Core Viewpoint - The financial industry, supported by the Trump administration, is attempting to limit lawsuits against retirement plan fiduciaries, particularly targeting the practices of attorney Jerry Schlichter, who has successfully litigated against excessive fees in retirement plans [1][5][20] Group 1: Legal Landscape and Industry Response - Schlichter has successfully sued major companies and institutions, resulting in over $750 million in settlements since 2006, with notable cases including ABB's $55 million settlement in 2019 and Boeing's $57 million settlement in 2015 [2][3][15] - The Trump administration is preparing to implement a "safe harbor" for private assets in 401(k) plans, making it more difficult to sue plans that demonstrate proper investment scrutiny processes [5][6] - The number of lawsuits related to retirement plan fees has surged, with nearly 450 lawsuits filed from 2020 to September 2021, primarily targeting plans with over $500 million in assets [17][18] Group 2: Investment Strategies and Risks - The introduction of private equity and alternative funds into 401(k) plans is seen as a significant shift, with proponents arguing that these investments could potentially increase returns by an average of 0.50% per year over a 40-year period [4][8] - However, these private assets typically come with higher fees and less liquidity compared to traditional stock and bond index funds, raising concerns about their suitability for retirement investors [9][11] - Schlichter warns that the inclusion of private equity in retirement plans could expose fiduciaries to greater risks and complicate their responsibilities, as these investments are often opaque and expensive [11][10] Group 3: Industry Perspectives and Future Outlook - Financial firms argue that private credit strategies can provide significant value to investors, countering the trend of focusing solely on costs [7] - The current regulatory environment is causing companies to be more cautious in their retirement plan offerings, as the fear of litigation may stifle innovation [18] - Despite the changing political landscape, Schlichter remains committed to pursuing legitimate cases, emphasizing that judicial decisions will ultimately shape the law [20]

Broadcast Retirement Network's Jeffrey Snyder discusses the growth of Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) with Pentegra Retirement Services' Bruce Harrington. ...

Core Viewpoint - Jackson Financial Inc. has formed a long-term strategic partnership with TPG Inc. to capitalize on the establishment of a new captive reinsurer, Hickory Brooke Reinsurance Company, aimed at enhancing Jackson's product offerings and market competitiveness [1][9]. Partnership Details - The partnership combines Jackson's expertise in annuity products and distribution with TPG's private credit platform, aiming to expand Jackson's spread-based product sales and provide flexibility for future insurance solutions [3][5]. - TPG will invest $500 million in Jackson, acquiring approximately 6.5% equity stake, while Jackson will issue 4,715,554 shares at $106.03 per share [7][8]. Investment Management Arrangement - Jackson and TPG have established a non-exclusive investment management arrangement for an initial term of 10 years, with automatic one-year renewals through year 15, enhancing Jackson's investment capabilities [5][6]. - TPG will provide Investment Grade Asset Based Finance and Direct Lending capabilities to complement Jackson's asset management expertise through its subsidiary PPM America, Inc. [5][6]. Capitalization of Hickory Re - The capital from TPG's investment, along with $150 million in excess cash from Jackson, will be utilized to capitalize Hickory Re, which is designed to accelerate sales growth of Jackson's fixed and fixed index annuity products [9]. - The transactions are expected to enhance Jackson's future profitability, general account asset growth, and capital generation, supporting continued growth in free cash flow and capital returns to shareholders [10]. Closing Conditions - The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026 [10].

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with a buy rank and strong value characteristics: Jackson Financial, OP Bancorp, and SB Financial Group Company Summaries - **Jackson Financial (JXN)**: A U.S. retirement services provider with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 1.7% over the last 60 days. The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 4.37, significantly lower than the industry average of 10.80, and possesses a Value Score of A [1][2]. - **OP Bancorp (OPBK)**: Provides commercial banking services to retail and institutional customers, also carrying a Zacks Rank 1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.7% over the last 60 days. The company has a P/E ratio of 7.11 compared to the industry average of 11.10, and it also has a Value Score of A [2][3]. - **SB Financial Group (SBFG)**: A financial service holding company offering a full range of financial services, including wealth management and lending. It holds a Zacks Rank 1, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing by 5.4% over the last 60 days. The company has a P/E ratio of 8.35, well below the industry average of 29.40, and possesses a Value Score of A [3][4].

