwards
    189       1       4       151       4       1  
Credit default swaps
    1,833       16       16       1,324       15       22  
Equity futures
    249       1       2       93              
Equity options
    1,778       228             733       77        
Variance swaps
    1,807       15       13       1,081       20       8  
Total rate of return swaps
    150                                
                                                 
Total non-designated or non-qualifying derivatives
  $  34,932     $ 1,208     $ 375     $  30,305     $ 1,159     $ 332  
                                                 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Net Derivative Gains (Losses)
 
The components of net derivative gains (losses) were as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Derivatives and hedging gains (losses) (1)
  $ 9     $ 231     $ (94 )   $ 134  
Embedded derivatives
    124       332       71       121  
                                 
Total net derivative gains (losses)
  $ 133     $ 563     $ (23 )   $ 255  
                                 
 
 
(1) Includes foreign currency transaction gains (losses) on hedged items in cash flow and non-qualifying hedge relationships, which are not presented elsewhere in this note.
 
The following table presents the settlement payments recorded in income for the:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Qualifying hedges:
                               
Net investment income
  $     $ 1     $ 1     $ 1  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    12       6       23       16  
Non-qualifying hedges:
                               
Net derivative gains (losses)
    7       (1 )     17       (7 )
                                 
Total
  $ 19     $ 6     $ 41     $ 10  
                                 
 
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 investments to floating rate investments; (ii) interest rate swaps to convert fixed rate liabilities to floating rate liabilities; and (iii) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency fair value exposure of foreign currency denominated liabilities.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (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 represents the amount of such net derivative gains (losses):
 
                             
        Net Derivative
    Net Derivative
    Ineffectiveness
 
        Gains (Losses)
    Gains (Losses)
    Recognized in
 
Derivatives in Fair Value
  Hedged Items in Fair Value
  Recognized
    Recognized for
    Net Derivative
 
Hedging Relationships   Hedging Relationships   for Derivatives     Hedged Items     Gains (Losses)  
        (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (4 )   $ 3     $ (1 )
    Policyholder account balances (1)     5       (5 )      
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     14       (17 )     (3 )
                             
Total
  $ 15     $ (19 )   $ (4 )
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (1 )   $ 1     $  
    Policyholder account balances (1)     4       (1 )     3  
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     (65 )     55       (10 )
                             
Total
  $ (62 )   $ 55     $ (7 )
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (3 )   $ 2     $ (1 )
    Policyholder account balances (1)           (1 )     (1 )
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     36       (43 )     (7 )
                             
Total
  $ 33     $ (42 )   $ (9 )
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps:
  Fixed maturity securities   $ (1 )   $ 1     $  
    Policyholder account balances (1)     5       (5 )      
Foreign currency swaps:
  Foreign-denominated policyholder account balances (2)     (117 )     99       (18 )
                             
Total
  $    (113 )   $     95     $    (18 )
                         
 
 
(1) Fixed rate liabilities.
 
(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) foreign currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency cash flow exposure of foreign currency denominated investments and liabilities; (ii) interest rate forwards and credit forwards to lock in the price to be paid for forward purchases of investments; (iii) interest rate swaps and interest rate forwards to hedge the forecasted purchases of fixed-rate investments; and (iv) interest rate swaps to convert floating rate investments to fixed rate investments.
 
In certain instances, the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions did not occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date. The net amounts reclassified into net derivative gains (losses) for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 related to such discontinued cash flow hedges were $1 million. For the three months and six months ended June 30,


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
2010, there were no instances in which the Company discontinued cash flow hedge accounting because the forecasted transactions did not occur on the anticipated date or within two months of that date.
 
At both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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 six years.
 
The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax, related to cash flow hedges:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at beginning of period
  $ (132 )   $ 4     $ (109 )   $ (1 )
Gains (losses) deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) on the effective portion of cash flow hedges
    35       17       14       20  
Amounts reclassified to net derivative gains (losses)
    (2 )     2       (4 )     4  
                                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), balance at end of period
  $ (99 )   $ 23     $ (99 )   $ 23  
                                 
 
At June 30, 2011, ($2) million of deferred net gains (losses) on derivatives in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The following table presents the effects of derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships on the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations and the interim condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity:
 
                         
    Amount of Gains
    Amount and Location
       
    (Losses) Deferred
    of Gains (Losses)
    Amount and Location
 
    in Accumulated Other
    Reclassified from
    of Gains (Losses)
 
Derivatives in Cash Flow
  Comprehensive Income
    Accumulated Other Comprehensive
    Recognized in Income (loss)
 
Hedging Relationships   (Loss) on Derivatives     Income (Loss) into Income (Loss)     on Derivatives  
                (Ineffective Portion and
 
                Amount Excluded from
 
    (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     Ineffectiveness Testing)  
          Net Derivative
    Net Derivative
 
          Gains (Losses)     Gains (Losses)  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 15     $ 1     $  
Foreign currency swaps
                 
Interest rate forwards
    20             (8 )
Credit forwards
          1        
                         
Total
  $ 35     $ 2     $ (8 )
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 1     $     $  
Foreign currency swaps
    10       (4 )      
Interest rate forwards
          2        
Credit forwards
    6              
                         
Total
  $ 17     $ (2 )   $  
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 4     $ 1     $  
Foreign currency swaps
    (1 )     2        
Interest rate forwards
    11             (8 )
Credit forwards
          1        
                         
Total
  $ 14     $ 4     $ (8 )
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 1     $     $  
Foreign currency swaps
    10       (6 )      
Interest rate forwards
          2        
Credit forwards
    9              
                         
Total
  $           20     $           (4 )   $            —  
                         
 
All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Non-Qualifying Derivatives and Derivatives for Purposes Other Than Hedging
 
The Company enters into the following derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting or for purposes other than hedging: (i) interest rate swaps, implied volatility swaps, caps and floors and interest rate futures to economically hedge its exposure to interest rates; (ii) foreign currency forwards and swaps to economically hedge its exposure to adverse movements in exchange rates; (iii) credit default swaps to economically hedge exposure to adverse movements in credit; (iv) equity futures, equity index options, interest rate futures, TRRs and equity variance swaps to economically hedge liabilities embedded in certain variable annuity products; (v) swap spreadlocks to economically hedge invested assets against the risk of changes in credit spreads; (vi) credit default swaps to synthetically create investments; (vii) interest rate forwards to buy and sell securities to economically hedge its exposure to interest rates; (viii) basis swaps to better match the cash flows of assets and related liabilities; (ix) inflation swaps to reduce risk generated from inflation-indexed liabilities; (x) covered call options for income generation; and (xi) equity options to economically hedge certain invested assets against adverse changes in equity indices.
 
The following tables present the amount and location of gains (losses) recognized in income for derivatives that were not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments:
 
                         
    Net
    Net
    Policyholder
 
    Derivative
    Investment
    Benefits
 
    Gains (Losses)     Income (1)     and Claims (2)  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 28     $     $  
Interest rate floors
    18              
Interest rate caps
    (16 )            
Interest rate futures
    (11 )            
Equity futures
    4             (1 )
Foreign currency swaps
    (1 )            
Foreign currency forwards
    (5 )            
Equity options
    1       (1 )      
Variance swaps
    (4 )            
Credit default swaps
    2              
                         
Total
  $ 16     $ (1 )   $ (1 )
                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 45     $     $  
Interest rate floors
    54              
Interest rate caps
    (6 )            
Interest rate futures
    (23 )            
Equity futures
    4              
Foreign currency swaps
    (13 )            
Foreign currency forwards
    9              
Equity options
    66       5        
Interest rate options
    (3 )            
Variance swaps
    38              
Credit default swaps
    1              
                         
Total
  $ 172     $ 5     $  
                         
 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                         
    Net
    Net
    Policyholder
 
    Derivative
    Investment
    Benefits
 
    Gains (Losses)     Income (1)     and Claims (2)  
    (In millions)  
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 4     $     $  
Interest rate floors
    1              
Interest rate caps
    (17 )            
Interest rate futures
    (12 )            
Equity futures
    4             (1 )
Foreign currency swaps
    2              
Foreign currency forwards
    (16 )            
Equity options
    (21 )     (2 )      
Variance swaps
    (10 )            
Credit default swaps
    2              
                         
Total
  $ (63 )   $ (2 )   $ (1 )
                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                       
Interest rate swaps
  $ 63     $     $  
Interest rate floors
    47              
Interest rate caps
    (14 )            
Interest rate futures
    (28 )            
Equity futures
    (1 )            
Foreign currency swaps
    (57 )            
Foreign currency forwards
    13              
Equity options
    43       4        
Interest rate options
    (3 )            
Variance swaps
    28              
Credit default swaps
    1              
                         
Total
  $ 92     $ 4     $  
                         
 
 
(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.
 
Credit Derivatives
 
In connection with synthetically created 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, generally the contract will require the Company to pay 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 $1,469 million and $912 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company can terminate these contracts at any time through cash settlement with the counterparty at an amount equal to the then current fair value of the credit default swaps. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company would have received $14 million and $13 million, respectively, to terminate all of these contracts.

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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (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, 2011     December 31, 2010  
          Maximum
                Maximum
       
    Estimated
    Amount
          Estimated
    Amount
       
    Fair Value
    of Future
    Weighted
    Fair Value
    of Future
    Weighted
 
Rating Agency Designation of
  of Credit
    Payments under
    Average
    of Credit
    Payments under
    Average
 
Referenced
  Default
    Credit Default
    Years to
    Default
    Credit Default
    Years to
 
Credit Obligations (1)   Swaps     Swaps (2)     Maturity (3)     Swaps     Swaps (2)     Maturity (3)  
                (In millions)              
 
Aaa/Aa/A
                                               
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
  $ 1     $ 130       4.3     $ 1     $ 45       3.6  
Credit default swaps referencing indices
    10       661       3.6       11       679       3.7  
                                                 
Subtotal
    11       791       3.7       12       724       3.7  
                                                 
Baa
                                               
Single name credit default swaps (corporate)
    1       255       4.9             5       3.0  
Credit default swaps referencing indices
    2       423       5.0       1       183       5.0  
                                                 
Subtotal
    3       678       5.0       1       188       5.0  
                                                 
Total
  $ 14     $ 1,469       4.3     $ 13     $ 912       4.0  
                                                 
 
 
(1) The rating agency designations are based on availability and the midpoint of the applicable ratings among Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. 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 notional amounts.
 
Credit Risk on Freestanding Derivatives
 
The Company may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial instruments. Generally, the current credit exposure of the Company’s derivative contracts is limited to the net positive estimated fair value of derivative contracts at the reporting date after taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements and any collateral received pursuant to credit support annexes.
 
The Company manages its credit risk related to OTC derivatives by entering into transactions with creditworthy counterparties, maintaining collateral arrangements and through the use of master agreements that provide for a single net payment to be made by one counterparty to another at each due date and upon termination. Because exchange-traded futures are effected through regulated exchanges, and positions are marked to market on a daily basis, the Company has minimal exposure to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to such derivative instruments. See Note 4 for a description of the impact of credit risk on the valuation of derivative instruments.
 
The Company enters into various collateral arrangements which require both the pledging and accepting of collateral in connection with its derivative instruments. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company was obligated to return cash collateral under its control of $985 million and $965 million, respectively. This unrestricted cash collateral is included in cash and cash equivalents or in short-term investments and the obligation to return it is included in payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions in the consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had also accepted collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $33 million and $3 million, respectively, which were held in separate custodial accounts. The Company is permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral, but at June 30, 2011, none of the collateral had been sold or repledged.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The Company’s collateral arrangements for its OTC derivatives generally require the counterparty in a net liability position, after considering the effect of netting agreements, to pledge collateral when the fair value of that counterparty’s derivatives reaches a pre-determined threshold. Certain of these arrangements also include credit-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 credit ratings of the Company and/or the counterparty. In addition, certain of the Company’s netting agreements for derivative instruments contain provisions that require the Company to maintain a specific investment grade credit rating from at least one of the major credit rating agencies. If the Company’s credit ratings were to fall below that specific investment grade credit rating, it would be in violation of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments that are in a net liability position after considering the effect of netting agreements.
 
The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC 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 credit rating at the reporting date or if the Company’s credit rating sustained a downgrade to a level that triggered full overnight collateralization or termination of the derivative position at the reporting date. Derivatives that are not subject to collateral agreements are not included in the scope of this table.
 
                                 
        Estimated
   
        Fair Value of
   
        Collateral
  Fair Value of Incremental
        Provided:   Collateral Provided Upon:
                Downgrade in the
            One Notch
  Company’s Credit Rating
            Downgrade
  to a Level that Triggers
    Estimated
      in the
  Full Overnight
    Fair Value (1) of
      Company’s
  Collateralization or
    Derivatives in Net
  Fixed Maturity
  Credit
  Termination of
    Liability Position   Securities (2)   Rating   the Derivative Position
    (In millions)
 
June 30, 2011
  $ 134     $ 48     $ 15     $ 71  
December 31, 2010
  $ 96     $ 58     $ 11     $ 62  
 
 
(1) After taking into consideration the existence of netting agreements.
 
(2) Included in fixed maturity securities in the consolidated balance sheets. The counterparties are permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral. At both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company did not provide any cash collateral.
 
Without considering the effect of netting agreements, the estimated fair value of the Company’s OTC derivatives with credit-contingent provisions that were in a gross liability position at June 30, 2011 was $220 million. At June 30, 2011, the Company provided securities collateral of $48 million in connection with these derivatives. In the unlikely event that both: (i) the Company’s credit rating was downgraded to a level that triggers full overnight collateralization or termination of all derivative positions; and (ii) the Company’s netting agreements were deemed to be legally unenforceable, then the additional collateral that the Company would be required to provide to its counterparties in connection with its derivatives in a gross liability position at June 30, 2011 would be $172 million. This amount does not consider gross derivative assets of $86 million for which the Company has the contractual right of offset.
 
