Voya Financial(US:VOYA)2025-11-05 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted operating EPS of $2.45, reflecting a nearly 30% year-over-year increase, driven by earnings growth across all business segments [11] - Generated over $200 million in excess capital during the quarter, with year-to-date capital generation reaching approximately $600 million, positioning the company to exceed its $700 million full-year target [17][18] - Return on equity improved to 18%, with approximately $150 million of capital returned in the third quarter through share repurchases and dividends [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the retirement segment, adjusted operating earnings reached $261 million, a 24% increase year-over-year, supported by strong organic defined contribution net inflows of approximately $30 billion year-to-date [11][12] - Investment management generated $62 million in adjusted operating earnings, a 13% year-over-year increase, with nearly $4 billion in net flows for the quarter, bringing year-to-date net flows to over $13 billion [13][14] - Employee benefits reported $47 million in adjusted operating earnings, primarily driven by favorable group life claims and prudent management of expenses [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wealth management business experienced 20% year-over-year sales growth, with total client assets reaching approximately $35 billion [9] - The company serves nearly 20 million workplace customers, indicating a strong market presence and growth potential in the retirement and employee benefits sectors [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on profitable growth across its diverse business lines, with strategic investments in wealth management and a disciplined approach to capital deployment [5][18] - Plans to continue investing in technology and advisor recruitment to enhance the wealth management segment, aiming for accelerated growth [9][32] - The company is committed to returning excess capital to shareholders while pursuing strategic M&A opportunities, particularly in retirement roll-ups [18][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering on full-year targets and advancing long-term strategy, citing strong execution and financial strength [20] - The company anticipates a return to target margins in the retirement segment as strategic investments in wealth management are made [12][15] - Management highlighted the importance of leveraging claims experience to inform underwriting and reserve levels for the stop-loss business [28] Other Important Information - The company resumed share repurchases during the quarter, with plans to repurchase an additional $100 million in the fourth quarter [17] - The launch of an integrated claims system for leave management is set for January 1, 2026, enhancing the employee benefits offering [15][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Size of wealth management investment for 2026 - The company expects to use up to $75 million of excess capital on wealth management investments, primarily in technology and advisor recruitment [24][26] Question: Expectations for stop-loss margins in 2026 - Management indicated that reserve levels are firming up for the 2024 cohorts, with claims experience being leveraged for underwriting in 2026 [28] Question: Corporate expenses in Q3 and Q4 - Higher corporate expenses are attributed to strong performance-related compensation accruals, with expectations to return to a normal run rate next year [36] Question: Edward Jones partnership success - The partnership with Edward Jones is on track, with distribution agreements executed and technology connections being finalized for integration [80][82] Question: Blue Owl partnership plans - The Blue Owl partnership aims to access private investments and innovative solutions for retirement outcomes, with a rollout planned by the end of the year [84]