Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - F&G reported adjusted net earnings of $165 million, or $1.22 per share, in the third quarter, with alternative investment income at $67 million, or $0.48 per share, below management's long-term expected return [14][15] - Adjusted return on assets (ROA) on a last 12-month basis was 92 basis points, stable compared to the previous year and sequential quarters [16] - Adjusted return on equity (ROE), excluding AOCI, was 8.8%, consistent with the sequential quarter [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - F&G achieved record assets under management (AUM) of $71.4 billion before Flow Reinsurance, a 14% increase year-over-year [5] - Gross sales for the third quarter reached $4.2 billion, with core sales at $2.2 billion, slightly above previous quarters [6] - Indexed annuities contributed $1.7 billion in sales for the quarter, while Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) sales exceeded $500 million [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong demand for retirement savings products, particularly fixed annuities, driven by demographic trends and macroeconomic volatility [10] - The investment portfolio remains diversified and high quality, with 96% of fixed maturities being investment grade [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - F&G is transitioning to a more fee-based, higher margin, and capital-light business model, leveraging its position as a leading distributor of annuities and life insurance [20] - The company aims to grow AUM by 50% and expand adjusted ROA to 133 to 155 basis points by 2026 [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver strong returns and achieve long-term shareholder value [13][62] - The competitive landscape remains active, particularly in the PRT market, with expectations for continued momentum [48] Other Important Information - F&F, the majority owner, plans to distribute approximately 12% of F&G's outstanding shares to its shareholders, increasing F&G's public float from 18% to 30% [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital allocation priorities amidst stock pressure - Management emphasized the focus on growing the fixed index annuity business and owned distribution, with share buybacks being a low priority due to the upcoming share distribution [26][28] Question: Variable investment income expectations - Management indicated that variable investment income is expected to fluctuate, with a near-term run rate in the high single digits [30] Question: Exposure to private letter-rated assets - Management reassured that their portfolio is well-positioned and comfortable, with minimal exposure to private credit concerns [32] Question: Alternatives performance breakdown - Management noted that alternative investments had mixed performance, with LPs performing better than direct lending [35] Question: Operating leverage and expense management - Management expects continued improvement in the operating expense ratio, aiming to reduce it from 60 to 50 basis points by year-end 2025 [56] Question: Comments on F&F's share distribution - Management viewed the increase in free float as a positive development, enhancing institutional ownership and confidence in F&G's future [59]