The Company also has exchange-traded futures, which may require the pledging of collateral. At both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company did not pledge any securities collateral for exchange-traded futures. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company provided cash collateral for exchange-traded futures of $34 million and $25 million, respectively, which is included in premiums, reinsurance and other receivables.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Embedded Derivatives
 
The Company has certain embedded derivatives that are required to be separated from their host contracts and accounted for as derivatives. These host contracts principally include: variable annuities with guaranteed minimum benefits, including guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits (“GMWBs”), guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits (“GMABs”) and certain guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIBs”); affiliated ceded reinsurance contracts of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs, GMABs and certain GMIBs; affiliated assumed reinsurance contracts of guaranteed minimum benefits related to GMWBs and certain GMIBs; ceded reinsurance written on a funds withheld basis; and options embedded in debt or equity securities.
 
The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s embedded derivatives at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts:
               
Ceded guaranteed minimum benefits
  $ 824     $ 936  
Options embedded in debt or equity securities
          (2 )
                 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts
  $ 824     $ 934  
                 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts:
               
Direct guaranteed minimum benefits
  $ 17     $ 254  
Assumed guaranteed minimum benefits
    (5 )      
Funds withheld on ceded reinsurance
    30       5  
                 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts
  $ 42     $ 259  
                 
 
The following table presents changes in estimated fair value related to embedded derivatives:
 
                                 
    Three Months
  Six Months
    Ended
  Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
    2011   2010   2011   2010
    (In millions)
 
Net derivative gains (losses) (1), (2)
  $ 124     $ 332     $ 71     $ 121  
 
 
(1) The valuation of direct and assumed guaranteed minimum benefits includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses), in connection with this adjustment, were $1 million and ($28) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $125 million and $54 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. In addition, the valuation of ceded guaranteed minimum benefits includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The amounts included in net derivative gains (losses), in connection with this adjustment, were ($18) million and $23 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and ($65) million and ($21) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The net derivative gains (losses) for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010 included $191 million relating to a refinement for estimating nonperformance risk in fair value measurements implemented at June 30, 2010. See Note 4.
 
(2) See Note 9 for discussion of affiliated net derivative gains (losses) included in the table above.
 
4.   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.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis, including those items for which the Company has elected the FVO, were determined as described below. These estimated fair values and their corresponding placement in the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011  
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using        
    Quoted Prices in
                   
    Active Markets for
    Significant Other
    Significant
    Total
 
    Identical Assets
    Observable
    Unobservable
    Estimated
 
    and Liabilities
    Inputs
    Inputs
    Fair
 
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     Value  
          (In millions)        
 
Assets:
                               
Fixed maturity securities:
                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $     $ 14,376     $ 1,445     $ 15,821  
Foreign corporate securities
          8,144       756       8,900  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    6,010       2,601             8,611  
RMBS
          6,553       19       6,572  
CMBS
          2,011       155       2,166  
ABS
          1,589       308       1,897  
State and political subdivision securities
          1,833       25       1,858  
Foreign government securities
          1,010       2       1,012  
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
    6,010       38,117       2,710       46,837  
                                 
Equity securities:
                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock
          40       121       161  
Common stock
    38       77       32       147  
                                 
Total equity securities
    38       117       153       308  
                                 
Other securities:
                               
FVO general account securities
          48             48  
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
    3,041                   3,041  
                                 
Total other securities
    3,041       48             3,089  
                                 
Short-term investments (1)
    765       1,264       92       2,121  
Mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities
          6,697             6,697  
Derivative assets: (2)
                               
Interest rate contracts
    5       853       5       863  
Foreign currency contracts
          385             385  
Credit contracts
          5       11       16  
Equity market contracts
    1       228       15       244  
                                 
Total derivative assets
    6       1,471       31       1,508  
                                 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)
                824       824  
Separate account assets (4)
    199       69,138       130       69,467  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 10,059     $ 116,852     $ 3,940     $ 130,851  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities: (2)
                               
Interest rate contracts
  $ 5     $ 317     $ 67     $ 389  
Foreign currency contracts
          96             96  
Credit contracts
          15       1       16  
Equity market contracts
    2             13       15  
                                 
Total derivative liabilities
    7       428       81       516  
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)
                42       42  
Long-term debt of consolidated securitization entities
          6,617             6,617  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $ 7     $ 7,045     $ 123     $ 7,175  
                                 
 


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                 
    December 31, 2010  
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using        
    Quoted Prices in
                   
    Active Markets for
    Significant Other
    Significant
    Total
 
    Identical Assets
    Observable
    Unobservable
    Estimated
 
    and Liabilities
    Inputs
    Inputs
    Fair
 
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     Value  
          (In millions)        
 
Assets:
                               
Fixed maturity securities:
                               
U.S. corporate securities
  $     $ 13,864     $ 1,510     $ 15,374  
Foreign corporate securities
          7,590       880       8,470  
U.S. Treasury and agency securities
    4,616       3,026       34       7,676  
RMBS
          6,674       35       6,709  
CMBS
          2,147       130       2,277  
ABS
          1,301       568       1,869  
State and political subdivision securities
          1,614       32       1,646  
Foreign government securities
          889       14       903  
                                 
Total fixed maturity securities
    4,616       37,105       3,203       44,924  
                                 
Equity securities:
                               
Non-redeemable preferred stock
          54       214       268  
Common stock
    43       72       22       137  
                                 
Total equity securities
    43       126       236       405  
                                 
Other securities:
                               
FVO general account securities
          7             7  
FVO contractholder-directed unit-linked investments
    2,240                   2,240  
                                 
Total other securities
    2,240       7             2,247  
                                 
Short-term investments (1)
    390       584       173       1,147  
Mortgage loans held by consolidated securitization entities
          6,840             6,840  
Derivative assets: (2)
                               
Interest rate contracts
    5       804       10       819  
Foreign currency contracts
          589             589  
Credit contracts
          3       12       15  
Equity market contracts
          77       20       97  
                                 
Total derivative assets
    5       1,473       42       1,520  
                                 
Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts (3)
                936       936  
Separate account assets (4)
    76       61,410       133       61,619  
                                 
Total assets
  $ 7,370     $ 107,545     $ 4,723     $ 119,638  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Derivative liabilities: (2)
                               
Interest rate contracts
  $ 7     $ 315     $ 71     $ 393  
Foreign currency contracts
          69             69  
Credit contracts
          21       1       22  
Equity market contracts
                8       8  
                                 
Total derivative liabilities
    7       405       80       492  
                                 
Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts (3)
                259       259  
Long-term debt of consolidated securitization entities
          6,773             6,773  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $ 7     $ 7,178     $ 339     $ 7,524  
                                 

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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Short-term investments as presented in the tables above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain short-term investments are not measured at estimated fair value (e.g., time deposits, etc.), and therefore are excluded from the tables presented above.
 
(2) Derivative assets are presented within other invested assets in the consolidated balance sheets and derivative liabilities are presented within other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts are presented gross in the tables above to reflect the presentation in 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 which follow.
 
(3) Net embedded derivatives within asset host contracts are presented within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets. Net embedded derivatives within liability host contracts are presented in the consolidated balance sheets within policyholder account balances and other liabilities. At June 30, 2011, fixed maturity securities and equity securities also included embedded derivatives of $5 million and ($5) million, respectively. At December 31, 2010, fixed maturity securities and equity securities included embedded derivatives of $3 million and ($5) million, respectively.
 
(4) Separate account assets are measured at estimated fair value. 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.
 
See “— Variable Interest Entities” in Note 2 for discussion of CSEs included in the tables above.
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Other Securities and Short-term Investments
 
When available, the estimated fair value of the Company’s fixed maturity securities, equity securities, other securities and short-term investments are 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.
 
When quoted prices in active markets are not available, the determination of estimated fair value is based on market standard valuation methodologies. The market standard valuation methodologies utilized include: discounted cash flow methodologies, matrix pricing or other similar techniques. The inputs in applying these market standard valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to: interest rates, credit standing of the issuer or counterparty, industry sector of the issuer, coupon rate, call provisions, sinking fund requirements, maturity and management’s assumptions regarding estimated duration, liquidity and estimated future cash flows. Accordingly, the estimated fair values are based on available market information and management’s judgments about financial instruments.
 
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. Such observable inputs include benchmarking prices for similar assets in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active and observable yields and spreads in the market.
 
When observable inputs are not available, the market standard valuation methodologies for determining the estimated fair value of certain types of securities that trade infrequently, and therefore have little or no price transparency, 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


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
activity. Even though unobservable, these inputs are assumed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such securities and are considered appropriate given the circumstances.
 
The use of different methodologies, assumptions and inputs may have a material effect on the estimated fair values of the Company’s securities holdings.
 
Mortgage Loans Held by CSEs
 
The Company consolidates certain securitization entities that hold commercial mortgage loans. These commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs, for which the Company has elected the FVO, are presented within mortgage loans in the consolidated balance sheets. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
 
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 derivatives. The determination of estimated fair value, when quoted market values are not available, is based on market standard valuation methodologies and inputs that are assumed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing the instruments. Derivative valuations can be affected by changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, financial indices, credit spreads, default risk (including the counterparties to the contract), volatility, liquidity and changes in estimates and assumptions used in the pricing models.
 
The significant inputs to the pricing models for most OTC derivatives are inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Significant inputs that are observable generally include: interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, interest rate curves, credit curves and volatility. However, certain OTC 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. Significant inputs that are unobservable generally include: independent broker quotes, credit correlation assumptions, references to emerging market currencies and inputs that are outside the observable portion of the interest rate curve, credit curve, volatility or other relevant market measure. 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 are assumed to be consistent with what other market participants would use when pricing such instruments.
 
The credit risk of both the counterparty and the Company are considered in determining the estimated fair value for all OTC 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 derivative positions using the standard swap curve which includes a spread to the risk free rate. This credit spread is appropriate for those parties that execute trades at pricing levels consistent with the standard swap curve. As the Company and its significant derivative counterparties consistently execute trades at such pricing levels, 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. The evaluation of the requirement to make additional credit risk adjustments is performed by the Company each reporting period.
 
Most inputs for OTC derivatives are mid market inputs but, in certain cases, bid level inputs are used 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.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Net Embedded Derivatives Within Asset and Liability Host Contracts
 
Embedded derivatives principally include certain direct, assumed and ceded variable annuity guarantees and embedded derivatives 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 are 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 in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
The fair value of these guarantees is estimated using the present value of future benefits minus the present value of future fees using actuarial and capital market assumptions related to the projected cash flows over the expected lives of the contracts. A risk neutral valuation methodology is used under which the cash flows from the guarantees are projected under multiple capital market scenarios using observable risk free rates, currency exchange rates and observable and estimated implied volatilities.
 
The valuation of these guarantee liabilities includes adjustments for nonperformance risk and for a risk margin related to non-capital market inputs. Both of these adjustments are captured as components of the spread which, when combined with the risk free rate, is used to discount the cash flows of the liability for purposes of determining its fair value.
 
The nonperformance adjustment is determined by taking into consideration publicly available information relating to spreads in the secondary market for MetLife’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.
 
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 and GMWBs. These embedded derivatives are included in other policy-related balances in 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 contract contains an embedded derivative. These embedded derivatives are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the consolidated balance sheets with changes in estimated fair value reported in net derivative gains (losses). The value of the embedded derivatives on these ceded risks is determined using a methodology consistent with that described previously for the guarantees directly written by the Company. Because the direct guarantee is not accounted for at fair value, significant


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
fluctuations in net income may occur as the change in fair value of the embedded derivative on the ceded risk is being recorded in net income without a corresponding and offsetting change in fair value of the direct guarantee.
 
As part of its regular review of critical accounting estimates, the Company periodically assesses inputs for estimating nonperformance risk (commonly referred to as “own credit”) in fair value measurements. During the second quarter of 2010, the Company completed a study that aggregated and evaluated data, including historical recovery rates of insurance companies, as well as policyholder behavior observed over the prior two years as the recent financial crisis evolved. As a result, at the end of the second quarter of 2010, the Company refined the way in which it incorporates expected recovery rates into the nonperformance risk adjustment for purposes of estimating the fair value of investment-type contracts and embedded derivatives within insurance contracts. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, the Company recognized income of $19 million, net of DAC and income tax, relating to the change in fair value associated with nonperformance risk for embedded derivatives within the above mentioned guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees and associated reinsurance. The Company recognized a gain of $60 million, net of DAC and income tax, relating to implementing the refinement at June 30, 2010.
 
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 “— Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Other Securities and Short-term Investments.” The estimated fair value of these embedded derivatives is included, along with their funds withheld hosts, in other liabilities in 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.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
Separate account assets are carried at estimated fair value and reported as a summarized total on the consolidated balance sheets. The estimated fair value of separate account assets is based on the estimated fair value of the underlying assets owned by the separate account. Assets within the Company’s separate accounts include: mutual funds, fixed maturity securities, equity securities, derivatives, other limited partnership interests, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
 
Long-term Debt of CSEs
 
The Company has elected the FVO for the long-term debt of CSEs, which are carried at estimated fair value. See “— Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities” below for a discussion of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments.
 
Valuation Techniques and Inputs by Level Within the Three-Level Fair Value Hierarchy by Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities
 
A description of the significant valuation techniques and inputs to the determination of estimated fair value for the more significant asset and liability classes measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:
 
The Company determines the estimated fair value of its investments using primarily the market approach and the income approach. The use of quoted prices for identical assets and matrix pricing or other similar techniques are examples of market approaches, while the use of discounted cash flow methodologies is an example of the income approach. The Company attempts to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in selecting whether the market or income approach is used.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
While certain investments have been classified as Level 1 from the use of unadjusted quoted prices for identical investments supported by high volumes of trading activity and narrow bid/ask spreads, most investments have been classified as Level 2 because the significant inputs used to measure the fair value on a recurring basis of the same or similar investment are market observable or can be corroborated using market observable information for the full term of the investment. Level 3 investments include those where estimated fair values are based on significant unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and may reflect our own assumptions about what factors market participants would use in pricing these investments.
 