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong income characteristics and a buy rank as of November 19th Group 1: First Hawaiian (FHB) - First Hawaiian offers a range of banking services including deposit products, lending services, and wealth management [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.9% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a dividend yield of 4.5%, surpassing the industry average of 3.1% [2] Group 2: OP Bancorp (OPBK) - OP Bancorp provides commercial banking services to both retail and institutional customers [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.7% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a dividend yield of 3.8%, compared to the industry average of 1.2% [2] Group 3: Jackson Financial (JXN) - Jackson Financial is a U.S. retirement services provider with a diverse portfolio of differentiated products [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 1.7% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a dividend yield of 3.5%, which is higher than the industry average of 1.6% [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted net income reached $1.4 billion, or $2.17 per share, representing a 17% year-over-year increase [3] - Fee-related earnings (FRE) were $652 million, up 23% year-over-year, with management fee growth of 22% [4] - Spread-related earnings (SRE) excluding notables were $846 million, with an estimated Q4 SRE of approximately $880 million, leading to a projected full-year SRE of $3,475 million, an 8% year-over-year growth [4][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asset management generated record inflows of $82 billion, with $59 billion from asset management and $23 billion from retirement services [5] - Average origination for the quarter was $75 billion, with a stable average spread of 350 basis points over Treasuries [5][25] - The retirement services segment saw $23 billion in gross inflows, with year-to-date inflows totaling $69 billion [18][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Record assets under management (AUM) reached $908 billion, a 24% increase year-over-year [36] - The annuity market has significantly expanded, driven by a growing retiree population and demand for guaranteed income [18][34] - The origination volume for the last 12 months exceeded $270 billion, up more than 40% compared to the prior period [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on three strong fundamentals: financing the global industrial renaissance, addressing the retirement crisis, and providing alternatives to public markets [6][7] - The strategy includes expanding origination capabilities and enhancing product offerings across various markets, including insurance and traditional asset management [8][30] - The company anticipates a 20%+ growth in FRE for 2026, driven by existing business momentum and new initiatives [42][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing demand for private assets and the ability to navigate current market conditions [10][11] - The outlook for asset management is bright, with expectations of continued innovation and growth in various segments [16][42] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong origination pipeline to support future growth [24][41] Other Important Information - The company closed the acquisition of Bridge, which is expected to contribute approximately $300 million in annual fee-related revenues [37] - The company executed over $350 million in share repurchases during the quarter, reflecting opportunistic capital management [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion around origination targets and outlook - Management indicated that while origination activity has exceeded expectations, it would be premature to adjust the five-year origination targets at this time [48][49] Question: Wealth market trajectory and product pipeline - Management noted that the wealth market is on pace with previous targets, and the expansion of the product suite is expected to drive future growth [51][52][53] Question: Concerns regarding private letter ratings in insurance - Management refuted concerns about systemic risks related to private letter ratings, emphasizing Athene's strong credit quality and diversified ratings [58][59][63]

Core Points - Athene has declared preferred stock dividends on its non-cumulative preferred stock, payable on December 30, 2025, to holders of record as of December 15, 2025 [1] - The company operates in multiple regions including the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan, with total assets exceeding $400 billion as of June 30, 2025 [3] Dividend Details - The quarterly dividend for Series A Preferred Stock is $396.875 per share, translating to $0.396875 per depositary share [4] - The quarterly dividend for Series B Preferred Stock is $351.5625 per share, translating to $0.3515625 per depositary share [4] - The quarterly dividend for Series D Preferred Stock is $304.6875 per share, translating to $0.3046875 per depositary share [4] - The quarterly dividend for Series E Preferred Stock is $484.375 per share, translating to $0.484375 per depositary share [4] Company Overview - Athene is a leading retirement services company focused on providing financial security through a range of retirement income and savings products [3] - The company also serves as a solutions provider to corporations [3]

Group 1: Global Ship Lease (GSL) - Global Ship Lease owns and charters containerships under long-term, fixed-rate charters to world-class container liner companies [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Value Score of A [2] - The price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 2.79, significantly lower than the industry average of 6.20 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 0.4% over the last 60 days [1] Group 2: Jackson Financial (JXN) - Jackson Financial is a U.S. retirement services provider with a diverse portfolio of differentiated products [1] - The company also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 and has a Value Score of A [3] - The price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 4.6, compared to the industry average of 10.20 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 4.8% over the last 60 days [1] Group 3: GigaCloud Technology Inc. (GCT) - GigaCloud Technology is a pioneer of global end-to-end B2B technology solutions for large parcel merchandise [1] - The company holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and a Value Score of A [4] - The price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 9, lower than the industry average of 13.10 [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2.8% over the last 60 days [1]

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with a buy rank and strong income characteristics as of October 14th, including Global Ship Lease, Janus Henderson Group, and Jackson Financial [1][2][3] Group 1: Global Ship Lease (GSL) - GSL owns and charters containerships under long-term, fixed-rate charters to leading container liner companies [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GSL's current year earnings has increased by 0.4% over the last 60 days [1] - GSL has a dividend yield of 7.6%, significantly higher than the industry average of 1.3% [1] Group 2: Janus Henderson Group (JHG) - JHG is an investment management company providing investment advisory services across various sectors including equities and private equity [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JHG's current year earnings has increased by 2.2% over the last 60 days [2] - JHG has a dividend yield of 3.7%, slightly above the industry average of 3% [2] Group 3: Jackson Financial (JXN) - JXN is a U.S. retirement services provider with a diverse portfolio of differentiated products [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JXN's current year earnings has increased by 4.8% over the last 60 days [3] - JXN has a dividend yield of 3.4%, compared to the industry average of 1.6% [3]

Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment returns Group 1: Company Performance - HudBay Minerals (HBM) has seen a 9.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - GigaCloud Technology Inc. (GCT) has experienced a 6.5% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Weatherford International (WFRD) has reported a 6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Maximus (MMS) has seen a 6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Jackson Financial (JXN) has experienced a 4.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]