MetLife (MET) Morgan Stanley US Financials Conference 2026 summary

Macro environment and competitive positioning

• Unemployment remains low, inflation is manageable, and wage growth is steady, supporting a constructive economic backdrop.

• Real estate is recovering in a U-shaped pattern, and credit quality remains stable across markets.

• Diversification by geography, product, and risk is seen as a key structural advantage for sustainable growth.

• Business mix is balanced between capital-light, high-ROE segments and capital-driven, balance sheet businesses.

• EMEA, Latin America, and Asia are highlighted as strong growth regions, with asset management as the fastest-growing segment.

Strategic execution and financial performance

• The New Frontier strategy focuses on Group Benefits, global retirement, asset management, and international growth.

• Achieved double-digit EPS growth and 16% ROE in 2025, with strong free cash flow and cost efficiency.

• Continued momentum into 2026, with 23% EPS growth in Q1 and ROE reaching 17%.

• Maintains commitment to reducing unit costs by 100 basis points over five years.

• All business segments are contributing to growth, reinforcing the strategy’s effectiveness.

Technology and AI integration

• Invested $3–3.5 billion in technology modernization over five years, enabling AI adoption.

• AI is driving productivity, cost reduction, and growth, such as automating claims and increasing RFP output.

• Enhanced employee experience and product take-up rates are expected from technology investments.