Level 1 Measurements:
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Other Securities and Short-term Investments
 
These securities are comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, exchange traded common stock, exchange traded registered mutual fund interests included in other securities and short-term money market securities, including U.S. Treasury bills. Valuation of these securities is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available. Contractholder-directed unit-linked investments reported within other securities include certain registered mutual fund interests priced using daily net asset value (“NAV”) provided by the fund managers.
 
Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities
 
These assets and liabilities are comprised of exchange-traded derivatives. Valuation of these assets and liabilities is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
These assets are comprised of (i) securities that are similar in nature to the fixed maturity securities, equity securities and short-term investments referred to above; and (ii) certain exchange-traded derivatives, including financial futures. Valuation of these assets is based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.
 
Level 2 Measurements:
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities, Other Securities and Short-term Investments
 
This level includes fixed maturity securities and equity securities priced principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs. Other securities and short-term investments within this level are of a similar nature and class to the Level 2 securities described below.
 
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuation is based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or using matrix pricing or other similar techniques that use standard market observable inputs such as benchmark yields, spreads off benchmark yields, new issuances, issuer rating, duration, and trades of identical or comparable securities. Investment grade privately placed securities are valued using discounted cash flow methodologies using standard market observable inputs, and inputs derived from, or corroborated by, market observable data including market yield curve, duration, call provisions, observable prices and spreads for similar publicly traded or privately traded issues that incorporate the credit quality and industry sector of the issuer. This level also includes certain below investment grade privately placed fixed maturity securities priced by independent pricing services that use observable inputs.
 
Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
market inputs including spreads for actively traded securities, spreads off benchmark yields, expected prepayment speeds and volumes, current and forecasted loss severity, rating, weighted average coupon, weighted average maturity, average delinquency rates, geographic region, debt-service coverage ratios and 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 and vintage of loans.
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on quoted prices in markets that are not active, or using matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market observable inputs such as benchmark U.S. Treasury yield curve, the spread off the U.S. Treasury curve for the identical security and comparable securities that are actively traded.
 
Foreign government and state and political subdivision securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using standard market observable inputs including benchmark U.S. Treasury or other yields, issuer ratings, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads and reported trades of similar securities, including those within the same sub-sector or with a similar maturity or credit rating.
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stock.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach where market quotes are available but are not considered actively traded. Valuation is based principally on observable inputs including quoted prices in markets that are not considered active.
 
Mortgage Loans Held by CSEs
 
These commercial mortgage loans are principally valued using the market approach. The principal market for these commercial loan portfolios is the securitization market. The Company uses the quoted securitization market price of the obligations of the CSEs to determine the estimated fair value of these commercial loan portfolios. These market prices are determined principally by independent pricing services using observable inputs.
 
Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities
 
This level includes all types of derivative instruments utilized by the Company with the exception of exchange-traded derivatives included within Level 1 and those derivative instruments with unobservable inputs as described in Level 3. These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach.
 
Interest rate contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and repurchase rates.
 
Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and interest rate volatility.
 
Foreign currency contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves, currency spot rates and cross currency basis curves.
 
Credit contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, credit curves and recovery rates.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Equity market contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels and dividend yield curves.
 
Option-based — Valuations are based on option pricing models, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve, spot equity index levels, dividend yield curves and equity volatility.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
These assets are comprised of investments that are similar in nature to the fixed maturity securities, equity securities and short-term investments referred to above. Also included are certain mutual funds without readily determinable fair values given prices are not published publicly. Valuation of the mutual funds is based upon quoted prices or reported NAV provided by the fund managers.
 
Long-term Debt of CSEs
 
The estimated fair value of the long-term debt of the Company’s CSEs is based on quoted prices when traded as assets in active markets or, if not available, based on market standard valuation methodologies, consistent with the Company’s methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of comparable fixed maturity securities.
 
Level 3 Measurements:
 
In general, investments classified within Level 3 use many of the same valuation techniques and inputs as described in Level 2 Measurements. However, if key inputs are unobservable, or if the investments are less liquid and there is very limited trading activity, the investments are generally classified as Level 3. The use of independent non-binding broker quotations to value investments generally indicates there is a lack of liquidity or a lack of transparency in the process to develop the valuation estimates generally causing these investments to be classified in Level 3.
 
Fixed Maturity Securities, Equity Securities and Short-term Investments
 
This level includes fixed maturity securities and equity securities priced principally by independent broker quotations or market standard valuation methodologies using inputs that are not market observable or cannot be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Short-term investments within this level are of a similar nature and class to the Level 3 securities described below; accordingly, the valuation techniques and significant market standard observable inputs used in their valuation are also similar to those described below.
 
U.S. corporate and foreign corporate securities.  These securities, including financial services industry hybrid securities classified within fixed maturity securities, are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuations are based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques that utilize unobservable inputs or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data, including illiquidity premiums and spread adjustments to reflect industry trends or specific credit-related issues. Valuations may be based on independent non-binding broker quotations. Generally, below investment grade privately placed or distressed securities included in this level are valued using discounted cash flow methodologies which rely upon significant, unobservable inputs and inputs that cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
 
Structured securities comprised of RMBS, CMBS and ABS.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques that utilize inputs that are unobservable or cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data, or are based on independent non-binding broker quotations. Below investment grade securities and ABS supported


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
by sub-prime mortgage loans included in this level are valued based on inputs including 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, and certain of these securities are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Foreign government and state and political subdivision securities.  These securities are principally valued using the market approach. Valuation is based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques, however these securities are less liquid and certain of the inputs are based on very limited trading activity.
 
Common and non-redeemable preferred stock.  These securities, including privately held securities and financial services industry hybrid securities classified within equity securities, are principally valued using the market and income approaches. Valuations are based primarily on matrix pricing or other similar techniques using inputs such as comparable credit rating and issuance structure. Equity securities valuations determined with discounted cash flow methodologies use inputs such as earnings multiples based on comparable public companies, and industry-specific non-earnings based multiples. Certain of these securities are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities
 
These derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations of non-option-based derivatives utilize present value techniques, whereas valuations of option-based derivatives utilize option pricing models. These valuation methodologies generally use the same inputs as described in the corresponding sections above 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.
 
Interest rate contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and LIBOR basis curves.
 
Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and interest rate volatility.
 
Foreign currency contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve, LIBOR basis curves and cross currency basis curves. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Credit contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include credit correlation, repurchase rates, and the extrapolation beyond observable limits of the swap yield curve and credit curves. Certain of these derivatives are valued based on independent non-binding broker quotations.
 
Equity market contracts.
 
Non-option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of dividend yield curves.
 
Option-based — Significant unobservable inputs may include the extrapolation beyond observable limits of dividend yield curves and equity volatility.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Direct and Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefits
 
These embedded derivatives are principally valued using an 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 an income approach. The valuation techniques and significant market standard unobservable inputs used in their valuation are similar to those previously described for Direct and Assumed Guaranteed Minimum Benefits and also include counterparty credit spreads.
 
Embedded Derivatives Within Funds Withheld Related to Certain Ceded Reinsurance
 
These embedded derivatives are principally valued using an income approach. Valuations are based on present value techniques, which utilize significant inputs that may include the swap yield curve and the fair value of assets within the reference portfolio. 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 fair value of certain assets within the reference portfolio which are not observable in the market and cannot be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
 
Separate Account Assets
 
These assets are comprised of investments that are similar in nature to the fixed maturity securities and equity securities referred to above. Separate account assets within this level also include other limited partnership interests. Other limited partnership interests are valued giving consideration to the value of the underlying holdings of the partnerships and by applying a premium or discount, if appropriate, for factors such as liquidity, bid/ask spreads, the performance record of the fund manager or other relevant variables which may impact the exit value of the particular partnership interest.
 
Transfers between Levels 1 and 2:
 
During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, transfers between Levels 1 and 2 were not significant.
 
Transfers into or out of Level 3:
 
Overall, transfers into and/or out of Level 3 are attributable to a change in the observability of inputs. 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. Transfers into and/or out of any level are assumed to


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
occur at the beginning of the period. Significant transfers into and/or out of Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 are summarized below.
 
Transfers into Level 3 resulted primarily from current market conditions characterized by 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 broker quotations and unobservable inputs to determine estimated fair value.
 
During both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, transfers into Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $14 million were principally comprised of certain foreign corporate securities. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, transfers into Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $224 million and $256 million, respectively, were principally comprised of certain CMBS and U.S. and foreign corporate securities.
 
Transfers out of Level 3 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 or increases in market activity and upgraded credit ratings. With respect to derivatives, transfers out of Level 3 resulted primarily from increased transparency related to the observable portion of the swap yield curve or the observable portion of the equity volatility surface.
 
During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, transfers out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $344 million and $425 million, respectively, were principally comprised of certain ABS, U.S. and foreign corporate securities. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, transfers out of Level 3 for fixed maturity securities of $99 million and $239 million, respectively, and transfers out of Level 3 for separate account assets of less than $1 million and $4 million, respectively, were principally comprised of certain U.S. and foreign corporate securities, ABS and CMBS.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (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), including realized and unrealized gains (losses) of all assets and (liabilities) and realized and unrealized gains (losses) of all assets and (liabilities) still held at the end of the respective time periods:
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                U.S.
                      State and
       
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Treasury
                      Political
    Foreign
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    and Agency
                      Subdivision
    Government
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 1,428     $ 782     $ 32     $ 18     $ 152     $ 561     $ 32     $ 2  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
          1                                      
Net investment gains (losses)
    4       (19 )                 2       (2 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    12       18                         (3 )     (7 )      
Purchases (3)
    64       293             1       18       8              
Sales (3)
    (42 )     (286 )                 (9 )     (20 )            
Issuances (3)
                                               
Settlements (3)
                                               
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    3       11                                      
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (24 )     (44 )     (32 )           (8 )     (236 )            
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,445     $ 756     $     $ 19     $ 155     $ 308     $ 25     $ 2  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $     $ 1     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $ (6 )   $     $     $     $ (3 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 


71


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:           Net Derivatives: (5)              
    Non-
                                                 
    redeemable
                Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
 
    Preferred
    Common
    Short-term
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
 
    Stock     Stock     Investments     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (6)     Assets (7)  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $   219     $   31     $   82     $   (75 )   $   —     $   11     $   6     $   647     $   130  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
                                                     
Net investment gains (losses)
    (24 )                                               (1 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                      1                   (4 )     126        
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    24       1             12                                
Purchases (3)
                58                                     2  
Sales (3)
    (98 )           (48 )                                    
Issuances (3)
                                                     
Settlements (3)
                                  (1 )           9        
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
                                                     
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
                                                    (1 )
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 121     $ 32     $ 92     $ (62 )   $     $ 10     $ 2     $ 782     $ 130  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (5 )   $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $ 1     $     $     $ (4 )   $ 126     $  

72


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                U.S.
                      State and
       
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Treasury
                      Political
    Foreign
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    and Agency
                      Subdivision
    Government
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 1,510     $ 953     $ 32     $ 28     $ 48     $ 521     $ 48     $ 7  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
    2       (1 )                                    
Net investment gains (losses)
          5                   1       (1 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    28       (29 )     2       1       7       14       1        
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    38       (100 )           17       (5 )     27       (2 )      
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    54       66             21       73       10              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (23 )     (38 )                 (24 )     (6 )     (8 )      
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,609     $ 856     $ 34     $ 67     $ 100     $ 565     $ 39     $ 7  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $ 2     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (1 )   $     $     $     $ 1     $ (1 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 


73


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:           Net Derivatives: (5)              
    Non-
                                                 
    redeemable
                Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
 
    Preferred
    Common
    Short-term
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
 
    Stock     Stock     Investments     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (6)     Assets (7)  
    (In millions)  
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 242     $ 34     $ 1     $ 6     $ 18     $ 7     $ 7     $ 258     $ 146  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
                                                     
Net investment gains (losses)
    14       4                                           (3 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                      5       (10 )     (4 )     39       333        
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (12 )     (6 )                       7                    
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    (55 )     12       12       (2 )                       21       (3 )
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
                                                     
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
                                                     
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 189     $ 44     $ 13     $ 9     $ 8     $ 10     $ 46     $ 612     $ 140  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $ 6     $ (10 )   $ (5 )   $ 38     $ 332     $  

74


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                U.S.
                      State and
       
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Treasury
                      Political
    Foreign
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    and Agency
                      Subdivision
    Government
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 1,510     $ 880     $ 34     $ 35     $ 130     $ 568     $ 32     $ 14  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
    2       1                                      
Net investment gains (losses)
    3       (17 )                       (8 )            
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    21       35                   17       8       (7 )      
Purchases (3)
    88       296                   18       16              
Sales (3)
    (91 )     (392 )     (1 )           (10 )     (49 )           (12 )
Issuances (3)
                                               
Settlements (3)
                                               
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    3       11                                      
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (91 )     (58 )     (33 )     (16 )           (227 )            
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,445     $ 756     $     $ 19     $ 155     $ 308     $ 25     $ 2  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $ 2     $ 1     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $ (6 )   $     $     $     $ (5 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 


75


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:           Net Derivatives: (5)              
    Non-
                                                 
    redeemable
                Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
 
    Preferred
    Common
    Short-term
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
 
    Stock     Stock     Investments     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (6)     Assets (7)  
    (In millions)  
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 214     $ 22     $ 173     $ (61 )   $     $ 11     $ 12     $ 677     $ 133  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
                                                     
Net investment gains (losses)
    (24 )     1       (1 )                                   (5 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                      2             1       (10 )     73        
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    28       5             4                                
Purchases (3)
          9       92                                     3  
Sales (3)
    (97 )     (5 )     (172 )                                   (1 )
Issuances (3)
                                  (1 )                  
Settlements (3)
                                  (1 )           32        
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
                                                     
