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Voya Financial(VOYA) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted operating earnings per share of $2.00 in Q1 2025, reflecting a 13% increase year-over-year [12] - GAAP net income was below cash generation due to non-cash items emerging in the quarter [13] - Approximately $200 million of cash was generated in the quarter, exceeding the 90% target [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Wealth Solutions, adjusted operating earnings were $207 million, an 11% year-over-year growth, driven by higher fee-based revenues and the acquisition of OneAmerica, which added $60 billion in assets [14] - Investment Management generated $41 million in adjusted operating earnings, with net inflows of $7.7 billion, representing 2.5% organic growth [16] - Health Solutions reported adjusted operating earnings of $46 million, with improved margins and a focus on stabilizing stop-loss experience [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved defined contributions organic net flows of approximately $30 billion in Wealth Solutions [7] - Full-service known sales increased by 7% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [8] - The investment management segment saw strong net cash flows across various strategies, including institutional and retail markets [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a capital-light business model that generates diverse revenue streams and consistent free cash flow [6] - There is a commitment to innovative workplace solutions and top-notch asset management to create long-term value for stakeholders [6] - The company aims to achieve long-term organic growth targets of over 2% [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged mixed economic signals and elevated market volatility, leading to a cautious approach [9] - The results underscore the strength of the business model and the focus on commercial momentum, cash generation, and maintaining a healthy balance sheet [10] - Management remains optimistic about the company's ability to navigate the complex environment and drive value for shareholders [21] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with excess capital of approximately $150 million and a risk-based capital (RBC) ratio of 385% [20] - The company repaid approximately $400 million of debt in February, bringing the leverage ratio within target range [21] - The company is making modest investments in retail wealth management capabilities, which are already included in the expense forecast [52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Wealth earnings margin guidance - Management indicated that spread-based assets were higher than expected, but they anticipate moderation moving forward [28] Question: Voluntary business reserves - Reserves were increased due to potential higher utilization driven by economic uncertainty, with expectations for utilization to be clearer by year-end [32][33] Question: Stop-loss estimated loss ratio - The estimated loss ratio for the January 2025 cohort is 87%, based on improved pricing and risk selection practices [40] Question: Voluntary business top-line growth - The slower growth in voluntary business is attributed to large wins in the previous year that did not repeat, but the pipeline remains strong [50] Question: Investment management net inflows - The strong net inflows were broad-based across various channels and products, with no outsized mandates driving the results [78] Question: Leave management spending - The expected spend on leave management is $50 million, with a focus on enhancing customer experience through insourcing capabilities [92][93]