Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameriprise reported adjusted operating revenue growth of 10% to $4.9 billion in Q4 2025, driven by strong organic client flows and market performance [14][25] - Earnings per share increased by 16% to $10.83, with a return on equity reaching a record high of 53.2% [14][15] - Assets under management, administration, and advisement grew to $1.7 trillion, up 11% year-over-year [15][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Advice & Wealth Management (AWM) adjusted operating net revenues increased by 12% to $3.2 billion, benefiting from higher client assets and activity levels [29] - The RAP business saw assets increase by 17% to $670 billion, with net inflows of $12.1 billion in the quarter [27][16] - Asset management operating earnings rose by 17% to $293 million, with total assets under management and advisement reaching $721 billion, up both year-over-year and sequentially [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client assets reached a new record of $1.2 trillion at year-end, up 13% from focused actions to drive flows and positive market conditions [15][27] - Total client inflows were $13.3 billion, up 18%, marking one of the best quarters for flows [16][27] - Transactional activity increased by 5% year-over-year, primarily from growth in annuity products and brokerage [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing in technology, digital capabilities, AI, and cloud infrastructure to enhance client and advisor experiences [15][24] - Ameriprise aims to leverage its diversified revenue streams and effective expense management to sustain strong financial performance even in challenging environments [8][15] - The firm is committed to maintaining a competitive edge through continuous innovation and enhancing its value proposition for advisors [9][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a fluid operating environment with elevated inflation and interest rate changes impacting the market, but expressed confidence in the company's resilience and relevance [7][14] - The outlook for 2026 remains positive, with expectations for continued organic growth and strong recruiting momentum [60][61] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong advisor value proposition and client satisfaction to drive future growth [18][19] Other Important Information - Ameriprise returned over 100% of operating earnings to shareholders in Q4 2025, with a total capital return for the year reaching nearly 90% [25][36] - The company was recognized as one of America's Most Iconic Companies by TIME and included in several prestigious rankings for management and responsibility [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help reconcile the acceleration in net new flows with the lower distribution expense ratio? - Management noted strong flows in Q4 were driven by organic growth and improved advisor productivity, with distribution expenses aligned with revenue growth [38][40] Question: What should we expect for 2026 growth in firm-wide OpEx and G&A growth within AWM? - Management indicated continued investment in technology and services while also transforming the expense base to maintain efficiency [44][48] Question: Can you provide more color on the strong results in Q4 2025 and expectations for early 2026? - Management highlighted strong organic growth and advisor retention, with a positive outlook for recruiting and flows [51][53] Question: How should we think about the buyback going forward? - Management expressed confidence in returning capital to shareholders, maintaining a range of 85%-90% for capital return based on current capabilities [54][55] Question: What does the consolidation opportunity look like for asset management? - Management acknowledged ongoing consolidation in the industry but emphasized their strong technology capabilities and product offerings to attract assets [98][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameriprise reported adjusted operating revenue growth of 10% to $4.9 billion in Q4 2025, with earnings increasing 10% to over $1 billion and EPS rising 16% to $10.83 [16][27] - Return on equity reached a record high of 53.2%, up over 100 basis points [16][27] - Total assets under management, administration, and advisement grew to $1.7 trillion, up 11% year-over-year [17][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth management adjusted operating net revenues increased 12% to $3.2 billion, driven by strong client engagement and higher activity levels [31] - The RAP business saw assets increase 17% to a record high of $670 billion, with net inflows of $12.1 billion in the quarter [29][18] - Asset management operating earnings increased 17% to $293 million, with total assets under management and advisement reaching $721 billion, up 6% [34][23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client assets reached a new record of $1.2 trillion at year-end, up 13% from focused actions to drive flows and positive market conditions [17][29] - Total client inflows were $13.3 billion, up 18%, marking one of the best quarters for flows [18][29] - Transactional activity increased 5% year-over-year, primarily from growth in annuity products and brokerage [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ameriprise is focused on leveraging investments in technology, digital capabilities, AI, and cloud infrastructure to enhance client and advisor experiences [17][18] - The company aims to continue its strong recruiting momentum, having added 91 experienced advisors in Q4 2025, with a strong pipeline for future recruitment [21][22] - Ameriprise's strategy includes maintaining a diversified revenue stream and effective expense management to sustain strong financial performance [9][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The operating environment remains fluid, with elevated inflation and signs of softening in the labor market, but Ameriprise continues to demonstrate resilience [8][9] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to sustain strong financial performance even in challenging environments, supported by a complementary mix of revenue streams [9][16] - The company is optimistic about its growth