“Taking all these factors into account, we expect Group Benefits adjusted earnings ex notables to grow 7% to 9% in 2026.”

In context

“7% over the near term. Finally, as a reminder, we include prepayment fees on fixed maturities and mortgage loans in VII. Moving to our business segments on page 12. Starting with group benefits. We are maintaining our adjusted PFO growth target of 4% to 7% over the near term as we continue to strengthen our market leadership. We are reducing our group life mortality ratio target range by one point to 83% to 88% as we expect favorable mortality trends will continue in 2026. For group nonmedical health, we are increasing our interest adjusted benefit ratio target range by one point, to 70% to 75%. We are seeing the benefits of our leave and absence capability in technology take hold in the market, and therefore, this range is reflective of our updated view of product mix over the near term. Taking all these factors into account, we expect Group Benefits adjusted earnings ex notables to grow 7% to 9% in 2026. Please keep in mind Q1 tends to be a seasonally low quarter with both life and nonmedical health results skewing to the higher end of the target ratio ranges. RIS near-term outlook is on page 13. As part of New Frontier, we are strategically leveraging reinsurance to augment our organic capital with third-party capital to support the building demand for retirement solutions. This further supplements our liability growth while allowing us to maintain capital discipline. The common theme is capital flexibility. With our expanded toolkit, we're able to support liability growth and at the same time generate additional investable assets to be managed by MetLife Investment Management. As a result, we've enhanced the statistical pages in the QFS to more clearly reflect the impact of our growing”