Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted operating earnings for the first quarter of 2025 were $376 million, reflecting a 13% increase compared to the previous year [5][13] - Adjusted operating earnings per share rose over 20% year-over-year, reaching $5.2, up from $4.16 in the prior year's first quarter [6][16] - The estimated Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratio increased to 585%, well above the minimum requirement of 425% [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail annuity sales exceeded $4 billion, marking a more than 9% increase from the previous year [7] - Sales of variable annuities grew by 9% year-over-year, totaling $2.7 billion, with a notable 40% increase in sales of variable annuities without living benefits [7][8] - Fixed and fixed indexed annuity sales showed meaningful growth, although at a moderated level compared to the second half of the previous year [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advisory sales increased by 28% compared to the first quarter of 2024, with an annual run rate exceeding $1 billion [10] - The average retail annuity assets under management (AUM) rose to $246 billion, up from $242 billion in the first quarter of 2024 [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to growth, focusing on both organic and inorganic opportunities, including potential acquisitions in the annuity business [38] - Jackson is committed to product innovation and expanding distribution channels, particularly through financial professionals at JPMorgan Wealth Management [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating market volatility, emphasizing the importance of providing security to Americans planning for retirement [11][33] - The company remains focused on delivering flexible protection and income-oriented solutions, which are increasingly valued during uncertain market conditions [12] Other Important Information - The company returned over $230 million to common shareholders in the first quarter, with a cash dividend of $0.80 per share approved for the second quarter [10][11] - The hedging program reported a consolidated net hedge loss of $134 million, but the overall strategy has provided stability in capital generation [20][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Interest in acquiring in the annuity business - Management acknowledged past successful acquisitions and stated that future opportunities would be evaluated against the value of share buybacks or balance sheet strengthening [38] Question: Strategy regarding spread-based products - Management indicated that they are actively evaluating competitiveness and pricing strategies while maintaining discipline in their approach to spread products [41] Question: Fee-based advisers selling more annuities - Management highlighted the importance of providing choice to advisers and the growth of modeling and financial planning tools that support both fee-based and commission structures [50]