prospects moving into 2026, with a clear strategy and ongoing innovation [26][38] Other Important Information - Ameriprise returned over 100% of operating earnings to shareholders in Q4 2025, with a total capital return for the year of nearly 90% [25][28] - The company was recognized as one of America's Most Iconic Companies by TIME and included in several prestigious rankings for management and responsibility [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Organic growth and recruiting backdrop - Management noted strong organic growth and new client flows, with good retention levels contributing to the positive results [40][42] Question: Expense outlook for 2026 - Management indicated that while investments will continue, they are also focused on transforming the expense base to maintain efficiency [46][50] Question: Buyback strategy and excess capital - The company plans to maintain a capital return range of 85%-90% of operating earnings, with a focus on returning capital to shareholders [56][57] Question: Cash growth and seasonal trends - Management acknowledged seasonal factors affecting cash growth but expressed confidence in underlying cash generation capabilities [95][96] Question: Consolidation opportunities in asset management - Management highlighted ongoing transformation and investment in technology to enhance capabilities and maintain competitive margins [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameriprise reported a strong fourth quarter with adjusted operating revenue growing 10% to $4.9 billion, driven by strong organic client flows and markets [11] - Earnings increased 10% to over $1 billion, with earnings per share rising 16% to $10.83 [11] - Return on equity reached a record high of 53.2%, up over 100 basis points [11][12] - Assets under management, administration, and advisement grew to $1.7 trillion, up 11% year-over-year [12][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth management adjusted operating net revenues increased 12% to $3.2 billion, benefiting from higher client assets and activity levels [25] - The RAP business saw assets increase 17% to a record high of $670 billion, with net inflows of $12.1 billion in the quarter [23][14] - Transactional activity increased 5% year-over-year, primarily from growth in annuity products and brokerage [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client assets reached a new record of $1.2 trillion at year-end, up 13% from focused actions to drive flows and positive markets [13] - Total client inflows were $13.3 billion, up 18%, marking one of the best quarters for flows [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on investing in technology, digital capabilities, AI, and cloud infrastructure to enhance client and advisor experiences [12] - Ameriprise is leveraging its diversified business model and disciplined management to sustain strong financial performance [5] - The firm aims to continue innovating and transforming its market approach while maintaining a strong capital return strategy [21][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a fluid operating environment with elevated inflation and signs of softening in the labor market, but remains optimistic about the company's resilience [5] - The company is well-positioned for future challenges, with a strong mix of revenue streams and effective expense management [6] - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong organic growth and advisor productivity moving into 2026 [34][39] Other Important Information - Ameriprise was recognized as one of America's Most Iconic Companies by TIME and included in the Wall Street Journal's list of best-managed companies for 2025 [21][22] - The company returned over 100% of operating earnings to shareholders in the fourth quarter, with a total capital return for the year of nearly 90% [20][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help reconcile the acceleration in net new flows with the lower distribution expense ratio? - Management noted strong flows in Q4 were driven by organic growth and good retention, with distribution expenses in line with revenue growth [33][34] Question: What should we expect for organic growth and distribution expenses in 2026? - Management feels confident about organic growth and expects distribution expenses to remain within comfortable ranges [34][36] Question: Can you provide more color on the strong net new assets in wealth management? - Management acknowledged seasonality but emphasized strong fundamentals and a solid pipeline for recruiting experienced advisors [41][39] Question: What is the outlook for the buyback and the use of excess capital? - Management indicated a commitment to returning capital to shareholders, with a target range of 85%-90% for capital return [40][31] Question: How does the company manage risks associated with consolidation in the banking channel? - Management expressed confidence in the partnership with Comerica and the opportunities presented by consolidation in the financial institutions business [45][46]

Group 1 - Equitable Holdings (NYSE:EQH) is recognized as one of the best financial pure plays under $100, with a bullish rating initiated by Mizuho Securities analyst Yaron Kinar, who set a price target of $66, indicating over 37% upside potential from current levels [1] - Kinar's positive outlook is attributed to a strong preference for life insurance businesses, where Equitable Holdings has a significant presence through a comprehensive suite of products, including Variable Universal Life, Indexed Universal Life, Term Life insurance, and Annuities [2] - As of December 30, Equitable Holdings received coverage from 8 analysts, with 6 assigning Buy ratings and 2 giving Hold ratings, leading to a median 1-year price target of $63, which implies nearly 31% upside from the current market price [3] Group 2 - Equitable Holdings is a leading financial services firm in the United States, providing retirement plans, wealth management, insurance, and protection services, along with a diverse array of products [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameriprise Financial reported adjusted operating EPS excluding unlocking increased by 12% to $9.92, with a strong margin of 27% across the firm [16][17] - Assets under management, administration, and advisement reached a record high of $1.7 trillion, up 8% year over year [5][17] - Adjusted operating net revenues excluding unlocking increased by 6% to $4.6 billion, driven by asset growth [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Wealth Management, adjusted operating net revenues increased by 9% to $3 billion, with client assets growing to a record $1.1 trillion [19][20] - Wrap assets increased by 14% to $650 billion, with wrap flows of $30 billion over the past year [18][19] - Retirement and Protection Solutions reported pre-tax adjusted operating earnings of $200 million, reflecting strong interest earnings and higher equity markets [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net outflows in asset management improved significantly to $3.4 billion, with retail flows benefiting from higher gross sales [23] - The company experienced solid interest in variable universal life and structured variable annuities, indicating strong demand in the market [9][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on sustainable, profitable growth and enhancing its value proposition through investments in technology and advisor capabilities [7][12] - Ameriprise Financial is leveraging its bank to minimize the impact of Fed Funds rate reductions on its AWM business [22] - The launch of the Signature Wealth Platform is expected to attract new assets and improve client portfolio management [8][112] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a fluid operating environment with elevated inflation and interest rates, but emphasized the company's resilience and relevance [4][5] - The company is well-positioned for future challenges, supported by a diversified revenue mix and effective expense management [5][12] - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate market changes and maintain strong client satisfaction [12][15] Other Important Information - Ameriprise Financial returned $3.1 billion of capital to shareholders over the past 12 months, maintaining a strong capital return strategy [26] - The company has a strong balance sheet with excess capital of $2.2 billion and $2.5 billion of available liquidity [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the Comerica relationship given the recent M&A? - Management expressed confidence in the relationship with Comerica, highlighting strong reviews from their executives and advisors [32][34] Question: Can you unpack what happened with the two large advisor teams that left? - Management indicated that the departures were one-off events and emphasized strong recruiting efforts, bringing in 90 new advisors [36][38] Question: Is the lower flow activity this year an indicator of market conditions? - Management suggested that the market is hot, but client engagement and transaction activity remain strong [40][41] Question: Do you see opportunities arising from potential over-leveraging in the market? - Management affirmed that downturns present opportunities, emphasizing the company's strong fundamentals and client satisfaction [43] Question: Can you provide an update on the Signature Wealth Platform rollout? - Management reported that the rollout is going well, with positive feedback from advisors and early success in attracting new assets [110][112]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameriprise reported adjusted operating EPS increased by 7% to $9.11, with a strong margin of 27% [22] - Adjusted operating net revenues increased by 4% to $4.3 billion, driven by asset growth and strong transactional activity [22][24] - Return on equity remains high at 52%, among the best in the industry [7][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth Management adjusted operating net revenues increased by 6% to $2.8 billion, benefiting from strong net inflows and market appreciation [28] - Client assets grew to a record $1.1 trillion, up 11%, with total WRAP assets increasing by 15% [9][26] - Asset Management total assets under management and administration increased to $690 billion, up 2% year-over-year and 5% sequentially [15][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Assets under management, administration, and advisement reached a new high of $1.6 trillion, reflecting strong client flows and equity market appreciation [7][24] - The bank's total assets increased by 6%, with good loan growth driven by new product launches [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on significant investments in client experience, technology, digital capabilities, and AI to enhance productivity and client engagement [8][10] - Ameriprise aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while returning capital to shareholders, targeting an 85% payout ratio for the second half of the year [20][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic direction and competitive strengths of the business despite market volatility and economic uncertainties [6][21] - The company anticipates continued growth opportunities from cash holdings on the sidelines and strong client engagement [9][10] Other Important Information - Ameriprise was recognized for outstanding overall satisfaction and quality of advice, receiving accolades from Kiplinger's and Fortune [21] - The company maintains a strong excess capital position of $2.3 billion above regulatory requirements [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of software flows in 2Q and indications of NNA reaccelerating - Management noted that flows were impacted by tax payments and market conditions but started to recover later in the quarter [37][38] Question: Year-on-year trajectory for AWM distribution expense - Management indicated that distribution expenses are influenced by advisor productivity and compensation structures, with some rational behavior observed in the market [39][41] Question: Recruiting strategy and market outlook - Management highlighted a focus on selling the total value proposition to advisors, emphasizing productivity and support rather than just competitive packages [46][48] Question: Update on annuities and their positioning - Management confirmed continued interest in