Aegon (AEG) Wraps Up EUR 1.535B Planned Share Repurchase

Core Insights - Aegon Ltd. has completed a EUR 1.535 billion share repurchase program, acquiring 301 million shares at an average price of EUR 5.0966 per share [1] - The repurchase includes a EUR 1.5 billion buyback linked to the a.s.r. combination, with all repurchased shares to be canceled [1] - Aegon has initiated a new EUR 200 million repurchase program expected to run until the end of 2024, and plans to increase dividends from 30 euro cents per share in 2023 to 40 euro cents by 2025 [1] Financial Performance - Aegon expects to generate operating capital of EUR 1.1 billion in 2024 and aims for a free cash flow of approximately EUR 800 million by 2025 [2] - The company's shares have increased by 8.7% year-to-date, compared to a 10.6% growth in the industry [4] Market Position - Aegon currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while competitors like Ambac Financial Group, Brown & Brown, and Root, Inc. have better rankings [5] - Ambac Financial's earnings estimate for the current year is $1.45 per share, with a significant average surprise of 893.5% over the past four quarters [5] - Brown & Brown's earnings estimate stands at $3.61 per share, indicating a 28.5% year-over-year growth, with an average surprise of 11.9% [6] - Root, Inc. shows a consensus estimate for current-year earnings indicating a 53% year-over-year improvement, with a projected revenue growth of 125.3% for 2024 [7]