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
                      (7 )                              
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 121     $ 32     $ 92     $ (62 )   $     $ 10     $ 2     $ 782     $ 130  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2011 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (5 )   $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $ 2     $     $ 1     $ (10 )   $ 75     $  

76


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                 
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Fixed Maturity Securities:  
                U.S.
                      State and
       
    U.S.
    Foreign
    Treasury
                      Political
    Foreign
 
    Corporate
    Corporate
    and Agency
                      Subdivision
    Government
 
    Securities     Securities     Securities     RMBS     CMBS     ABS     Securities     Securities  
    (In millions)  
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                                                               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 1,605     $ 994     $ 33     $ 25     $ 45     $ 537     $ 32     $ 16  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                               
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                               
Net investment income
    4       (1 )                                    
Net investment gains (losses)
    1       (1 )                                    
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                               
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    67       15       3       3       10       25       7        
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    (62 )     (158 )     (2 )     17             45              
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
    76       77             22       72       9              
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
    (82 )     (70 )                 (27 )     (51 )           (9 )
                                                                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 1,609     $ 856     $ 34     $ 67     $ 100     $ 565     $ 39     $ 7  
                                                                 
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                               
Net investment income
  $ 3     $ (1 )   $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $ (4 )   $     $     $     $     $ (1 )   $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
 


77


Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                                         
    Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
    Equity Securities:           Net Derivatives: (5)              
    Non-
                                                 
    redeemable
                Interest
    Foreign
          Equity
    Net
    Separate
 
    Preferred
    Common
    Short-term
    Rate
    Currency
    Credit
    Market
    Embedded
    Account
 
    Stock     Stock     Investments     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Contracts     Derivatives (6)     Assets (7)  
    (In millions)  
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:
                                                                       
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 258     $ 11     $ 8     $ 2     $ 23     $ 4     $ 18     $ 445     $ 153  
Total realized/unrealized gains (losses) included in:
                                                                       
Earnings: (1), (2)
                                                                       
Net investment income
                                                     
Net investment gains (losses)
    14       4                                           (3 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                      9       (15 )     (4 )     28       123        
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    (6 )     1                         9                    
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (3)
    (77 )     30       5       (2 )           1             44       (6 )
Transfers into Level 3 (4)
                                                     
Transfers out of Level 3 (4)
          (2 )                                         (4 )
                                                                         
Balance, end of period
  $ 189     $ 44     $ 13     $ 9     $ 8     $ 10     $ 46     $ 612     $ 140  
                                                                         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at June 30, 2010 included in earnings:
                                                                       
Net investment income
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net investment gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Net derivative gains (losses)
  $     $     $     $ 9     $ (15 )   $ (4 )   $ 28     $ 123     $  
 
 
(1) Amortization of premium/discount is included within net investment income. Impairments charged to earnings on securities are included within net investment gains (losses). Lapses associated with embedded derivatives are included within net derivative gains (losses).
 
(2) Interest and dividend accruals, as well as cash interest coupons and dividends received, are excluded from the rollforward.
 
(3) The amount reported within purchases, sales, issuances and settlements is the purchase or issuance price and the sales or settlement proceeds based upon the actual date purchased or issued and sold or settled, respectively. Items purchased/issued and sold/settled in the same period are excluded from the rollforward. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, fees attributed to net embedded derivatives are included within settlements. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, fees attributed to net embedded derivatives are included within purchases, sales, issuances and settlements.
 
(4) Total gains and losses (in earnings and other comprehensive income (loss)) are calculated assuming transfers into and/or out of Level 3 occurred at the beginning of the period. Items transferred into and out of Level 3 in the same period are excluded from the rollforward.
 
(5) Freestanding derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
 
(6) Embedded derivative assets and liabilities are presented net for purposes of the rollforward.
 
(7) 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).

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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
FVO — Consolidated Securitization Entities
 
The Company has elected the FVO for the following assets and liabilities held by CSEs: commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt. The following table presents these commercial mortgage loans carried under the FVO at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Unpaid principal balance
  $ 6,468     $ 6,636  
Excess of estimated fair value over unpaid principal balance
    229       204  
                 
Carrying value at estimated fair value
  $ 6,697     $ 6,840  
                 
 
The following table presents the long-term debt carried under the FVO related to commercial mortgage loans at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Contractual principal balance
  $ 6,373     $ 6,541  
Excess of estimated fair value over contractual principal balance
    244       232  
                 
Carrying value at estimated fair value
  $ 6,617     $ 6,773  
                 
 
Interest income on commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs is recorded in net investment income. Interest expense on long-term debt of CSEs is recorded in other expenses. Gains and losses from initial measurement, subsequent changes in estimated fair value and gains or losses on sales of both the commercial mortgage loans and long-term debt are recognized in net investment gains (losses), which is summarized in Note 2.
 
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
 
Certain investments are measured at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis and are not included in the tables presented above. The amounts below relate to certain investments measured at estimated fair value during the period and still held at the reporting dates.
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010  
          Estimated
    Net
          Estimated
    Net
 
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
 
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
 
    Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)     Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)  
    (In millions)  
 
Mortgage loans, net (1)
  $     $ 8     $ 8     $ 23     $ 23     $  
Other limited partnership interests (2)
  $ 3     $ 2     $ (1 )   $ 24     $ 17     $ (7 )
Real estate joint ventures (3)
  $     $     $     $ 7     $ 3     $ (4 )
 
                                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010  
          Estimated
    Net
          Estimated
    Net
 
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
    Carrying
    Fair
    Investment
 
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
    Value Prior to
    Value After
    Gains
 
    Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)     Measurement     Measurement     (Losses)  
    (In millions)  
 
Mortgage loans, net (1)
  $     $ 8     $ 8     $ 31     $ 23     $ (8 )
Other limited partnership interests (2)
  $ 3     $ 2     $ (1 )   $ 24     $ 17     $ (7 )
Real estate joint ventures (3)
  $     $     $     $ 25     $ 5     $ (20 )


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
(1) Mortgage loans — The impaired mortgage loans presented above were written down to their estimated fair values at the date the impairments were recognized and are reported as losses above. Subsequent improvements in estimated fair value on previously impaired loans recorded through a reduction in the previously established valuation allowance are reported as gains above. Estimated fair values for impaired mortgage loans are based on observable market prices or, if the loans are in foreclosure or are otherwise determined to be collateral dependent, on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, or the present value of the expected future cash flows. Impairments to estimated fair value and decreases in previous impairments from subsequent improvements in estimated fair value represent non-recurring fair value measurements that have been categorized as Level 3 due to the lack of price transparency inherent in the limited markets for such mortgage loans.
 
(2) Other limited partnership interests — The impaired investments presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying entities in the period in which the impairment was incurred. These impairments to estimated fair value represent non-recurring fair value measurements that have been classified as Level 3 due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments. This category includes several private equity and debt funds that typically invest primarily in a diversified pool of investments using certain investment 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. The estimated fair values of these investments have been determined using the NAV of the Company’s ownership interest in the partners’ capital. Distributions from these investments 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 2 to 10 years. Unfunded commitments for these investments were less than $1 million and $19 million at June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
(3) Real estate joint ventures — The impaired investments presented above were accounted for using the cost method. Impairments on these cost method investments were recognized at estimated fair value determined from information provided in the financial statements of the underlying entities in the period in which the impairment was incurred. These impairments to estimated fair value represent non-recurring fair value measurements that have been classified as Level 3 due to the limited activity and price transparency inherent in the market for such investments. This category includes several real estate funds that typically invest primarily in commercial real estate. The estimated fair values of these investments have been determined using the NAV of the Company’s ownership interest in the partners’ capital. Distributions from these investments 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 2 to 10 years. There were no unfunded commitments for these investments at June 30, 2011. Unfunded commitments for these investments were $8 million at June 30, 2010.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Amounts related to the Company’s financial instruments that were not measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
 
                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
                Estimated
                Estimated
 
    Notional
    Carrying
    Fair
    Notional
    Carrying
    Fair
 
    Amount     Value     Value     Amount     Value     Value  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
                                               
Mortgage loans, net (1)
          $ 5,948     $ 6,188             $ 5,890     $ 6,022  
Policy loans
          $ 1,190     $ 1,260             $ 1,190     $ 1,260  
Real estate joint ventures (2)
          $ 87     $ 120             $ 79     $ 102  
Other limited partnership interests (2)
          $ 103     $ 129             $ 104     $ 116  
Short-term investments (3)
          $ 82     $ 82             $ 88     $ 88  
Cash and cash equivalents
          $ 1,220     $ 1,220             $ 1,928     $ 1,928  
Accrued investment income
          $ 534     $ 534             $ 559     $ 559  
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables (2)
          $ 5,997     $ 6,332             $ 5,959     $ 6,164  
Liabilities:
                                               
Policyholder account balances (2)
          $ 24,273     $ 25,952             $ 24,622     $ 26,061  
Payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions
          $ 8,201     $ 8,201             $ 8,103     $ 8,103  
Long-term debt (4)
          $ 793     $ 965             $ 795     $ 930  
Other liabilities (2)
          $ 336     $ 336             $ 294     $ 294  
Separate account liabilities (2)
          $ 1,407     $ 1,407             $ 1,407     $ 1,407  
Commitments: (5)
                                               
Mortgage loan commitments
  $ 255     $     $ (2 )   $ 270     $     $ (2 )
Commitments to fund bank credit facilities and private corporate bond investments
  $ 234     $     $ (10 )   $ 315     $     $ (12 )
 
 
(1) Mortgage loans as presented in the table above differs from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because this table does not include commercial mortgage loans held by CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO.
 
(2) Carrying values presented herein differ from those presented in the consolidated balance sheets because certain items within the respective financial statement caption are not considered financial instruments. Financial statement captions excluded from the table above are not considered financial instruments.
 
(3) Short-term investments as presented in the table above differ from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because this table does not include short-term investments that meet the definition of a security, which are measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis.
 
(4) Long-term debt as presented in the table above differs from the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets because this table does not include long-term debt of CSEs, which are accounted for under the FVO.
 
(5) Commitments are off-balance sheet obligations. Negative estimated fair values represent off-balance sheet liabilities.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
 
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments are summarized as follows:
 
The assets and liabilities measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis include: fixed maturity securities, equity securities, other securities, certain short-term investments, mortgage loans held by CSEs, derivative assets and liabilities, net embedded derivatives within asset and liability host contracts, separate account assets and long-term debt of CSEs. These assets and liabilities are described in the section “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements” and, therefore, are excluded from the table above. The estimated fair value for these financial instruments approximates carrying value.
 
Mortgage Loans
 
The Company originates mortgage loans principally for investment purposes. These loans are principally carried at amortized cost. 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.
 
Policy Loans
 
For policy loans with fixed interest rates, estimated fair values 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 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. The estimated fair value for policy loans with variable interest rates 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
 
Real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests included in the preceding table consist of those investments accounted for using the cost method. The remaining carrying value recognized in the consolidated balance sheets represents investments in real estate carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, or real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests accounted for using the equity method, which do not meet the definition of financial instruments for which fair value is required to be disclosed.
 
The estimated fair values for real estate joint ventures and other limited partnership interests accounted for under the cost method 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.
 
Short-term Investments
 
Certain short-term investments do not qualify as securities and are recognized at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. For these instruments, the Company believes that there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit of the issuer such that estimated fair value approximates carrying value. In light of recent market conditions, short-term investments have been monitored to ensure there is sufficient demand and maintenance of issuer credit quality and the Company has determined additional adjustment is not required.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Due to the short-term maturities of cash and cash equivalents, the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit of the issuer such that estimated fair value generally approximates carrying value. In light of recent market conditions, cash and cash equivalent instruments have been monitored to ensure there is sufficient demand and maintenance of issuer credit quality, or sufficient solvency in the case of depository institutions, and the Company has determined additional adjustment is not required.
 
Accrued Investment Income
 
Due to the short term until settlement of accrued investment income, the Company believes there is minimal risk of material changes in interest rates or credit of the issuer such that estimated fair value approximates carrying value. In light of recent market conditions, the Company has monitored the credit quality of the issuers and has determined additional adjustment is not required.
 
Premiums, Reinsurance and Other Receivables
 
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables in the preceding table are principally comprised of certain amounts recoverable under reinsurance contracts, amounts on deposit with financial institutions to facilitate daily settlements related to certain derivative positions and amounts receivable for securities sold but not yet settled.
 
Premiums receivable and those amounts recoverable under reinsurance treaties determined to transfer sufficient risk are not financial instruments subject to disclosure and thus have been excluded from the amounts presented in the preceding table. Amounts recoverable under ceded reinsurance contracts, which the Company has determined do not transfer sufficient risk such that they are accounted for using the deposit method of accounting, have been included in the preceding table. The estimated fair value is determined as the present value of expected future cash flows under the related contracts, which were discounted using an interest rate determined to reflect the appropriate credit standing of the assuming counterparty.
 
The amounts on deposit for derivative settlements 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. In light of recent market conditions, the Company has monitored the solvency position of the financial institutions and has determined additional adjustments are not required.
 
Policyholder Account Balances
 
Policyholder account balances in the table above include investment contracts. Embedded derivatives on investment contracts and certain variable annuity guarantees accounted for as embedded derivatives are included in this caption in the consolidated financial statements but excluded from this caption in the table above as they are separately presented in “— Recurring Fair Value Measurements.” The remaining difference between the amounts reflected as policyholder account balances in the preceding table and those recognized in the consolidated balance sheets represents those amounts due under contracts that satisfy the definition of insurance contracts and are not considered financial instruments.
 
The investment contracts primarily include certain funding agreements, fixed deferred annuities, modified guaranteed annuities, fixed term payout annuities and total control accounts. The fair values for these investment contracts are estimated by discounting best estimate future cash flows using current market risk-free interest rates and adding a spread to reflect the nonperformance risk in the liability.
 
