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Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report
2024-04-04 13:45
Securities and Exchange Commission Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 6-K Report of Foreign Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d/16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 April 2024 Aegon Ltd. Aegon Limited Statutory seat Principle place of business Bermuda Registrar of Companies number: 202302830 An exempted company with liability Canon’s Court Aegonplein 50 (September 30, 2023) limited by shares 22 Victoria Street 2591 TV Dutch Chamber of Commerce number: 27076669 Hamilton HM 12 The Hague Aegon Limited is a non ...
Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report
2024-04-04 11:23
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 - FORM 20-F - (Mark One) ☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to OR ☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) ...
Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2024-03-01 16:09
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the second half of 2023, operating capital generation before holding funding and operating expenses increased by 16% compared to the same period in 2022, reaching nearly EUR660 million [7][19] - The full year operating capital generation was 14% higher than 2022, totaling nearly EUR1.3 billion, exceeding guidance [7][19] - The IFRS operating result decreased to EUR681 million in the second half of 2023, a 32% decline compared to the prior year period [18][20] - Shareholder's equity per share remained stable at EUR4.27 despite significant capital distributions [7][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. Individual Solutions business, the number of licensed agents increased by 18% year-over-year to nearly 74,000, with multi-ticket agents rising by 12% [9][10] - New life sales in the U.S. increased by 13% compared to 2022, driven by higher indexed universal life sales [11] - In the U.S. Workplace Solutions Retirement Plans business, written sales rose by 72% compared to 2022, with net deposits amounting to $1.2 billion [12] - In the U.K., net deposits in the workplace channel amounted to GBP1.8 billion, while retail channel experienced net outflows of GBP3.1 billion [13][14] - New life sales in growth markets increased by 18% compared to 2022, with significant growth in Brazil and China [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market share of life insurance products sold by WFG remained high at 64% [10] - The group solvency ratio decreased by 9 percentage points to 193% due to the ASR transaction and share buyback [20][36] - The U.S. RBC ratio increased to 432%, remaining well above the operating level of 400% [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Aegon is focused on improving returns from its businesses and generating value for shareholders, with a significant share buyback program and a legal setup move to Bermuda [5][6] - The company aims to increase the number of WFG agents to 110,000 by 2027 and improve agent productivity [9] - Aegon plans to grow its dividend per share, proposing a final dividend of EUR0.16 for 2023, bringing the total to EUR0.30, with a target of EUR0.40 by 2025 [8][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's prospects, highlighting strong commercial momentum in the U.S. business and commitment to financial targets for 2025 [6][44] - The company acknowledged macroeconomic challenges affecting the U.K. retail business and asset management sectors [44] - Management noted that operating results declined partly due to management actions that benefited capital generation [44] Other Important Information - Aegon completed 76% of its EUR1.5 billion share buyback program, returning over EUR1.1 billion to shareholders [8] - The company reported a total comprehensive income of EUR445 million, increasing shareholders' equity despite capital returns [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Operating capital generation guidance for 2024 - Management indicated that the EUR1.1 billion guidance for 2024 includes conservatism, with expectations for new business stream growth [46][48] Question: Remittances trajectory in the U.S. - Management stated that U.S. remittances are expected to grow in the mid-single digits, with a focus on maintaining sufficient capital for growth investments [51][52] Question: Agent recruitment targets for WFG - Management confirmed internal targets for agent recruitment, aiming for 90,000 by 2025 and 110,000 by 2027 [64][65] Question: Dynamics of onerous contracts - Management explained that experience variances are offset in the CSM, and they aim to average out experience variances to around zero over time [68][70]
Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Presentation
2023-12-22 14:24
3Q 2023 Trading Update Lard Friese Matt Rider Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Continuing the execution of Aegon’s strategy ...
Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-11-16 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating capital generation before holding and funding expenses increased by 16% to €354 million, driven by higher earnings on in-force in Transamerica, which rose by 45% in U.S. dollars compared to the prior year [7][20][25] - Free cash flow for Q3 2023 amounted to €79 million, primarily reflecting the interim dividend received from a.s.r. [20][31] - Cash capital at the holding increased to €2.9 billion, largely due to €2.2 billion of cash proceeds from the transaction with a.s.r. [20][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. Individual Solutions business, the number of licensed agents at World Financial Group (WFG) increased by 17% to 69,000, with new life sales up by 10% [10][11] - In the U.S. Workplace Solutions retirement plans business, written sales in the midsize plans segment more than doubled to $1.8 billion compared to Q3 2022 [12] - New life sales in growth markets increased by 34%, driven largely by a Brazilian joint venture where new life sales nearly doubled [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net outflows in the UK workplace channel amounted to £0.4 billion, primarily due to the departure of a low-margin pension scheme, while net deposits excluding this were £0.5 billion [13][64] - The retail channel in the UK experienced weak momentum due to the cost of living crisis, resulting in annualized revenue losses of £6 million [13][66] - In asset management, third-party net outflows amounted to €1.2 billion, driven by outflows from two larger clients [15][70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Aegon is focused on creating leading businesses in investment, protection, and retirement solutions, with a strong emphasis on U.S. strategic assets and growth markets [6][9] - The company is actively managing U.S. financial assets, including a program to purchase institutionally owned universal life policies to reduce mortality risk [9][30] - The partnership with a.s.r. is expected to strengthen Aegon's asset management positions in alternative fixed income and retirement investment solutions in the Netherlands [8][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation and commercial momentum, particularly in U.S. strategic assets [6][34] - The company anticipates continued growth in operating capital generation, with a full-year expectation of around €1.2 billion [8][25] - Management acknowledged the need for improvement in profitability and commercial momentum in the asset management and UK retail business [34][70] Other Important Information - Aegon completed 45% of its €1.5 billion share buyback program, reducing the number of common shares outstanding by 7% compared to June 30 [31] - The company redomiciled to Bermuda, which is expected to provide stability and facilitate regulatory relationships without impacting capital management approaches [9][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide the usual bridge to the underlying operating capital generation for the quarter? - Management provided details on operating capital generation, noting €354 million for the quarter, with operational and experience variances contributing to this figure [37][39] Question: Has the unit linked misselling court ruling against a.s.r. impacted the strategic holding? - Management confirmed satisfaction with the strategic shareholding in a.s.r. and emphasized the expected synergies from the integration of the businesses [38] Question: What is the impact of the buyout of institutionally owned universal life contracts on operating capital generation? - Management indicated that achieving a 40% buyout could lead to an ongoing impact of about €50 million in operating capital generation by 2027 [45][46] Question: What are the reasons for the recent outflows in the UK workplace and retail segments? - Management clarified that the workplace business had positive net flows excluding one low-margin client, while retail outflows were attributed to macroeconomic factors and competition [64][66]
Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-08-18 01:17
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating result increased by 3% compared to the first half of 2022, driven by increases in the U.S., the U.K., and the International segments, offset by a decrease in Asset Management [30][32] - Operating capital generation before holding, funding, and operating expenses increased by 13% compared to the first half of 2022, reflecting business growth in the U.S. [8][37] - Free cash flow in the first half of 2023 amounted to €287 million, primarily reflecting remittances from the U.S., the U.K., and Aegon's asset management joint venture in China [31] - The group Solvency II ratio decreased by 6 percentage points since year-end 2022 to 202% due to various factors including the deduction of the interim dividend and unfavorable market movements [31][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transamerica delivered strong sales growth in all U.S. Strategic Assets, with new life sales increasing by 17% compared to the first half of last year [15][16] - The U.K. Workplace Solutions platform saw net deposits amounting to a record high of GBP 1.5 billion, an increase of 36% compared to the first half of last year [17] - The Asset Management business faced challenges, with Assets Under Management declining by 7% compared to the end of June 2022 due to adverse market conditions [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New Life sales in growth markets increased by 45% compared to the first half of 2022, largely driven by business growth in China and Brazil [20] - Non-life premium production in Spain and Portugal rose by 6%, with growth in Accident and Health insurance offsetting weaker demand for Property and Casualty Solutions [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three core markets, three growth markets, and one global asset manager, aiming to reduce exposure