Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Equity [Abstract]

Equity

12.  Equity

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Payout of 2009—2011 Performance Shares

Vested Performance Shares are multiplied by a performance factor of 0.0 to 2.0 based largely on MetLife, Inc.’s performance in change in annual net operating earnings and total shareholder return over the applicable three-year performance period compared to the performance of its competitors. Final Performance Shares are paid in shares of MetLife, Inc. common stock. The performance factor for the January 1, 2009 — December 31, 2011 performance period was 1.13. This factor has been applied to the 1,791,609 Performance Shares associated with that performance period that vested on December 31, 2011 and, as a result, 2,024,518 shares of MetLife, Inc.’s common stock (less withholding for taxes and other items, as applicable) will be issued, aside from shares that payees choose to defer, during the second quarter of 2012.

Payout of 2009—2011 Performance Units

Vested Performance Units are multiplied by a performance factor of 0.0 to 2.0 based largely on MetLife, Inc.’s performance in change in annual net operating earnings and total shareholder return over the applicable three-year performance period compared to the performance of its competitors. Final Performance Units which are payable in cash equal to the closing price of MetLife, Inc. common stock on a date following the last day of the three-year performance period. The performance factor for the January 1, 2009 — December 31, 2011 performance period was 1.13. This factor has been applied to the 51,144 Performance Units associated with that performance period that vested on December 31, 2011 and, as a result, the cash value of 57,793 units will be paid during the second quarter of 2012.