The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

MET analysis—1Q22 non-GAAP EPS was -15% YoY due to weaker (but still objectively strong) results in private-equity investments. In #msg-167739042, I asked rhetorically how long MET could continue to post superlative results from private equity. Now, we’re seeing a regression to the mean (or perhaps worse).

MET’s insurance business benefits from higher interest rates insofar as MET is effectively short fixed income (i.e. it has net liabilities for eventual insurance claims). However, in recent quarters, the gains on MET’s private-equity investments have outweighed the interest-rate effect mentioned above.

All told, I’m not especially bullish on MET; however, I manage a portfolio that has a MET position with a cost basis of zero, stemming from MET’s de-mutualization in 2001.