to U.S. Financial Assets and improve capital generation predictability [7][12] - Aegon plans to increase its dividend to around €0.40 per share by 2025, having increased the 2023 interim dividend to €0.14 per share, up more than 25% compared to the 2022 interim dividend [10][44] - The company intends to transfer its legal seat to Bermuda, which is expected to provide stability and support the execution of its global strategy [23][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong financial position and prospects, emphasizing the importance of executing the transformation strategy [10][44] - The management highlighted the need for further work on Asset Management and the U.K. Retail business, with plans to address these areas in 2024 [44] Other Important Information - The company has closed the transaction with a.s.r. and initiated a €1.5 billion share buyback program, expected to be completed by June 2024 [6][11] - Aegon has increased its financial stake in its Brazilian joint venture and expanded partnerships in the U.K. and France [7][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Operating Capital Generation (OCG) and New Business Strain - The OCG reported for the second quarter was €328 million, with favorable claims experience contributing significantly [49] - The reduction in New Business Strain was primarily from the Retirement Plans business, while life insurance continued to see growth [50] Question: U.S. Claims Experience - The mortality claims experience was better than expected, but management does not anticipate this trend to continue [60] - The Universal Life buyout program has been ongoing, with significant capital generation expected from it [62] Question: U.K. Partnership with Nationwide - The extended partnership with Nationwide is aimed at enhancing customer access to Aegon's products and improving advisory services [69] Question: CSM Roll Forward and Policyholder Experience - The CSM release was primarily driven by the Financial Assets portfolio, which is expected to decline over time as these assets run off [75] - The company is focused on improving agent productivity within the WFG distribution network [73]
Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2023-06-29 16:00
Filing Information This section details Aegon N.V.'s June 2023 Form 6-K filing, including pro forma financial information and official signature [Report Details](index=1&type=section&id=Report%20Details) Aegon N.V.'s June 2023 Form 6-K includes unaudited pro forma financial data for the Aegon NL disposition - Aegon N.V. filed a Form 6-K report for June 2023[1](index=1&type=chunk) - The report includes unaudited pro forma financial information concerning the disposition of Aegon NL businesses[1](index=1&type=chunk) [Signature](index=2&type=section&id=Signature) The report was signed by J.H.P.M. van Rossum, Head of Corporate Financial Center, on June 30, 2023 - The report was signed by J.H.P.M. van Rossum, Head of Corporate Financial Center, on June 30, 2023[2](index=2&type=chunk) Pro Forma Financial Information Overview This section outlines Aegon N.V.'s disposition of Aegon NL to a.s.r., detailing the transaction and pro forma presentation basis [Transaction Background and Purpose](index=3&type=section&id=Transaction%20Background%20and%20Purpose) Aegon N.V. is disposing of Aegon NL to a.s.r. for **€2.2 billion** cash and a **29.99%** equity stake, expected to close in H2 2023 - Aegon N.V. is disposing of its Dutch pension, life, non-life insurance, banking, and mortgage origination activities (Aegon NL) to ASR Nederland N.V. (a.s.r.)[4](index=4&type=chunk) - The transaction, announced on October 27, 2022, was approved by Aegon's EGM on January 17, 2023, and is expected to close in H2 2023, subject to regulatory approvals[4](index=4&type=chunk) ASR Transaction Consideration | Consideration Type | Value/Stake | | :----------------- | :---------- | | Gross Cash Proceeds | EUR 2.2 billion | | Equity Stake | 29.99% in a.s.r. ordinary shares | [Basis of Pro Forma Presentation](index=4&type=section&id=Basis%20of%20Pro%20Forma%20Presentation) The pro forma financial information presents Aegon N.V.'s consolidated statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, excluding Aegon NL, as if the ASR transaction had been completed on January 1, 2022. Aegon NL's assets and liabilities were already classified as held for sale and discontinued operations in Aegon's 2022 Annual Report - The pro forma financial information assumes the ASR transaction was consummated as of January 1, 2022[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Aegon NL's assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale and discontinued operations in Aegon's 2022 Annual Report on Form 20-F[5](index=5&type=chunk) Pro Forma Financial Statements This section presents Aegon N.V.'s pro forma consolidated statements of comprehensive income and financial position post-Aegon NL disposition [Pro forma Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income of Aegon N.V.](index=5&type=section&id=Pro%20forma%20Condensed%20consolidated%20statement%20of%20comprehensive%20income%20of%20Aegon%20N.V.) The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2022, shows a pro forma net result from continuing and discontinued operations of **(€1,582) million**, reflecting a **(€178) million** adjustment from the historical **(€1,404) million**. Total comprehensive income/loss attributable to owners of Aegon N.V. decreased from **(€10,991) million** historically to **(€10,446) million** pro forma, after a **€545 million** adjustment Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (EUR millions) | Item | Historical (2022) | Pro Forma Adjustments | Pro Forma (Unaudited) | | :---------------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | | Net result from continuing and discontinued operations | (1,404) | (178) | (1,582) | | Total other comprehensive income/ (loss) | (9,545) | 723 | (8,823) | | Total comprehensive income/ (loss) | (10,950) | 545 | (10,405) | | Total comprehensive income/ (loss) attributable to: Owners of Aegon N.V. | (10,991) | 545 | (10,446) | [Pro forma Condensed consolidated statement of financial position of Aegon N.V.](index=6&type=section&id=Pro%20forma%20Condensed%20consolidated%20statement%20of%20financial%20position%20of%20Aegon%20N.V.) The pro forma condensed consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2022, reflects significant adjustments due to the Aegon NL disposition. Total assets decreased by **€83,661 million** to **€318,125 million**, primarily from the exclusion of **€89,752 million** in assets held for sale. Group equity saw a **(€557) million** adjustment, resulting in a pro forma total of **€13,633 million** Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (EUR millions) | Item | Historical (2022) | Pro Forma Adjustments | Pro Forma (Unaudited) | | :--------------------------------- | :---------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | | **Assets** | | | | | Cash and cash equivalents | 3,407 | 2,368 | 5,775 | | Assets held for sale | 89,752 | (89,752) | — | | Investments in associates | 165 | 2,564 | 2,729 | | Total assets | 401,786 | (83,661) | 318,125 | | **Equity and Liabilities** | | | | | Group equity | 14,190 | (557) | 13,633 | | Liabilities held for sale | 84,339 | (84,339) | — | | Total liabilities | 387,596 | (83,104) | 304,492 | | Total equity and liabilities | 401,786 | (83,661) | 318,125 | Notes to Pro Forma Financial Statements Adjustments This section details specific adjustments to Aegon N.V.'s pro forma financial statements, covering income, balance sheet, and equity [Adjustment to Net Result from Continuing and Discontinued Operations](index=7&type=section&id=1.%20Adjustment%20to%20%22Net%20result%20from%20continuing%20and%20discontinued%20operations%22) The **(€178) million** adjustment to net result primarily reflects the exclusion of **€379 million** from discontinued operations, the inclusion of a **€941 million** remaining impairment, and fair value adjustments for a.s.r. (**€136 million**) and Aegon NL (**€327 million**) as of January 1, 2022. It also includes **€163 million** from a.s.r. dividends Key Components of Net Result Adjustment (EUR millions) | Component | Impact | | :------------------------------------------------ | :----- | | Exclusion of net result from discontinued operations | (379) | | Inclusion of remaining impairment upon sale completion | 941 | | Fair value adjustment of a.s.r. (Jan 1, 2022) | (136) | | Fair value adjustment of Aegon NL (Jan 1, 2022) | 327 | | 2022 result of share in associate a.s.r. (dividends) | 163 | - The valuation of Aegon's **29.99%** stake in a.s.r. is dependent on the actual share price at closing, with a pro forma assumption of **€40.50 per share** as of January 1, 2022, compared to a closing price of **€38.58** on June 16, 2023[10](index=10&type=chunk) - No adjustment was made for possible stranded head-office costs, and the long-term asset management agreement with a.s.r. is assumed to have a **zero net impact on earnings**[10](index=10&type=chunk) [Adjustment to Discontinued Operations (Non-reclassified OCI)](index=7&type=section&id=2.%20Adjustment%20to%20%22Discontinued%20operations%20that%20will%20not%20be%20reclassified%22) A **(€703) million** adjustment was made to exclude other comprehensive income items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss, pertaining to discontinued operations Adjustment to Discontinued Operations (Non-reclassified OCI) | Item | Adjustment (EUR millions) | | :---------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------ | | Exclusion of non-reclassifiable OCI items from discontinued operations | (703) | [Adjustment to Discontinued Operations (Reclassifiable OCI)](index=7&type=section&id=3.%20Adjustment%20to%20%22Discontinued%20operations%20that%20may%20be%20reclassified%22) A **€1,426 million** adjustment was made to exclude other comprehensive income items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss, pertaining to discontinued operations Adjustment to Discontinued Operations (Reclassifiable OCI) | Item | Adjustment (EUR millions) | | :-------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------ | | Exclusion of reclassifiable OCI items from discontinued operations | 1,426
Aegon(AEG) - 2023 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-05-18 02:08
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aegon reported operating capital generation of €292 million for Q1 2023, a 5% increase compared to Q1 2022, driven by business growth and improved claims experience [14][17] - Free cash flow for the quarter was €47 million, primarily reflecting remittances from Aegon's asset management joint venture in China [14] - The Group Solvency II ratio increased by two percentage points to 210%, supported by capital generation and diversification benefits [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New life sales in the Individual Solutions business increased by 21% year-over-year, largely due to higher indexed universal life sales [7] - U.S. Workplace Solutions saw written sales of USD 2.6 billion, doubling the amount from the same quarter last year, driven by a significant contract win [8][9] - The U.K. Workplace channel experienced a 5% increase in net deposits, while the retail channel faced net outflows of £413 million due to adverse market conditions [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aegon’s asset management faced third-party net outflows of €1.3 billion, primarily from its Chinese asset management joint venture, reflecting subdued investor sentiment [11] - Growth Markets reported a 27% increase in new life sales, particularly in China following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Aegon is focused on optimizing its portfolio, having sold its U.K. protection business and divested several non-core activities in Asia [5][12] - The company aims to regain a top five position in selected life insurance products and is investing in