Payables for Collateral Under Securities Loaned and Other Transactions
 
The estimated fair value for payables for collateral under securities loaned and other transactions approximates carrying value. The related agreements to loan securities are short-term in nature such that the Company believes there is limited risk of a material change in market interest rates. Additionally, because borrowers are


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
cross-collateralized by the borrowed securities, the Company believes no additional consideration for changes in nonperformance risk are necessary.
 
Long-term Debt
 
The estimated fair value of long-term debt is generally determined by discounting expected future cash flows using market rates currently available for debt with similar remaining maturities and reflecting the credit risk of the Company, including inputs when available, from actively traded debt of other companies with similar types of borrowing arrangements. Risk-adjusted discount rates applied to the expected future cash flows can vary significantly based upon the specific terms of each individual arrangement, including, but not limited to: contractual interest rates in relation to current market rates; the structuring of the arrangement; and the nature and observability of the applicable valuation inputs. Use of different risk-adjusted discount rates could result in different estimated fair values.
 
Other Liabilities
 
Other liabilities included in the table above reflect those other liabilities that satisfy the definition of financial instruments subject to disclosure. These items consist primarily of interest payable; amounts due for securities purchased but not yet settled; and funds withheld under reinsurance treaties accounted for as deposit type treaties. The Company evaluates the specific terms, facts and circumstances of each instrument to determine the appropriate estimated fair values, which were not materially different from the carrying values.
 
Separate Account Liabilities
 
Separate account liabilities included in the preceding table represents those balances due to policyholders under contracts that are classified as investment contracts. The remaining amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets represent those contracts classified as insurance contracts, which do not satisfy the definition of financial instruments.
 
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.
 
Separate account liabilities are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at an equivalent value of the related separate account assets. Separate account assets, which equal net deposits, net investment income and realized and unrealized investment gains and losses, are fully offset by corresponding amounts credited to the contractholders’ liability which is reflected in separate account liabilities. 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 Company believes the value of those assets approximates the estimated fair value of the related separate account liabilities.
 
Mortgage Loan Commitments and Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities and Private Corporate Bond Investments
 
The estimated fair values for mortgage loan commitments that will be held for investment and commitments to fund bank credit facilities and private corporate bonds that will be held for investment reflected in the above table represents the difference between the discounted expected future cash flows using interest rates that incorporate current credit risk for similar instruments on the reporting date and the principal amounts of the commitments.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
5.   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. Liabilities have been established for some of the matters below. It is possible that some of the 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, 2011.
 
Matters as to Which an Estimate Can Be Made
 
For some of the matters discussed below, 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, 2011, the Company estimates the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts accrued for these matters is not material for the Company.
 
Matters as to Which an Estimate Cannot Be Made
 
For other matters disclosed below, 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.
 
Sales Practices Claims
 
Over the past several years, the Company has faced claims, including class action lawsuits, alleging improper marketing or sales of individual life insurance policies, annuities, mutual funds or other products. Some of the current cases seek substantial damages, including punitive and treble damages and attorneys’ fees. The Company


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
continues to vigorously defend against the claims in all pending matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made in its financial statements for all probable and reasonably estimable losses for sales practices matters.
 
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut are engaged in an arbitration proceeding to determine whether MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut is owed money from Connecticut General Life Insurance Company or is required to refund several million dollars it collected and/or should stop submitting certain claims under reinsurance contracts in which Connecticut General Life Insurance Company reinsured death benefits payable under certain MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut annuities.
 
A former Tower Square financial services representative is alleged to have misappropriated funds from customers. The Illinois Securities Division, the U.S. Postal Inspector, the Internal Revenue Service, FINRA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office have conducted inquiries. Tower Square has made remediation to all the affected customers. The Illinois Securities Division has issued a Statement of Violations to Tower Square, and Tower Square is conducting discussions with the Illinois Securities Division.
 
Unclaimed Property Inquiries
 
More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. It is possible that the audits and related activity may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, and changes to the Company’s procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property. The Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible amount of any such additional payments or the reasonably possible cost of any such changes in procedures, but it is possible that such costs may be substantial.
 
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, investment advisor 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 adverse 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 adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.


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Table of Contents

MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Commitments
 
Commitments to Fund Partnership Investments
 
The Company makes commitments to fund partnership investments in the normal course of business. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $1.2 billion at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The Company anticipates that these amounts will be invested in partnerships over the next five years.
 
Mortgage Loan Commitments
 
The Company commits to lend funds under mortgage loan commitments. The amounts of these mortgage loan commitments were $255 million and $270 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
Commitments to Fund Bank Credit Facilities and Private Corporate Bond Investments
 
The Company commits to lend funds under bank credit facilities and private corporate bond investments. The amounts of these unfunded commitments were $234 million and $315 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
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, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had agreed to fund up to $90 million and $114 million, respectively, of cash upon the request by these affiliates and had transferred collateral consisting of various securities with a fair market value of $105 million and $144 million, respectively, to custody accounts to secure the notes. Each of these affiliates is permitted by contract to sell or repledge this collateral.
 
Guarantees
 
The Company has provided a guarantee on behalf of MetLife International Insurance Company, Ltd. (“MLII”), a former affiliate, that is triggered if MLII cannot pay claims because of insolvency, liquidation or rehabilitation. Life insurance coverage in-force, representing the maximum potential obligation under this guarantee, was $297 million at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The Company does not hold any collateral related to this guarantee, but has a recorded liability of $1 million that was based on the total account value of the guaranteed policies plus the amounts retained per policy at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The remainder of the risk was ceded to external reinsurers.
 
6.   Equity
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, Sino-US MetLife Insurance Company Limited (“Sino”), an insurance underwriting joint venture of the Company accounted for under the equity method, merged with United MetLife Insurance Company Limited (“United”), another insurance underwriting joint venture of an affiliate of the Company. The Company’s ownership interest in the merged entity, Sino-US United MetLife Insurance Company Limited (“Sino-United”) was determined based on its contributed capital and share of undistributed earnings of Sino compared to the contributed capital and undistributed earnings of all other investees of Sino and United. Since both the joint ventures were under common ownership both prior to and subsequent to the merger, the Company’s investment in Sino-United is based on the carrying value of its investment in Sino. Pursuant to the merger, the Company entered into an agreement to pay the affiliate an amount based on the relative fair value of their respective investment in Sino-United. Accordingly, $52 million was recorded as a liability representing a return of capital at June 30, 2011. Such amount, subject to completion of the estimation of fair value, is expected to be paid in the third quarter of 2011. The Company’s investment in Sino-United is accounted for under equity method and is included in other invested assets.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
7.   Other Expenses
 
Information on other expenses was as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Compensation
  $ 76     $ 47     $ 151     $ 91  
Commissions
    368       243       674       463  
Volume-related costs
    44       73       82       133  
Affiliated interest costs on ceded reinsurance
    51       47       105       80  
Capitalization of DAC
    (384 )     (268 )     (694 )     (498 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    327       460       444       524  
Interest expense on debt and debt issue costs
    110       119       220       239  
Premium taxes, licenses & fees
    13       12       28       22  
Professional services
    20       6       29       10  
Rent
    8             15       1  
Other
    96       100       179       193  
                                 
Total other expenses
  $ 729     $ 839     $ 1,233     $ 1,258  
                                 
 
Affiliated Expenses
 
See Note 9 for a discussion of affiliated expenses included in the table above.
 
8.   Business Segment Information
 
The Company’s business is currently divided into three segments: Retirement Products, Corporate Benefit Funding and Insurance Products. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.
 
Retirement Products offers asset accumulation and income products, including a wide variety of annuities. Corporate Benefit Funding offers pension risk solutions, structured settlements, stable value and investment products and other benefit funding products. Insurance Products offers a broad range of protection products and services to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, and is organized into two distinct businesses: Individual Life and Non-Medical Health. Individual Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life, term life and whole life products. Non-Medical Health includes individual disability insurance products.
 
Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments, various domestic and international start-up entities and run-off business, the Company’s ancillary international operations, interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt and expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts.
 
Operating earnings is the measure of segment profit or loss the Company uses to evaluate segment performance and allocate resources and, consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, it is the Company’s measure of segment performance and is reported below. Operating earnings should not be viewed as a substitute for GAAP 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 from operations and the underlying profitability drivers of the business.
 
Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax.


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Operating revenues exclude net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses). 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 exclude the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity GMIB 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 but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) excludes certain amounts related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments and (iii) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are VIEs consolidated under GAAP.
 
The following adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses:
 
  •  Policyholder benefits and claims exclude: (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 and amounts related to net investment income earned on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments;
 
  •  Amortization of 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 exclude costs related to business combinations.
 
In the first quarter of 2011, management modified its definition of operating earnings to exclude impacts related to certain variable annuity guarantees and Market Value Adjustments to better conform to the way it manages and assesses its business. Accordingly, such results are no longer reported in operating earnings. Consequently, prior period results for Retirement Products and total consolidated operating earnings have been increased by $3 million, net of $1 million of income tax and reduced by $3 million, net of $2 million of income tax, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
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, 2011 and 2010. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company, except for the method of capital allocation and the accounting for gains (losses) from intercompany sales, which are eliminated in consolidation.
 
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 business.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, MetLife updated its economic capital model to align segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. Such changes to MetLife’s economic capital model are applied prospectively. Segment net investment income is also 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.
 


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                         
    Operating Earnings              
          Corporate
                               
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Insurance
    Corporate
                Total
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011   Products     Funding     Products     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
Revenues
                                                       
Premiums
  $ 99     $ 475     $ 67     $     $ 641     $     $ 641  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    290       6       163       13       472       21       493  
Net investment income
    208       299       149       44       700       96       796  
Other revenues
    87       2       42             131             131  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  (27 )     (27 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                  133       133  
                                                         
Total revenues
    684       782       421       57       1,944       223       2,167  
                                                         
Expenses
                                                       
Policyholder benefits and claims
    133       595       67             795       23       818  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    181       45       63             289       15       304  
Capitalization of DAC
    (258 )     (1 )     (108 )     (17 )     (384 )           (384 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    134       1       69       1       205       122       327  
Interest expense on debt
                      16       16       94       110  
Other expenses
    388       7       234       36       665       11       676  
                                                         
Total expenses
    578       647       325       36       1,586       265       1,851  
                                                         
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    37       47       33       (5 )     112       (12 )     100  
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 69     $ 88     $ 63     $ 26       246                  
                                                         
Adjustments to:
                                                       
Total revenues
    223                  
Total expenses
    (265 )                
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    12                  
                         
Net income
  $ 216             $ 216  
                         
 

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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                         
    Operating Earnings              
          Corporate
                               
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Insurance
    Corporate
                Total
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010   Products     Funding     Products     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
Revenues
                                                       
Premiums
  $ 90     $ 126     $ 38     $ 2     $ 256     $     $ 256  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    236       7       136       2       381       26       407  
Net investment income
    237       279       118             634       91       725  
Other revenues
    79       1       23             103             103  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  50       50  
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                  563       563  
                                                         
Total revenues
    642       413       315       4       1,374       730       2,104  
                                                         
Expenses
                                                       
Policyholder benefits and claims
    123       256       89       (1 )     467       37       504  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    182       48       59       (21 )     268       (11 )     257  
Capitalization of DAC
    (146 )     (1 )     (107 )     (14 )     (268 )           (268 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    157       1       68       1       227       233       460  
Interest expense on debt
                      18       18       101       119  
Other expenses
    260       8       226       34       528             528  
                                                         
Total expenses
    576       312       335       17       1,240       360       1,600  
                                                         
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    23       34       (6 )     (20 )     31       131       162  
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 43     $ 67     $ (14 )   $ 7       103                  
                                                         
Adjustments to:
                                                       
Total revenues
    730                  
Total expenses
    (360 )                
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (131 )                
                         
Net income
  $ 342             $ 342  
                         
 

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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                         
    Operating Earnings              
          Corporate
                               
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Insurance
    Corporate
                Total
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011   Products     Funding     Products     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
Revenues
                                                       
Premiums
  $ 129     $ 537     $ 111     $     $ 777     $     $ 777  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    563       17       307       20       907       41       948  
Net investment income
    414       597       305       92       1,408       176       1,584  
Other revenues
    184       3       74             261             261  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  (41 )     (41 )
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                  (23 )     (23 )
                                                         
Total revenues
    1,290       1,154       797       112       3,353       153       3,506  
                                                         
Expenses
                                                       
Policyholder benefits and claims
    196       783       136             1,115       30       1,145  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    361       95       123             579       12       591  
Capitalization of DAC
    (449 )     (6 )     (209 )     (30 )     (694 )           (694 )
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    244       2       140       3       389       55       444  
Interest expense on debt
                      33       33       187       220  
Other expenses
    696       23       467       66       1,252       11       1,263  
                                                         
Total expenses
    1,048       897       657       72       2,674       295       2,969  
                                                         
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    84       90       49       (16 )     207       (46 )     161  
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 158     $ 167     $ 91     $ 56       472                  
                                                         
Adjustments to:
                                                       
Total revenues
    153                  
Total expenses
    (295 )                
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    46                  
                         
Net income
  $ 376             $ 376  
                         
 

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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
                                                         
    Operating Earnings              
          Corporate
                               
    Retirement
    Benefit
    Insurance
    Corporate
                Total
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010   Products     Funding     Products     & Other     Total     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
Revenues
                                                       
Premiums
  $ 148     $ 497     $ 66     $     $ 711     $     $ 711  
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    444       15       266       7       732       44       776  
Net investment income
    466       548       232       83       1,329       186       1,515  
Other revenues
    155       2       56             213             213  
Net investment gains (losses)
                                  87       87  
Net derivative gains (losses)
                                  255       255  
                                                         
Total revenues
    1,213       1,062       620       90       2,985       572       3,557  
                                                         
Expenses
                                                       
Policyholder benefits and claims
    209       755       173             1,137       61       1,198  
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    364       93       117       24       598       (25)       573  
Capitalization of DAC
    (266)       (2)       (205)       (25)       (498)             (498)  
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    249       1       139       2       391       133       524  
Interest expense on debt
                      35       35       204       239  
Other expenses
    479       17       434       63       993             993  
                                                         
Total expenses
    1,035       864       658       99       2,656       373       3,029  
                                                         
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    62       68       (13)       (34)       83       71       154  
                                                         
Operating earnings
  $ 116     $ 130     $ (25)     $ 25       246                  
                                                         
Adjustments to:
                                                       
Total revenues
    572                  
Total expenses
    (373)                  
Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    (71)                  
                         
Net income
  $ 374             $ 374  
                         
 
The following table presents total assets with respect to the Company’s segments, as well as Corporate & Other, at:
 
                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Retirement Products
  $ 94,498     $ 87,461  
Corporate Benefit Funding
    30,966       30,491  
Insurance Products
    18,605       16,296  
Corporate & Other
    21,413       20,637  
                 
Total
  $ 165,482     $ 154,885  
                 

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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Net investment income is based upon the actual results of each segment’s specifically identifiable asset portfolio 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.
 
