UPDATE 3-Swiss Life sales beat forecast, AWD unit improves

* Gross written premiums 13.6 bln Sfr vs 13.5 bln in poll

* Solvency ratio 168 pct vs end-H1 155 pct

* AWD financial adviser unit operationally profitable in Q3

* Still in talks to sell down stake in MLP

* Shares up 6.5 pct

(Adds CFO comments on MLP, analyst comment, shares)

By Jason Rhodes

ZURICH, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Swiss Life (SLHN.VX) said on Wednesday premiums fell 3 percent in the first nine months of 2009, narrowly beating forecasts, as cost cuts helped subsidiary AWD return to operating profit in the third quarter.

"In France, Germany and the Insurance Other segment, we increased our premium income in the third quarter, which gives us confidence in light of the persistently challenging market environment," said Bruno Pfister, chief executive of Switzerland's largest life insurer.