Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-GAAP operating earnings were $455 million, or $1.48 per share, down 6% year over year on a per-share basis [4][14] - Adjusted for notable items, non-GAAP operating EPS was $1.67, up 2% compared to the prior year [5][14] - Total assets under management reached a record $1.1 trillion, up 4% sequentially and 7% year over year [5][14][16] - The consolidated GAAP net loss was $1.3 billion, primarily due to a one-time impact from asset transfers related to the life reinsurance transaction [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retirement businesses generated $1.1 billion of net flows during the quarter, driven by growth in umbrella sales [5] - Wealth management had $2.2 billion of advisory net inflows, reflecting a 12% annualized growth rate [5] - Asset management reported total net outflows of $2.3 billion, but excluding low-fee assets transferred to RGA, net inflows were $1.7 billion [5][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retirement segment saw a 7% increase in RILA sales, achieving record sales in nine of the last ten quarters [31][44] - Private markets assets increased 17% year over year to $80 billion, on track to meet the $90-$100 billion target by 2027 [5][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three core growth businesses: retirement, asset management, and wealth management, which provide synergies and flywheel benefits [8][9] - Key strategic pillars include defending and growing existing businesses, scaling high-growth wealth management, and investing in high-potential opportunities [8][9] - The acquisition of Stifel Independent Advisors aims to enhance the wealth management business, expected to close in the first half of 2026 [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2027 financial targets, supported by strong organic growth momentum and increased assets under management [4][23] - The company anticipates continued double-digit growth in wealth management earnings, driven by asset growth and improved advisor productivity [11][18] - Management expects to see less volatility in life results going forward due to the benefits of the life reinsurance transaction [14][35] Other Important Information - The company returned $757 million to shareholders, including $676 million in share repurchases, and reduced outstanding debt by $500 million [7][21] - The adjusted debt to capital ratio was reported at 24.5% [16] - The consolidated tax rate for the quarter was 17%, below the normal expectation of 20% [20][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Perspectives on the private credit environment and underwriting process - Management views private credit as a good asset class and emphasizes the importance of underwriting capabilities [25][28] Question: Differentiation in the RILA market amidst increased competition - The company maintains a sustainable edge through attractive yields, privileged distribution, and a track record of innovation [31][32] Question: Comments on unfavorable mortality experience and expectations for normalization - Management noted that retained experience was only about $10 million worse than expected, indicating modest impact from mortality [35] Question: Strategy for capital deployment from the RGA deal - The company plans to balance capital returns and acquisitions, emphasizing the ability to do both due to excess capital [58][59] Question: Growth opportunities in the spread lending business - The company has significant capacity to grow the FABN business, having issued about $4.5 billion year to date [61]