RGA(US:RGA)2025-08-01 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported operating EPS of $4.72 per share, with an adjusted operating return on equity of 14.3% for the trailing twelve months, which aligns with intermediate-term targets [6][23] - The pretax adjusted operating income for the quarter was $421 million, reflecting a decrease due to claims volatility in U.S. Individual Life and unfavorable claims in the Healthcare Excess business [23][24] - Economic claims experience was lower than expected by $256 million, leading to a $158 million unfavorable financial impact for the current period [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. Individual Life experienced a higher level of large claims, offsetting favorable results from Q1, while the Healthcare Excess business faced unfavorable claims consistent with market trends [6][7] - The traditional business premium growth was 11% year-to-date on a constant currency basis, with strong growth in the U.S., EMEA, and Asia [35] - The company achieved a record quarter for individual underwriting cases, indicating strong performance in the U.S. Traditional area [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Asia, traditional business saw robust performance with a 43% increase in life insurance sales in Hong Kong for the first quarter [16] - The U.S. PRT market showed increased activity at the jumbo end, with expectations for a pickup in the second half of the year [19] - Claims in Canada and EMEA were modestly unfavorable, while APAC experience was favorable [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital optimization and has increased excess capital to $3.8 billion, providing flexibility for growth and shareholder returns [24][36] - The strategic focus includes building a comprehensive asset management platform and maintaining strong risk discipline [14][22] - The company aims to balance capital deployment into business growth with returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, targeting a payout ratio of 20% to 30% of after-tax operating earnings [37][77] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business prospects, citing a proven strategy that has stood the test of time [22][44] - The company anticipates improvements in claims experience and margins in the Healthcare Access business as pricing actions are implemented [31][64] - Management acknowledged the volatility in claims experience but emphasized that year-to-date results are broadly in line with expectations [57][72] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 25.2%, above the expected range, primarily due to valuation allowances on foreign tax credits [26] - The company announced a 4.5% increase in quarterly dividends to $0.93 per share [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the additional credit on the LifeBlock? - Management indicated that the value of in-force credits was a result of extensive analysis and reflects the current book of business without changes in actuarial assumptions [48][49] Question: Can you unpack the individual life experience in the quarter? - Management noted that the claims experience should be reviewed over longer periods, and while Q2 saw elevated large claims, year-to-date results are in line with expectations [55][56] Question: Can you discuss the health experience in the quarter? - Management explained that the negative experience in the Healthcare Access line is driven by higher claims costs, but rate increases have been implemented and margins are expected to improve [63][64] Question: What are the priorities for using excess capital? - Management stated that they aim to balance capital deployment into business growth with returning capital to shareholders, with a focus on share buybacks being opportunistic [75][77] Question: Is there a practical limitation to the value of in-force credit? - Management confirmed that there are limits to the amount of value of in-force credit that can be recognized, but they believe there are opportunities for further recognition [106][108] Question: How does the company plan to address volatility in results? - Management acknowledged the potential for volatility but emphasized their focus on long-term growth and the importance of maintaining appropriate reserves [110][112]