9.   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 $457 million and $834 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $340 million and $638 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The aforementioned expenses and fees incurred with affiliates were comprised of the following:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Compensation
  $ 64     $ 38     $ 127     $ 74  
Commissions
    241       134       426       257  
Volume-related costs
    61       88       109       155  
Professional services
    5             9        
Rent
    6             12        
Other
    80       80       151       152  
                                 
Total other expenses
  $ 457     $ 340     $ 834     $ 638  
                                 
 
Revenues received from affiliates related to these agreements were recorded as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
  Six Months
    Ended
  Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
    2011   2010   2011   2010
    (In millions)
 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  $ 36     $ 28     $ 69     $ 54  
Other revenues
  $ 34     $ 24     $ 65     $ 47  


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
The Company had net receivables from affiliates of $40 million and $60 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, related to the items discussed above. These amounts exclude affiliated reinsurance balances discussed below. See Note 2 for expenses related to investment advice under these agreements, recorded in net investment income.
 
Reinsurance Transactions
 
The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain MetLife subsidiaries, including Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, MetLife Reinsurance Company of South Carolina, Exeter Reassurance Company, Ltd., General American Life Insurance Company, MetLife Investors Insurance Company and MetLife Reinsurance Company of Vermont, all of which are related parties.
 
Information regarding the effect of affiliated reinsurance included in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations was as follows:
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Six Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Premiums:
                               
Reinsurance assumed
  $ 6     $ 3     $ 4     $ 7  
Reinsurance ceded
    (55 )     (52 )     (109 )     (111 )
                                 
Net premiums
  $ (49 )   $ (49 )   $ (105 )   $ (104 )
                                 
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees:
                               
Reinsurance assumed
  $ 23     $ 19     $ 43     $ 30  
Reinsurance ceded
    (97 )     (72 )     (188 )     (133 )
                                 
Net universal life and investment-type product policy fees
  $ (74 )   $ (53 )   $ (145 )   $ (103 )
                                 
Other revenues:
                               
Reinsurance assumed
  $     $     $     $  
Reinsurance ceded
    78       65       158       139  
                                 
Net other revenues
  $ 78     $ 65     $ 158     $ 139  
                                 
Policyholder benefits and claims:
                               
Reinsurance assumed
  $ 9     $ 5     $ 12     $ 6  
Reinsurance ceded
    (113 )     (89 )     (228 )     (173 )
                                 
Net policyholder benefits and claims
  $ (104 )   $ (84 )   $ (216 )   $ (167 )
                                 
Interest credited to policyholder account balances:
                               
Reinsurance assumed
  $ 17     $ 16     $ 33     $ 31  
Reinsurance ceded
    (19 )     (12 )     (37 )     (24 )
                                 
Net interest credited to policyholder account balances
  $ (2 )   $ 4     $ (4 )   $ 7  
                                 
Other expenses:
                               
Reinsurance assumed
  $ 13     $ 13     $ 28     $ 25  
Reinsurance ceded
    37       36       82       60  
                                 
Net other expenses
  $ 50     $ 49     $ 110     $ 85  
                                 


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MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut
(A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.)

Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) — (Continued)
 
Information regarding the effect of affiliated reinsurance included in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets was as follows at:
 
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Assumed     Ceded     Assumed     Ceded  
    (In millions)  
 
Assets:
                               
Premiums, reinsurance and other receivables
  $ 72     $ 9,610     $ 40     $ 9,826  
Deferred policy acquisition costs and value of business acquired
    150       (492 )     164       (484 )
                                 
Total assets
  $ 222     $ 9,118     $ 204     $ 9,342  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Future policy benefits
  $ 44     $     $ 41     $  
Other policy-related balances
    1,470       570       1,435       508  
Other liabilities
    29       3,007       12       3,200  
                                 
Total liabilities
  $ 1,543     $ 3,577     $ 1,488     $ 3,708  
                                 
 
The Company ceded risks to affiliates related to guaranteed minimum benefit guarantees written directly by the Company through December 31, 2010. These ceded reinsurance agreements contain embedded derivatives and changes in their fair value are also included within net derivative gains (losses). The embedded derivatives associated with the cessions are included within premiums, reinsurance and other receivables and were assets of $824 million and $936 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were $195 million and ($248) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $1,413 million and $1,047 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
MLI-USA cedes two blocks of business to an affiliate 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 sheet. 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 $30 million and $5 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Net derivative gains (losses) associated with the embedded derivatives were ($50) million and ($25) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and ($81) million and ($90) million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The reinsurance agreement also includes an experience refund provision, whereby some or all of the profits on the underlying reinsurance agreement are returned to MLI-USA from the affiliated reinsurer during the first several years of the reinsurance agreement. The experience refund reduced the funds withheld by MLI-USA from the affiliated reinsurer by $49 million and $98 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $64 million and $117 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and are considered unearned revenue, amortized over the life of the contract using the same assumptions as used for the DAC associated with the underlying policies. Amortization and interest of the unearned revenue associated with the experience refund was $21 million and $37 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, and $22 million and $45 million for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and is included in premiums and universal life and investment-type product policy fees in the consolidated statements of operations. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, unearned revenue related to the experience refund was $621 million and $560 million, respectively, and is included in other policy-related balances in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets.


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Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
For purposes of this discussion, “MICC,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, a Connecticut corporation incorporated in 1863, and its subsidiaries, including MetLife Investors USA Insurance Company. MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (“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 of Connecticut’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Annual Report”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the forward-looking statement information 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 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 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.”
 
The following discussion 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 and, consistent with GAAP accounting guidance for segment reporting, it is our measure of segment performance.
 
Operating earnings is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses, both net of income tax.
 
Operating revenues exclude net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses). 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 exclude the amortization of unearned revenue related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses) and certain variable annuity guaranteed minimum income benefits (“GMIB”) 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 but do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, (ii) excludes certain amounts related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments, and (iii) excludes certain amounts related to securitization entities that are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) consolidated under GAAP.
 
The following adjustments are made to GAAP expenses, in the line items indicated, in calculating operating expenses:
 
  •  Policyholder benefits and claims exclude: (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 and amounts related to net investment income earned on contractholder-directed unit-linked investments;


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  •  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 exclude costs related to business combinations.
 
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 a substitute for GAAP revenues, GAAP expenses and GAAP net income, respectively. Reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, are included in “— Results of Operations.”
 
In the first quarter of 2011, management modified its definition of operating earnings to exclude impacts related to certain variable annuity guarantees and Market Value Adjustments to better conform to the way it manages and assesses its business. Accordingly, such results are no longer reported in operating earnings. Consequently, prior period results for Retirement Products and total consolidated operating earnings have been increased by $3 million, net of $1 million of income tax, and reduced by $3 million, net of $2 million of income tax, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.
 
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.
 
Business
 
The Company’s business is currently divided into three segments: Retirement Products, Corporate Benefit Funding and Insurance Products. In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other.
 
Retirement Products offers asset accumulation and income products, including a wide variety of annuities. Corporate Benefit Funding offers pension risk solutions, structured settlements, stable value and investment products and other benefit funding products. Insurance Products offers a broad range of protection products and services to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees, and is organized into two distinct businesses: Individual Life and Non-Medical Health. Individual Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life, term life and whole life products. Non-Medical Health includes individual disability insurance products.
 
Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments, various domestic and international start-up entities and run-off business, the Company’s ancillary international operations, interest expense related to the majority of the Company’s outstanding debt and expenses associated with certain legal proceedings and income tax audit issues. Corporate & Other also includes the elimination of intersegment amounts.
 
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)  the estimated fair value of investments in the absence of quoted market values;
 
  (ii)  investment impairments;
 
  (iii)  the recognition of income on certain investment entities and the application of the consolidation rules to certain investments;
 
  (iv)  the estimated fair value of and accounting for freestanding derivatives and the existence and estimated fair value of embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation;


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  (v)  the capitalization and amortization of DAC and the establishment and amortization of VOBA;
 
  (vi)  the measurement of goodwill and related impairment, if any;
 
  (vii)  the liability for future policyholder benefits and the accounting for reinsurance contracts;
 
  (viii)  accounting for income taxes and the valuation of deferred tax assets; and
 
  (ix)  the liability for litigation and regulatory matters.
 
In applying the Company’s 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 the Company’s 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” in the 2010 Annual Report and Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2010 Annual Report.
 
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 business.
 
Effective January 1, 2011, MetLife updated its economic capital model to align segment allocated equity with emerging standards and consistent risk principles. Such changes to MetLife’s economic capital model are applied prospectively. Segment net investment income is also 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.
 
Results of Operations
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 Compared with the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
 
We have experienced growth and an increase in market share in several of our businesses, which, together with improved overall market conditions compared to conditions in the prior period, positively impacted our results, most significantly through higher policy fee income and higher net investment income in certain of our businesses. Sales of our domestic annuity products were up 59%, driven by an increase in variable annuity sales compared with the prior period. We also benefited in the current quarter from increased issuances of funding agreements and increased sales of $348 million, before income tax, in our pension closeout business in the United Kingdom due to a


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significant sale in the current quarter. Premiums associated with the closeout business can vary significantly from period to period. We also continue to experience growth in our variable and universal life businesses.
 
                                 
    Six Months
             
    Ended
             
    June 30,              
    2011     2010     Change     % Change  
    (In millions)  
 
Revenues
                               
Premiums
  $ 777     $ 711     $ 66       9.3 %
Universal life and investment-type product policy fees
    948       776       172       22.2 %
Net investment income
    1,584       1,515       69       4.6 %
Other revenues
    261       213       48       22.5 %
Net investment gains (losses)
    (41 )     87       (128 )     (147.1 )%
Net derivative gains (losses)
    (23 )     255       (278 )     (109.0 )%
                                 
Total revenues
    3,506       3,557       (51 )     (1.4 )%
                                 
Expenses
                               
Policyholder benefits and claims
    1,145       1,198       (53 )     (4.4 )%
Interest credited to policyholder account balances
    591       573       18       3.1 %
Capitalization of DAC
    (694 )     (498 )     (196 )     (39.4 )%
Amortization of DAC and VOBA
    444       524       (80 )     (15.3 )%
Interest expense on debt
    220       239       (19 )     (7.9 )%
Other expenses
    1,263       993       270       27.2 %
                                 
Total expenses
    2,969       3,029       (60 )     (2.0 )%
                                 
Income (loss) before provision for income tax
    537       528       9       1.7 %
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)
    161       154       7       4.5 %
                                 
Net income
  $ 376     $ 374     $ 2       0.5 %
                                 
 
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, net income remained essentially flat predominantly due to a $226 million increase in operating earnings substantially offset by decreases in net derivative and investment gains (losses), net of related adjustments, principally associated with DAC and VOBA amortization.
 
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, net of income tax, 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. Other invested asset classes including, but not limited to, equity securities, other limited partnership interests and real estate and real estate joint ventures, provide additional diversification and opportunity for long-term yield enhancement in addition to supporting the cash flow and duration objectives of our investment portfolio. 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 currencies, credit spreads and equity market levels. Additional considerations for our investment portfolio include current and expected market conditions and expectations for changes within our specific mix of products and business segments. In addition, the general account investment portfolio includes, within other securities, contractholder-directed investments supporting unit-linked variable annuity type liabilities, which do not qualify as separate account assets. The returns on these contractholder-directed investments, which can vary significantly period to period, include changes in estimated fair value


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subsequent to purchase, inure to contractholders and are offset in earnings by a corresponding change in policyholder account balances through interest credited to policyholder account balances.
 
The composition of the investment portfolio of each business segment is tailored to the specific characteristics of its insurance liabilities, causing certain portfolios to be shorter in duration and others to be longer in duration. Accordingly, certain portfolios are more heavily weighted in longer duration, higher yielding fixed maturity securities, or certain sub-sectors of fixed maturity securities, than other portfolios.
 
Investments are purchased to support our insurance liabilities and not to generate net investment gains and losses. However, net investment gains and losses are generated and can change significantly from period to period due to changes in external influences, including changes in market factors such as interest rates, foreign currencies, 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 equity, interest rate, currency and credit derivatives to provide economic hedges of certain invested assets and insurance liabilities, including embedded derivatives, within certain of our variable annuity minimum benefit guarantees. For those hedges not designated as accounting hedges, changes in market factors can lead to the recognition of fair value changes in net derivative gains (losses) without an offsetting gain or loss recognized in earnings for the item being hedged even though these are effective economic hedges. Additionally, we issue liabilities and purchase assets that contain embedded derivatives whose changes in estimated fair value are sensitive to changes in market factors and are also recognized in net derivative gains (losses).
 
The unfavorable variance in net derivative gains (losses) of $181 million was driven by an unfavorable change in freestanding derivatives of $149 million and an unfavorable change in embedded derivatives of $32 million primarily associated with variable annuity minimum benefit guarantees.
 
