- Founded: March 24, 1868, in New York City
- 2024 Revenue: $70.99 billion (6.1% year-over-year growth)
- 2024 Employees: 45,000
- Market Cap: Approximately $52 billion (January 2026)
- Global Reach: 90 million customers in over 60 countries
MetLife Inc ranks among the largest global providers of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs. The company serves approximately 90 million customers across more than 60 countries through its network of subsidiaries and affiliates.
Headquartered in New York City, MetLife offers life insurance, dental coverage, disability insurance, pet insurance, and retirement products. The company operates through six business segments covering Group Benefits, Retirement and Income Solutions, Asia, Latin America, Europe/Middle East/Africa, and MetLife Holdings.
MetLife Inc History
MetLife Inc Co-founders
MetLife Inc Competitors
MetLife competes with major life insurers and financial services companies globally. Similar to how AIA Group dominates Asian markets, MetLife maintains strong positions across multiple regions. The company faces competition from both traditional insurers and newer entrants using technology.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Business |
|---|---|---|
| Prudential Financial | Newark, New Jersey | Life Insurance, Asset Management |
| AIG | New York, New York | General Insurance, Life Insurance |
| New York Life | New York, New York | Life Insurance, Annuities |
| Aflac | Columbus, Georgia | Supplemental Insurance |
| Lincoln Financial | Radnor, Pennsylvania | Life Insurance, Retirement |
| Principal Financial | Des Moines, Iowa | Retirement, Asset Management |
| Unum | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Disability, Life Insurance |
| MassMutual | Springfield, Massachusetts | Life Insurance, Retirement |
| Allianz | Munich, Germany | Insurance, Asset Management |
| The Hartford | Hartford, Connecticut | Property, Casualty, Group Benefits |
MetLife Inc Revenue
MetLife generated $70.99 billion in total revenue for fiscal year 2024. This marked a 6.1% increase from the prior year’s $66.9 billion.
The Group Benefits segment and Retirement and Income Solutions together account for nearly half of the company’s adjusted earnings. International operations in Asia, particularly Japan, contribute about 25% of total earnings.
MetLife Inc Acquisitions
MetLife has pursued acquisitions to expand its product offerings and geographic reach. The company’s acquisition strategy transformed it from a domestic insurer into a global financial services provider.
In 1999, MetLife acquired Lincoln National Corporation’s individual disability income unit and GenAmerica Corporation, a reinsurance provider, for $1.2 billion. These deals strengthened the company’s position in specialty insurance markets before its 2000 IPO.
The 2005 acquisition of Citigroup’s Travelers Life and Annuity business for $11.8 billion proved transformative. This deal made MetLife the largest individual life insurer in North America by sales and significantly expanded its annuity and retirement business. The transaction included Citigroup’s international insurance operations, giving MetLife entry into new markets.
In 2010, MetLife completed its largest acquisition by purchasing American Life Insurance Company (Alico) from AIG for $16.4 billion. The deal included $7.2 billion in cash and $9.2 billion in MetLife securities. Alico brought operations in over 50 countries, with particularly strong positions in Japan, Europe, and Latin America. This acquisition made MetLife a leading competitor in Japan, the world’s second-largest life insurance market.
In 2021, MetLife acquired Genworth Financial’s Versant Health for $1.675 billion, expanding its dental and vision insurance portfolio. The company sold its auto and home insurance business to Farmers Insurance Group in the same year, focusing resources on core life and benefits segments.
MetLife Inc Marketcap
MetLife maintains a market capitalization of approximately $52 billion as of January 2026. The company ranks among the largest U.S. life insurers by market value.
FAQs
When was MetLife founded?
MetLife was founded on March 24, 1868, in New York City. The company’s predecessor, National Union Life and Limb Insurance Company, was established in 1863 to insure Civil War soldiers.
What types of insurance does MetLife offer?
MetLife offers life insurance, dental, disability, vision, accident, pet insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs. The company serves individuals, small businesses, and large institutions globally.
Is MetLife a publicly traded company?
Yes, MetLife trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MET. The company went public in April 2000 with an IPO valued at $6.5 billion.
How many customers does MetLife serve?
MetLife serves approximately 90 million customers across more than 60 countries. The company maintains leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, and Europe.
Where is MetLife headquartered?
MetLife is headquartered at 200 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company has maintained its New York base since its founding in 1868.