alternative asset management capabilities [7][12] - Aegon is progressing with the a.s.r. transaction, expecting to close in the second half of 2023, which will further streamline its operations [5][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering on strategic commitments and 2023 financial guidance despite ongoing global market volatility [6][25] - The company anticipates that the U.S. mortality experience will improve, with expectations of better results in the latter part of the year [35] Other Important Information - Aegon has maintained a strong balance sheet, with cash capital at the holding level decreasing to €1.4 billion, within the target range [14][18] - The company is actively managing its financial assets, achieving 97% hedge effectiveness on variable annuity guarantees [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the Aegon Netherlands closing timeline - Management confirmed they are on track for a July closing, pending regulatory approvals, and discussed the implications for holding company costs post-transaction [29][30] Question: Characteristics of new business strain and profitability - New business strain in the U.S. was €168 million for Q1 2023, aligned with increased sales, and the company targets internal rates of return above 10% [34] Question: Dividend upstreaming and free cash flow guidance - Management reiterated guidance of around €600 million in free cash flow for 2023, with confidence in meeting this target [66][69] Question: Dutch Solvency II ratio and market movements - The Dutch Solvency II ratio decreased to 191% due to model updates and market movements, but management noted improvements in the second quarter [70] Question: Commercial mortgage loan book performance - Management expressed confidence in the commercial mortgage loan book, reporting no delinquencies and a low loan-to-value ratio [52]
Aegon(AEG) - 2022 Q4 - Annual Report
2023-03-21 16:00
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 - FORM 20-F - (Mark One) ☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to OR ☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) ...
Aegon(AEG) - 2022 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2023-02-09 13:33
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating result for 2022 was stable at EUR1.9 billion, supported by expense savings and improved claims experience, but offset by lower fees due to adverse market movements [19][20] - Operating capital generation before holding funding and operating expenses amounted to EUR1.5 billion for 2022, reflecting similar drivers as the operating result [19] - Free cash flow for 2022 was EUR780 million, with a cumulative total of EUR1.5 billion over the last two years, exceeding the target of EUR1.4 billion to EUR1.6 billion for the period 2021 to 2023 [16][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Life insurance sales in growth markets and the U.S. increased, with individual solutions achieving the highest quarterly new life sales in five years [7][11] - The U.S. Retirement business recorded written sales of $7.9 billion in 2022, despite challenging market conditions [12] - The U.K. workplace business achieved the highest level of net deposits in four years, while the retail channel faced outflows due to weak investor sentiment [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Asset Management, challenging market conditions led to net outflows of EUR3.8 billion in Global Platforms, although the Chinese joint venture AIFMC reported net deposits of EUR3.6 billion [15][46] - The Netherlands saw a cooling housing market impacting mortgage sales, yet the mortgage portfolio grew to nearly EUR63 billion [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic agenda and maintaining a high pace in transformation, closing out the operational improvement plan with significant expense savings [16][35] - Aegon aims to regain a top five position in selected life products in the U.S. and is investing in profitable growth through new product introductions and expanding distribution [10][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging macroeconomic environment but highlighted strong performance in strategic assets and a commitment to return surplus capital to shareholders [6][7] - The company expects at least EUR1 billion in operating capital generation from units outside the Netherlands in 2023, with free cash flow projected around EUR600 million [33] Other Important Information - A final dividend of EUR0.12 per common share for 2022 was proposed, bringing the total dividend to EUR0.23, an increase from EUR0.17 in 2021 [7][17] - A new EUR200 million share buyback program was announced for the first half of 2023, following a completed EUR300 million buyback program [7][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on new capital generation guidance - Management indicated that the new business strain is expected to increase relative to 2022, with a neutral effect from mortality and morbidity for 2023 [38][40] Question: Status on top five aspirations in Retirement Plans sales - Management confirmed progress towards top five positions but indicated that further updates would be provided during the Capital Markets Day in the second quarter of 2023 [39][41] Question: Clarification on dividend and free cash flow guidance - Management explained that the EUR600 million free cash flow includes the interim dividend from a.s.r., and the payout ratio is considered normal [43][49] Question: Outlook for Asset Management flows - Management noted that the start of 2023 has shown better market conditions, but it is too early to predict the overall performance of the Asset Management business [44][46] Question: Details on Solvency II ratios and capital return timeline - Management clarified that model and assumption changes affecting Solvency II ratios are company-specific, and the EUR1.5 billion capital return will be executed primarily through share buybacks within a year after the a.s.r. transaction closes [65][67]