Insurer MetLife's quarterly profit jumps on strong Asia demand

Metlife

06/05/2026 21:15

May 6 (Reuters) - MetLife MET.N reported a jump in first-quarter profit on Wednesday, lifted by broad-based gains across its diversified business on the back of robust insurance demand.

Despite a choppy macro environment, insurance spending has continued to remain resilient as individuals and businesses prioritize coverage to mitigate risks.

Here are some details on the earnings:

MetLife's adjusted earnings from Asia business surged 31%, underpinned by strong life insurance underwriting and volume growth.

Sales at the Asia unit surged 22% on a constant currency basis, driven by strong growth in Japan and Korea.

MetLife's group benefits unit saw adjusted earnings jump 19% in the quarter, while the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) segment registered 33% growth.

Net investment income jumped 10% to $5.40 billion in the quarter from a year earlier, driven by stronger private equity returns and asset growth.

Excluding notable items, MetLife's adjusted earnings was $1.59 billion, or $2.42 per share, in the three months ended March 31, compared with $1.35 billion, or $1.96 per share, a year earlier.

Founded in 1868, New York-based MetLife is one of the biggest U.S. life insurers, offering a range of insurance, annuities, employee benefits programs in more than 40 markets globally.

 (Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)

 ((ArasuKannagi.Basil@thomsonreuters.com;))