Brighthouse Financial(US:BHF)2025-05-09 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brighthouse Financial reported adjusted earnings of approximately $235 million for Q1 2025, which includes an unfavorable notable item of $10 million related to an actuarial model refinement [16] - The estimated combined risk-based capital (RBC) ratio was between 420% and 440%, within the target range of 400% to 450% in normal market conditions [14][19] - Statutory combined total adjusted capital (TAC) was approximately $5.5 billion at March 31, compared to approximately $5.4 billion at December 31 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total annuity sales were approximately $2.3 billion, including $2 billion in Shield sales, which increased 3% sequentially and 5% year-over-year [9] - Life insurance sales totaled $36 million, representing a 24% increase compared to Q1 2024 and a 9% increase sequentially [10] - The Annuities segment reported adjusted earnings of $324 million, relatively flat sequentially, while the Life segment reported adjusted earnings of $9 million, reflecting lower underwriting margins and higher expenses [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong sales growth in both annuities and life insurance, with a notable increase in the Shield annuity product suite [6][9] - The company is positioned as one of the top annuity providers in the United States, leveraging strong distribution relationships [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on capital efficiency and has made progress on strategic initiatives aimed at simplifying its hedging strategy for variable annuities and Shield products [7][15] - The company is committed to protecting its statutory balance sheet under adverse market scenarios while navigating a competitive environment [8][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current macro environment and emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust liquidity position [12] - The company expects flows to be at or above 2024 levels, driven by a substantial amount of fixed-rate annuities coming out of surrender in the second half of 2025 [28][98] Other Important Information - Corporate expenses for the quarter were $239 million, higher than expected, but management anticipates normalization for the remainder of 2025 [11] - The company repurchased $59 million of common stock in the quarter, with an additional $26 million repurchased through May 6 [12][66] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the benefit of the 25 basis point increase in mean reversion point - Management indicated that the benefit to normalized statutory earnings was around $200 million [21] Question: Outlook on sales and fixed annuities - Management acknowledged softer sales in fixed annuities but noted efforts to build momentum and maintain competitive rates [24] Question: Trends in flows and surrender activity - Management expects flows to be at 2024 levels or higher, with a substantial amount of fixed-rate annuities coming out of surrender in 2025 [28][98] Question: RBC ratio and seasonal impacts - Management confirmed that the RBC ratio was stable, with seasonal impacts from capital charges expected to be modest in the first quarter [112] Question: Strategic initiatives and capital generation - Management emphasized ongoing efforts to unlock capital while remaining unconstrained from growth opportunities [117] Question: Industry transactions and market dynamics - Management is closely monitoring recent industry transactions and their potential implications for Brighthouse [104][106] Question: Share repurchase program details - Management provided details on the share repurchase program, indicating active buybacks in response to market conditions [66]