MetLife Announces New GWB Rider for Individual Variable Annuities; Adds to Its Offering of Features and Benefits to Fit the Needs Of Customers

Business Wire, Dec 14, 2004

NEW YORK -- MetLife introduced a guaranteed withdrawal benefit (GWB) for all its individual variable annuity products, geared toward those entering retirement.

"The GWB rider is ideal for those individuals who need a steady cash flow from their variable annuity now," said Hugh McHaffie, senior vice president, MetLife Individual Business. "More and more baby boomers are entering into retirement. They are also living longer, so it is critical to make sure their income lasts throughout retirement. This rider is being offered to protect their variable annuity purchase payments while they continue to invest in the equity markets for future income growth potential."

Regardless of investment performance or the actual account balance, the GWB allows customers to withdraw up to 7% annually until every dollar invested has been returned to them (less any applicable withdrawal charges).

MetLife's GWB also provides a 5% bonus credit on all payments that is added to the guaranteed withdrawal amount that provides a guaranteed payment stream for 15 years provided the client withdraws only 7% per year of the purchase payment. This provides the downside income protection that MetLife clients are seeking.

In addition, MetLife's GWB provides upside potential. If market performance (net of charges and expenses) exceeds withdrawals the customer can increase their guaranteed amount every five years at the then current annual charge.

"It is a win-win situation for our customers," added McHaffie. "Not only does MetLife guarantee a cash flow for our clients, but also provides the opportunity for our clients to continue to seek their investment goals while securing their retirement needs."

There is an annual fee of 0.50% charged against the guaranteed withdrawal amount and subtracted from the account balance. The GWB is not an annuitization and cannot be taken as a lump sum. The GWB does not guarantee a minimum account balance or return for any investment division.

MetLife, a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET), is a leading provider of insurance and other financial services to individual and institutional customers. The MetLife companies serve individuals in approximately 13 million households in the U.S. and provide benefits to 37 million employees and family members through their plan sponsors. Outside the U.S., the MetLife companies serve approximately 8 million customers through direct insurance operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and Uruguay. For more information about MetLife, please visit the company's Web site at www.metlife.com.

Prospectuses for MetLife's individual variable annuities can be obtained by contacting an authorized MetLife representative. MetLife's variable annuities that include the GWB are offered by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY 10166; New England Securities and New England Life Insurance Company, Boston, MA, 02116; and, MetLife Investors Insurance Company and MetLife Investor USA Insurance Company, Newport Beach, CA, 92657. Investors should carefully consider the information about the contracts' features, risks, charges and expenses, and the investment objectives, risks and policies of the funding choices. Please read the prospectuses carefully before investing. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income taxes. Withdrawals before age 59.5 are generally subject to a 10% tax penalty. Guarantees are subject to the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Product availability and features may vary by state.