The $149 million unfavorable variance in freestanding derivatives was primarily attributable to the impact of equity market movements, a decrease in equity volatility, falling long-term and mid-term interest rates, and a weakening United States (“U.S.”) dollar. The impact of equity market movements and decreased equity volatility in the current period compared to the prior period had a negative impact of $67 million on our equity derivatives, all of which was attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. A smaller decrease in long-term and mid-term interest rates in the current period than in the prior period had a negative impact of $47 million on our interest rate derivatives, $3 million of which was attributable to hedges of variable annuity minimum benefit guarantee liabilities that are accounted for as embedded derivatives. Foreign currency derivatives had a negative impact of $39 million related to hedges of foreign-currency exposures.
 
Certain variable annuity products with minimum benefit guarantees contain embedded derivatives that 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). The fair value of these embedded derivatives also includes an adjustment for nonperformance risk, which is unhedged. The $32 million unfavorable change in embedded derivatives was primarily attributable to an unfavorable change in ceded affiliated reinsurance assets of $806 million and an unfavorable change in the adjustment for nonperformance risk of $67 million on direct liabilities, partially offset by a favorable change in market factors on direct liabilities of $652 million, a favorable change in other unhedged non-market risks of $142 million and a favorable change in the adjustment for the reinsurer’s nonperformance risk of $39 million. The foregoing $67 million unfavorable change in the adjustment for nonperformance risk was net of a prior period $256 million loss relating to a refinement in estimating the spreads used in the adjustment for nonperformance risk. The aforementioned favorable change in the adjustment for the reinsurer’s nonperformance risk of $39 million was net of a prior period $380 million gain relating to a refinement in estimating the spreads used in the adjustment for nonperformance risk.
 
The unfavorable variance in net investment gains (losses) of $83 million was primarily due to increased realized losses on sales of fixed maturity securities and non-redeemable preferred securities and increased impairments on equity securities. An increase in other-than-temporary impairment losses on equity securities in the financial sector industry primarily reflects impairments on securities the Company intends to sell driven by


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the repositioning of the portfolio to diversify and extend duration, which were partially offset by decreased impairments on structured securities reflecting improved economic fundamentals.
 
Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $161 million, or 30% of income before provision for income tax, compared with $154 million, or 29% of income before provision for income tax, for the comparable 2010 period. The Company’s 2011 and 2010 effective tax rates differ from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of certain permanent tax differences, including non-taxable investment income and tax credits for investments in low income housing, in relation to income before income tax, as well as certain foreign permanent tax differences.
 
As more fully described in the discussion of performance measures above, we use operating earnings, which does not equate to net income 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 GAAP net income. Operating earnings increased by $226 million to $472 million in the first six months of 2011 from $246 million in the comparable 2010 period.
 
Reconciliation of net income to operating earnings
 
                 
    Six Months
 
    Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Net income
  $ 376     $ 374  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    (41 )     87  
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    (23 )     255  
Less: Other adjustments to net income (1)
    (78 )     (143 )
Less: Provision for income tax (expense) benefit
    46       (71 )
                 
Operating earnings
  $ 472     $ 246  
                 
 
 
(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.
 
Reconciliation of GAAP revenues to operating revenues and GAAP expenses to operating expenses
 
                 
    Six Months
 
    Ended
 
    June 30,  
    2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
Total revenues
  $ 3,506     $ 3,557  
Less: Net investment gains (losses)
    (41 )     87  
Less: Net derivative gains (losses)
    (23 )     255  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    (2 )     3  
Less: Other adjustments to revenues (1)
    219       227  
                 
Total operating revenues
  $ 3,353     $ 2,985  
                 
Total expenses
  $ 2,969     $ 3,029  
Less: Adjustments related to net investment gains (losses) and net derivative gains (losses)
    53       129  
Less: Other adjustments to expenses (1)
    242       244  
                 
Total operating expenses
  $ 2,674     $ 2,656  
                 
 
 
(1) See definitions of operating revenues and operating expenses for the components of such adjustments.


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Unless otherwise stated, all amounts discussed below are net of income tax.
 
The $226 million increase in operating earnings was primarily driven by the improvement in the financial markets, the impact of positive net cash flows, and net favorable claims and mortality experience.
 
The improvement in the financial markets, specifically the favorable equity market performance, contributed to an increase in our average separate account balances, upon which certain policy related fees are calculated. This, coupled with positive net cash flows from our annuity business, resulted in higher policy fees and other revenues of $133 million.
 
Positive net cash flows generated from the majority of our businesses was also the primary driver of the $51 million increase in net investment income, with $33 million of the increase being generated from growth in average invested assets and $18 million from higher yields. Growth in the investment portfolio was primarily invested in mortgage loans, fixed maturity securities and other limited partnership interests. Yields were positively impacted by increased real estate joint venture yields as a result of the positive effects of stabilizing real estate markets period over period. This was partially offset by lower fixed maturity securities yields due to new investment and reinvestment during this lower interest rate environment and higher other limited partnership interests yields in the prior period from a stronger recovery in the private equity markets in the prior period compared to the current period. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2010, investment earnings and interest credited related to contractholder-directed unit-linked investments are excluded from operating revenues and operating expenses, as the contractholder, and not the Company, directs the investment of the funds. This change in presentation had no impact on operating earnings; however, it unfavorably impacted the change in net investment income in the current period.
 
Claims experience varied amongst our businesses with a net favorable impact of $51 million to operating earnings. We experienced favorable mortality in our traditional life and structured settlement business. This was partially offset by less favorable mortality in our variable and universal life businesses.
 
Business growth, specifically in our annuity business, was the primary driver of the increase in variable expenses, such as commissions, which accounted for $137 million of the total $168 million increase in our operating expenses. The majority of the increase in variable expenses was offset by DAC capitalization. Additionally, higher market driven expenses of $16 million, such as letter of credit fees, contributed to the increase in operating expenses.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
See “Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
 
See “Future Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 1 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
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, as amended (“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 three months ended June 30, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


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Part II — Other Information
 
Item 1.   Legal Proceedings
 
The following should be read in conjunction with (i) Part I, Item 3, of MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the “2010 Annual Report”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); (ii) Part II, Item 1, of MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 (the “First Quarter 2011 10-Q”); and (iii) Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this report.
 
Unclaimed Property Inquiries
 
More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. It is possible that the audits and related activity may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, and changes to the Company’s procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property. The Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible amount of any such additional payments or the reasonably possible cost of any such changes in procedures, but it is possible that such costs may be substantial.
 
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, investment advisor 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 adverse 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 adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated net income or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
The following, together with the information under “Risk Factors” in Part II, Item 1A, of the First Quarter 2011 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference, should be read in conjunction with, and supplements and amends, the factors that may affect the Company’s business or operations described under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A, of the 2010 Annual Report.
 
Difficult Conditions in the Global Capital Markets and the Economy Generally May Materially Adversely Affect Our Business and Results of Operations and These Conditions May Not Improve in the Near Future
 
Our business and results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the global capital markets and the economy, generally, both in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. Stressed conditions, volatility and


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disruptions in global capital markets, particular markets, or financial asset classes can have an adverse effect on us, in part because we have a large investment portfolio and our insurance liabilities are sensitive to changing market factors. Disruptions in one market or asset class can also spread to other markets or asset classes. Upheavals in the financial markets can also affect our business through their effects on general levels of economic activity, employment and customer behavior. Although the disruption in the global financial markets has moderated, not all global financial markets are functioning normally, and recovery from the U.S. recession has been below historic averages. Global inflation had fallen over the last several years, but is now rising, and a number of central banks around the world have begun tightening monetary conditions. The global recession and disruption of the financial markets has led to concerns over capital markets access and the solvency of certain European Union member states, including Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, and of financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by these countries. Certain of the major rating agencies have downgraded the sovereign debt of Greece, Portugal and Ireland. These ratings downgrades and implementation of European Union and private sector support programs have increased concerns that other European Union member states could experience similar financial troubles. The Japanese economy, to which MetLife, Inc. faces substantial exposure given its operations there, has been significantly negatively impacted by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Disruptions to the Japanese economy are having, and will continue to have, negative impacts on the overall global economy, not all of which can be foreseen. Furthermore, the recent downgrade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) of U.S. Treasury securities and the delay by Congress in raising the statutory national debt limit could have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and could disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. See “— The Delay by Congress in Raising the Statutory Debt Limit of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
Our revenues and net investment income are likely to remain under pressure in such circumstances and our profit margins could erode. Also, in the event of extreme prolonged market events, such as the recent global credit crisis, we could incur significant capital and/or operating losses. Even in the absence of a market downturn, we are exposed to substantial risk of loss due to market volatility.
 
We are a significant writer of variable annuity products. The account values of these products decrease as a result of downturns in capital markets. Decreases in account values reduce the fees generated by our variable annuity products, cause the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs to accelerate and could increase the level of insurance liabilities we must carry to support those variable annuities issued with any associated guarantees.
 
Factors such as consumer spending, business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. In an economic downturn characterized by higher unemployment, lower family income, lower corporate earnings, lower business investment and lower consumer spending, the demand for our financial and insurance products could be adversely affected. Group insurance, in particular, is affected by the higher unemployment rate. In addition, we may experience an elevated incidence of claims and lapses or surrenders of policies. Our policyholders may choose to defer paying insurance premiums or stop paying insurance premiums altogether. Adverse changes in the economy could affect earnings negatively and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The recent market turmoil has precipitated, and may continue to raise the possibility of, legislative, regulatory and governmental actions. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur, or what impact, if any, such actions could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “Risk Factors — Actions of the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Other Governmental and Regulatory Bodies for the Purpose of Stabilizing and Revitalizing the Financial Markets and Protecting Investors and Consumers May Not Achieve the Intended Effect or Could Adversely Affect the Competitive Position of MetLife, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries, Including U.S.,” “Risk Factors — Our Insurance and Brokerage Businesses Are Heavily Regulated, and Changes in Regulation May Reduce Our Profitability and Limit Our Growth,” “Risk Factors — Various Aspects of Dodd-Frank Could Impact Our Business Operations, Capital Requirements and Profitability and Limit Our Growth,” and “Risk Factors — Competitive Factors May Adversely Affect Our Market Share and Profitability” in the 2010 Annual Report.


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The Delay by Congress in Raising the Statutory Debt Limit of the U.S., as well as Rating Agency Downgrades of U.S. Treasury Securities, Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The delay by Congress in raising the statutory national debt limit could have severe repercussions to the U.S. and global credit and financial markets, further exacerbate concerns over sovereign debt of other countries and could disrupt economic activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. As a result, our access to, or cost of, liquidity may deteriorate.
 
On August 5, 2011, S&P downgraded the AAA rating of U.S. Treasury securities to AA+ with a negative outlook. On August 2, 2011, Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) affirmed the Aaa rating of U.S. Treasury securities, but imposed a negative outlook as well. As a result of such rating actions, the market value of some of our investments is likely to decrease, and our capital adequacy could be adversely affected, which could require us to raise additional capital during a period of distress in financial markets, potentially at a higher cost. In the event of further downgrades, the risks we face and any resulting adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations would be significantly exacerbated, including those described under “— Difficult Conditions in the Global Capital Markets and the Economy Generally May Materially Adversely Affect Our Business and Results of Operations and These Conditions May Not Improve in the Near Future” and “Risk Factors — Adverse Capital and Credit Market Conditions May Significantly Affect Our Ability to Meet Liquidity Needs, Access to Capital and Cost of Capital,” “Risk Factors — Our Participation in a Securities Lending Program Subjects Us to Potential Liquidity and Other Risks” and “Risk Factors — The Determination of the Amount of Allowances and Impairments Taken on Our Investments is Highly Subjective and Could Materially Impact Our Results of Operations or Financial Position” in the 2010 Annual Report. We cannot predict whether or when these adverse consequences may occur, what other unforeseen consequences may result, or the extent, severity and duration of the impact of such consequences on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
The Resolution of Several Issues Affecting the Financial Services Industry Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Reported Results or on Our Relations with Current and Potential Customers
 
We will continue to be subject to legal and regulatory actions in the ordinary course of our business, both in the U.S. and internationally. This could result in a challenge of business sold in the past under previously acceptable market practices at the time. Regulators are increasingly interested in the approach that product providers use to select third-party distributors and to monitor the appropriateness of sales made by them. In some cases, product providers can be held responsible for the deficiencies of third-party distributors. In addition, regulators are auditing compliance by life insurers with state unclaimed property laws. See “— Litigation and Regulatory Investigations Are Increasingly Common in Our Businesses and May Result in Significant Financial Losses and/or Harm to Our Reputation.”
 
As a result of publicity relating to widespread perceptions of industry abuses, there have been numerous regulatory inquiries and proposals for legislative and regulatory reforms.
 
We Are Exposed to Significant Financial and Capital Markets Risk Which May Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Liquidity, and May Cause Our Net Investment Income to Vary from Period to Period
 
We are exposed to significant financial and capital markets risk, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, equity prices, real estate markets, foreign currency exchange rates, market volatility, the performance of the global economy in general, the performance of the specific obligors, including governments, included in our portfolio and other factors outside our control.
 
Our exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to the market price and cash flow variability associated with changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates will impact the net unrealized gain or loss position of our fixed income investment portfolio. If long-term interest rates rise dramatically within a six to twelve month time period, certain of our life insurance businesses and fixed annuity business may be exposed to disintermediation risk. Disintermediation risk refers to the risk that our policyholders may surrender their contracts in a rising interest rate environment, requiring us to liquidate fixed income investments in an unrealized loss position. Due to the long-term nature of the liabilities associated with certain of our life insurance businesses, guaranteed benefits on variable annuities, and structured settlements, sustained declines in long-term interest rates may subject us to reinvestment


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risks and increased hedging costs. In other situations, declines in interest rates may result in increasing the duration of certain life insurance liabilities, creating asset-liability duration mismatches.
 