structured annuities and those without living benefits, aligning with clients' retirement needs [50][51] Question: Share buybacks and payout ratio expectations - Management stated that the target payout ratio is 85%, with the potential for adjustments based on shareholder interests [56] Question: Competitive environment and advisor growth expectations - Management confirmed that advisor numbers are growing, with a focus on maintaining productivity and quality rather than just increasing headcount [60][62] Question: Risk transfer updates and investment income - Management noted improvements in life claims contributing to profitability, with no current strategic risk transfer opportunities identified [64][66] Question: Bank and credit union pipeline updates - Management expressed confidence in the bank's pipeline and ongoing efforts to secure deals [81][82] Question: Asset management flow performance and outlook - Management acknowledged higher redemptions but noted good underlying sales and product development initiatives [88][90] Question: Balancing human capital addition versus automation - Management emphasized ongoing investments in technology and AI to enhance advisor capabilities while managing expenses [91][93] Question: Pipeline opportunities across affiliation channels - Management confirmed a broad recruitment strategy focusing on appropriate advisors and a strong pipeline for the upcoming quarter [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ameriprise Financial reported adjusted operating EPS increased by 7% to $9.11, with a strong margin of 27% [23][25] - Total revenues increased by 4% to $4.3 billion, driven by asset growth and strong transactional activity [23][25] - Return on equity remains high at 52%, reflecting the company's strong profitability [7][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth Management adjusted operating net revenues increased by 6% to $2.8 billion, benefiting from strong net inflows and market appreciation [28] - Client assets grew to a record $1.1 trillion, up 11%, with total WRAP assets increasing by 15% [9][26] - Asset Management total assets under management and administration increased to $690 billion, up 2% year-over-year and 5% sequentially [16][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Assets under management, administration, and advisement reached a new high of $1.6 trillion, benefiting from strong client flows and equity market appreciation [7][25] - The company experienced $8.7 billion in outflows in the quarter, largely driven by higher institutional impacts [17][88] - Gross sales in Global Retail increased by about 10% year-over-year, despite higher underlying redemptions [17][88] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest significantly in technology, digital capabilities, and AI to enhance client experience and advisor productivity [8][12] - Ameriprise launched Signature Wealth to improve wealth management capabilities, allowing advisors to manage client assets more holistically [12] - The company aims to maintain a balanced approach to share buybacks and dividends, targeting an 85% payout ratio for the second half of the year [21][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strategic direction and competitive strengths of the business, despite market volatility and economic uncertainties [6][22] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the wealth management sector, supported by high client satisfaction ratings [8][22] - Management noted that the economic environment remains firm, but uncertainties around tariffs could impact future performance [7][22] Other Important Information - Ameriprise received recognition for outstanding overall satisfaction and was named one of America's most innovative companies in 2025 [22] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with excess capital of $2.3 billion above regulatory requirements [34] - The Retirement and Protection Solutions segment reported a 9% increase in pretax adjusted operating earnings, reflecting strong interest earnings and favorable life claims [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of software flows in 2Q and indications of NNA reaccelerating - Management noted that tax payments and market conditions impacted flows, but recovery was seen later in the quarter [39][40] Question: Year-on-year trajectory for AWM distribution expense - Management explained that distribution expenses are influenced by advisor production levels and market conditions, with a focus on maintaining expense discipline [41][43] Question: Recruiting strategy and market outlook - Management highlighted a strong pipeline for recruiting experienced advisors, emphasizing the value proposition and support provided to them [48][49] Question: Share buybacks and payout ratio expectations - Management confirmed a target payout ratio of 85% for the second half of the year, with the potential for adjustments based on market conditions [57][58] Question: Competitive environment in AWM and advisor growth expectations - Management indicated that they are experiencing growth in advisor numbers and are focused on maintaining a strong advisor base [60][61] Question: Updates on Retirement and Protection Solutions performance - Management noted strong fundamentals in the RPS segment, with favorable life claims contributing to improved earnings [64][66] Question: Dynamics in the bank's securities portfolio and loan strategy - Management confirmed expectations for spread increases as the securities portfolio matures and emphasized the launch of new liability products to support loan growth [71][74] Question: Asset management flow performance and outlook - Management acknowledged higher redemptions but noted strong gross sales and ongoing product development efforts [86][89] Question: Weighing human capital versus automation and AI investments - Management stated a commitment to investing in technology and automation to enhance advisor productivity while also considering human capital needs [92][94] Question: Growth drivers in AWM and advisor recruitment - Management confirmed that core growth primarily comes from existing advisors, with recruitment serving as a supplementary growth driver [107][109]