Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted operating earnings for Q3 2025 were $433 million, an increase of over 20% from the previous year, primarily driven by the retail annuities business [4][12] - Free capital generation exceeded $1 billion year-to-date, with free cash flow at $719 million [9][28] - The risk-based capital (RBC) ratio ended the quarter at an estimated 579%, significantly above the minimum target of 425% [10][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail annuity sales reached over $5 billion for the quarter, the highest since the company became independent, with RILA sales accounting for 38% of total retail annuity sales [4][5] - RILA account balance increased to nearly $18 billion, a 21% increase from the previous quarter and a 74% increase year-over-year [5][15] - Variable annuity sales increased by 13% from the second quarter and 8% year-over-year, with sales without a lifetime benefit up 24% year-to-date [6][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average retail annuity assets under management (AUM) rose to $263 billion, reflecting strong non-variable annuity net flows and separate account performance [18] - Strong equity market performance led to nearly $25 billion in separate account investment performance year-to-date, exceeding variable annuity net outflows by over $11 billion [17][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on product innovation and consumer choice, with recent launches in fixed index annuities expected to contribute to future sales growth [8][10] - The strategy includes diversifying the business mix by increasing spread product sales while maintaining capital flexibility for shareholder returns [9][40] - The company aims to leverage its investment manager's capabilities to enhance competitiveness and profitability in spread-based products [8][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining long-term leadership in the annuity market, supported by a resilient capital position and effective risk management strategies [11][33] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the fourth quarter, expecting to exceed its capital return target range of $700-$800 million for 2025 [9][10] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investments in long-term growth and capital return to shareholders [10][30] Other Important Information - The board approved a $1 billion increase to the common share repurchase authorization and a cash dividend of $0.80 per common share for the fourth quarter [10][30] - The company has returned nearly $2.5 billion to common shareholders since becoming independent, exceeding its initial market capitalization [9][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Actual to expected policyholder behavior - Management noted that the surrender rate has increased, primarily due to higher equity markets influencing surrender activity, but emphasized that they will review long-term assumptions based on comprehensive analysis [35][36] Question: RBC target and excess capital - Management confirmed that they have substantial excess capital and expect the RBC ratio to decrease over time as they diversify into more spread-type products while continuing to return capital [39][40] Question: Strategic value of closed-block segments - Management stated that the closed-block segment provides balance to the overall structure and closely monitors its performance, although it is not a significant portion of the balance sheet [40][41] Question: Hedging strategy and comparison with peers - Management expressed confidence in their hedging structure, highlighting that their approach allows for efficient risk management without the constraints faced by peers [42][43] Question: Impact of actuarial review on Brook RE - Management indicated that they expect minimal impacts at JNL from the actuarial review, with Brook RE anticipated to be self-sustaining in the long term [46][47]

Annuity Basics - Annuities are tools to help generate retirement income [1] - The industry offers fixed, variable, indexed, immediate, and deferred annuities [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the decision-making process retirees face regarding their 401(k) savings, particularly the option of rolling over funds into an annuity for guaranteed income [1][2][3] Group 1: Annuity Considerations - Annuities can provide guaranteed income for life, appealing to retirees seeking long-term financial security, but they come with trade-offs such as high fees and limited flexibility [3] - Rolling over a 401(k) into an annuity may be beneficial when nearing retirement, as most 401(k) plans do not allow in-service distributions before age 59½ [6] - The biggest mistake retirees make is choosing an annuity that does not align with their retirement goals, highlighting the importance of understanding different types of annuities [7] Group 2: Types of Annuities - Fixed annuities offer guaranteed returns with predetermined interest rates for a set period, suitable for conservative investors [7] - Fixed indexed annuities protect principal while seeking potentially higher returns than fixed annuities [7] - Variable annuities are designed for accumulation, offering a range of investment options and can provide a guaranteed income stream [7] - Income annuities are ideal for those concerned about outliving their savings, functioning similarly to a personal pension plan [8]