Our investment portfolio also contains interest rate sensitive instruments, such as fixed income securities, which may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates from governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control. Changes in interest rates will impact both the net unrealized gain or loss position of our fixed income portfolio and the rates of return we receive on funds invested. Our mitigation efforts with respect to interest rate risk are primarily focused towards maintaining an investment portfolio with diversified maturities that has a weighted average duration that is approximately equal to the duration of our estimated liability cash flow profile. However, our estimate of the liability cash flow profile may be inaccurate and we may be forced to liquidate fixed income investments prior to maturity at a loss in order to cover the cash flow profile of the liability. Although we take measures to manage the economic risks of investing in a changing interest rate environment, we may not be able to mitigate the interest rate risk of our fixed income investments relative to our liabilities. See also “ — Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability.”
 
Our exposure to credit spreads primarily relates to market price volatility and cash flow variability associated with changes in credit spreads. A widening of credit spreads will adversely impact both the net unrealized gain or loss position of the fixed-income investment portfolio, will increase losses associated with credit-based non qualifying derivatives where we assume credit exposure, and, if issuer credit spreads increase significantly or for an extended period of time, will likely result in higher other-than-temporary impairments. Credit spread tightening will reduce net investment income associated with new purchases of fixed maturity securities. In addition, market volatility can make it difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may have significant period to period changes which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Credit spreads on both corporate and structured securities widened significantly during 2008, resulting in continuing depressed pricing. As a result of improved conditions, credit spreads narrowed in 2009 and changed to a lesser extent in 2010. If there is a resumption of significant volatility in the markets, it could cause changes in credit spreads and defaults and a lack of pricing transparency which, individually or in tandem, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows through realized investment losses, impairments, and changes in unrealized loss positions.
 
Our primary exposure to equity risk relates to the potential for lower earnings associated with certain of our insurance businesses where fee income is earned based upon the estimated fair value of the assets under management. Downturns and volatility in equity markets can have a material adverse effect on the revenues and investment returns from our savings and investment products and services. Because these products and services generate fees related primarily to the value of assets under management, a decline in the equity markets could reduce our revenues from the reduction in the value of the investments we manage. The retail variable annuity business in particular is highly sensitive to equity markets, and a sustained weakness in the equity markets could decrease revenues and earnings in variable annuity products. Furthermore, certain of our variable annuity products offer guaranteed benefits which increase our potential benefit exposure should equity markets decline. We use derivatives and reinsurance to mitigate the impact of such increased potential benefit exposures. We are also exposed to interest rate and equity risk based upon the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return assumptions associated with our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Sustained declines in long term interest rates or equity returns likely would have a negative effect on the funded status of these plans. Lastly, we invest a portion of our investments in public and private equity securities, leveraged buy-out funds, hedge funds and other private equity funds and the estimated fair value of such investments may be impacted by downturns or volatility in equity markets.
 
Our primary exposure to real estate risk relates to commercial and agricultural real estate. Our exposure to commercial and agricultural real estate risk stems from various factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, market conditions including the demand and supply of leasable commercial space, creditworthiness of tenants and partners, capital markets volatility and the inherent interest rate movement. In addition, our real estate joint venture development program is subject to risks, including, but not limited to, reduced property sales and decreased availability of financing which could adversely impact the joint venture developments and/or operations. The state


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of the economy and speed of recovery in fundamental and capital market conditions in the commercial and agricultural real estate sectors will continue to influence the performance of our investments in these sectors. These factors and others beyond our control could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows through net investment income, realized investment losses and levels of valuation allowances.
 
Our investment portfolio contains investments in government bonds issued by European nations, commonly referred to as “Europe’s perimeter region” and in financial institutions that have significant direct or indirect exposure to debt issued by those nations. Recently, the European Union member states have experienced above average public debt, inflation and unemployment as the global economic downturn has developed. A number of member states are significantly impacted by the economies of their more influential neighbors, such as Germany. In addition, financial troubles of one nation can lead to troubles in others. In particular, a number of large European banks hold significant amounts of sovereign and/or financial institution debt of other European nations and could experience difficulties as a result of defaults or declines in the value of such debt. These difficulties or concern that they may occur could disrupt the functioning of the financial markets. Our investment portfolio also contains investments in revenue bonds issued under the auspices of U.S. states and municipalities and a limited amount of general obligation bonds of U.S. states and municipalities (collectively, “Municipal Bonds”). Recently, certain U.S. states and municipalities have faced budget deficits and financial difficulties. There can be no assurance that the financial difficulties of such U.S. states and municipalities would not have an adverse impact on our Municipal Bond portfolio.
 
Our primary foreign currency exchange risks are described under “Risk Factors — Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Negatively Affect Our Profitability” in the 2010 Annual Report. Changes in these factors, which are significant risks to us, can affect our net investment income in any period, and such changes can be substantial.
 
A portion of our investments are made in leveraged buy-out funds, hedge funds and other private equity funds, many of which make private equity investments. The amount and timing of net investment income from such investment funds tends to be uneven as a result of the performance of the underlying investments, including private equity investments. The timing of distributions from the funds, which depends on particular events relating to the underlying investments, as well as the funds’ schedules for making distributions and their needs for cash, can be difficult to predict. As a result, the amount of net investment income that we record from these investments can vary substantially from quarter to quarter. Recovering private equity markets and stabilizing credit and real estate markets during 2010 had a positive impact on returns and net investment income on private equity funds, hedge funds and real estate joint ventures, which are included within other limited partnership interests and real estate and real estate joint venture portfolios. Although volatility in most global financial markets has moderated, if there is a resumption of significant volatility, it could adversely impact returns and net investment income on these alternative investment classes.
 
Continuing challenges include continued weakness in the U.S. real estate market, investor anxiety over the U.S. and European economies, defaults or declines in the value of sovereign or financial institution debt, rating agency downgrades of various structured products and financial issuers, unresolved issues with structured investment vehicles and monoline financial guarantee insurers, deleveraging of financial institutions and hedge funds, sustained high levels of unemployment and the continuing recovery in the inter-bank market. If there is a resumption of significant volatility in the markets, it could cause changes in interest rates, declines in equity prices, and the strengthening or weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar which, individually or in tandem, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity or cash flows through realized investment losses, impairments, increased valuation allowances and changes in unrealized gain or loss positions.
 
Changes in Market Interest Rates May Significantly Affect Our Profitability
 
Some of our products, principally traditional whole life insurance, fixed annuities and guaranteed interest contracts, expose us to the risk that changes in interest rates will reduce our investment margin or “spread,” or the difference between the amounts that we are required to pay under the contracts in our general account and the rate of


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return we are able to earn on general account investments intended to support obligations under the contracts. Our spread is a key component of our net income.
 
As interest rates decrease or remain at low levels, we may be forced to reinvest proceeds from investments that have matured or have been prepaid or sold at lower yields, reducing our investment margin. Moreover, borrowers may prepay or redeem the fixed income securities, commercial or agricultural mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities in our investment portfolio with greater frequency in order to borrow at lower market rates, which exacerbates this risk. Lowering interest crediting rates can help offset decreases in investment margins on some products. However, our ability to lower these rates could be limited by competition or contractually guaranteed minimum rates and may not match the timing or magnitude of changes in asset yields. As a result, our spread could decrease or potentially become negative. Our expectation for future spreads is an important component in the amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (“DAC”) and value of business acquired (“VOBA”), and significantly lower spreads may cause us to accelerate amortization, thereby reducing net income in the affected reporting period. In addition, during periods of declining interest rates, life insurance and annuity products may be relatively more attractive investments to consumers, resulting in increased premium payments on products with flexible premium features, repayment of policy loans and increased persistency, or a higher percentage of insurance policies remaining in force from year to year, during a period when our new investments carry lower returns. A decline in market interest rates could also reduce our return on investments that do not support particular policy obligations. During periods of sustained lower interest rates, policy liabilities may not be sufficient to meet future policy obligations and may need to be strengthened. Accordingly, declining interest rates may materially affect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows and significantly reduce our profitability. We recognize that a low interest rate environment will adversely affect our earnings, but we do not believe any such impact will be material in 2011.
 
Increases in market interest rates could also negatively affect our profitability. In periods of rapidly increasing interest rates, we may not be able to replace, in a timely manner, the investments in our general account with higher yielding investments needed to fund the higher crediting rates necessary to keep interest sensitive products competitive. We, therefore, may have to accept a lower spread and, thus, lower profitability or face a decline in sales and greater loss of existing contracts and related assets. In addition, policy loans, surrenders and withdrawals may tend to increase as policyholders seek investments with higher perceived returns as interest rates rise. This process may result in cash outflows requiring that we sell investments at a time when the prices of those investments are adversely affected by the increase in market interest rates, which may result in realized investment losses. Unanticipated withdrawals and terminations may cause us to accelerate the amortization of DAC and VOBA, which reduces net income. An increase in market interest rates could also have a material adverse effect on the value of our investment portfolio, for example, by decreasing the estimated fair values of the fixed income securities that comprise a substantial portion of our investment portfolio. Lastly, an increase in interest rates could result in decreased fee income associated with a decline in the value of variable annuity account balances invested in fixed income funds.
 
Gross Unrealized Losses on Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities May Be Realized or Result in Future Impairments, Resulting in a Reduction in Our Net Income
 
Fixed maturity and equity securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at their estimated fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and are, therefore, excluded from net income. Our gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses on fixed maturity and equity securities available for sale at June 30, 2011 were $2,184 million and $880 million, respectively. The portion of the $880 million of gross unrealized losses for fixed maturity and equity securities where the estimated fair value has declined and remained below amortized cost or cost by 20% or more for six months or greater was $239 million at June 30, 2011. The accumulated change in estimated fair value of these available-for-sale securities is recognized in net income when the gain or loss is realized upon the sale of the security or in the event that the decline in estimated fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary and an impairment charge to earnings is taken. Realized losses or impairments may have a material adverse effect on our net income in a particular quarterly or annual period.


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The Impairment of Other Financial Institutions Could Adversely Affect Us
 
We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds and other investment funds and other institutions. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. In addition, with respect to secured transactions, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to us. We also have exposure to these financial institutions in the form of unsecured debt instruments, non-redeemable and redeemable preferred securities, derivative transactions, joint venture, hedge fund and equity investments. Further, potential action by governments and regulatory bodies in response to the financial crisis affecting the global banking system and financial markets, such as investment, nationalization, conservatorship, receivership and other intervention, whether under existing legal authority or any new authority that may be created, or lack of action by European Union member governments and central banks, could negatively impact these instruments, securities, transactions and investments. There can be no assurance that any such losses or impairments to the carrying value of these investments would not materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
 
 
 
Litigation and Regulatory Investigations Are Increasingly Common in Our Businesses and May Result in Significant Financial Losses and/or Harm to Our Reputation
 
We face a significant risk of litigation and regulatory investigations and actions in the ordinary course of operating our businesses, including the risk of class action lawsuits. Our pending legal and regulatory actions include proceedings specific to us and others generally applicable to business practices in the industries in which we operate. In connection with our insurance operations, plaintiffs’ lawyers may bring or are bringing class actions and individual suits alleging, among other things, issues relating to sales or underwriting practices, claims payments and procedures, product design, disclosure, administration, denial or delay of benefits and breaches of fiduciary or other duties to customers. Plaintiffs in class action and other lawsuits against us may seek very large or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and treble damages. Modern pleading practice in the U.S. permits considerable variation in the assertion of money damages or other relief. 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. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
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. Liabilities have been established for a number of matters noted in Note 5 of the Notes to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. It is possible that some of the matters could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures or establish accruals in amounts that could not be estimated at June 30, 2011.
 
We are also subject to various regulatory inquiries, such as information requests, subpoenas and books and record examinations, from state and federal regulators and other authorities. A substantial legal liability or a significant regulatory action against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, even if we ultimately prevail in the litigation, regulatory action or investigation, we could suffer significant reputational harm, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our ability to attract new customers and retain our current customers.
 
More than 30 U.S. jurisdictions are auditing MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut and certain of its affiliates for compliance with unclaimed property laws. Additionally, MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut


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and certain of its affiliates have received subpoenas and other regulatory inquiries from certain regulators and other officials relating to claims-payment practices and compliance with unclaimed property laws. On July 5, 2011, the New York Insurance Department issued a letter requiring life insurers doing business in New York to use data available on the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Death Master File or a similar database to identify instances where death benefits under life insurance policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts are payable, to locate and pay beneficiaries under such contracts, and to report the results of the use of the data. It is possible that other jurisdictions may pursue similar investigations or inquiries, or issue directives similar to the New York Insurance Department’s letter. It is possible that the audits and related activity may result in additional payments to beneficiaries, additional escheatment of funds deemed abandoned under state laws, administrative penalties, and changes to the Company’s procedures for the identification and escheatment of abandoned property. The Company is not currently able to estimate the reasonably possible amount of any such additional payments or the reasonably possible cost of any such changes in procedures, but it is possible that such costs may be substantial.
 
We cannot give assurance that current claims, litigation, unasserted claims probable of assertion, investigations and other proceedings against us will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. It is also possible that related or unrelated claims, litigation, unasserted claims probable of assertion, investigations and proceedings may be commenced in the future, and we could become subject to further investigations and have lawsuits filed or enforcement actions initiated against us. In addition, increased regulatory scrutiny and any resulting investigations or proceedings could result in new legal actions and precedents and industry-wide regulations that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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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 of Connecticut, 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 of Connecticut and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s 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.


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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 OF CONNECTICUT
 
  By: 
/s/  
Peter M. Carlson
Name:     Peter M. Carlson
  Title:  Executive Vice President, Finance Operations and
Chief Accounting Officer
(Authorized Signatory and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
Date: August 12, 2011


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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 of Connecticut, 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 of Connecticut and its subsidiaries may be found elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut’s other public filings, which are available without charge through the SEC’s 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.


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