Aegon(AEG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company generated EUR 340 million of operating capital generation, a 1% increase year-on-year [3][10] - Free cash flow amounted to EUR 76 million, primarily reflecting the share of ASR's 2025 interim dividend [10] - Cash capital at holding remained strong at EUR 1.9 billion, despite returning over EUR 800 million to shareholders during the period [4][15] - Operating capital generation (OCG) from the Americas increased by 6%, or 12% on a constant currency basis [10][11] - The U.S. RBC ratio increased by five percentage points to 425% [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., life sales at World Financial Group (WFG) increased by 15%, and annuity sales rose by 9% [7] - The Protection Solutions segment saw a 39% increase in new life sales, driven by higher index universal life sales [7] - In the U.K., net deposits in the workplace platform were negative for the first time in two years due to the departure of two large low-margin schemes [8] - The international segment experienced growth in Brazil, particularly in credit and group life products, although new life sales in China decreased [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. strategic assets showed commercial momentum, resulting in higher life and annuity sales [3] - The U.K. market faced outflows due to low-margin workplace schemes, but asset management and international businesses continued to grow [4][8] - The retirement plan business in the U.S. had negative net deposits, but total account balances increased by 10% due to favorable market conditions [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transform Transamerica into America's leading middle-market life insurance and retirement company [5] - Plans to improve the advisor platform and return it to growth by 2028 were discussed, with ongoing investments to enhance customer experience [8][56] - The company is reviewing a potential relocation of its legal domicile and head office to the United States, with updates expected at the Capital Markets Day [4][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving all financial targets for 2025 despite the weakening of the US dollar [4][16] - The company is monitoring mortality and morbidity trends closely, with recent quarters showing favorable outcomes [46][48] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining predictable cash flows from business units to support future growth [36] Other Important Information - The company executed over half of its ongoing EUR 400 million share buyback program and expects to complete it by December 15th [4][15] - The cash capital target is to reach around EUR 1 billion by the end of 2026 [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Long-term care book assumptions and cash conversion - Management confirmed that the actual-to-expected claims ratio for long-term care is 97%, and they are satisfied with their assumptions [21][22] - Cash conversion from the U.S. is targeted for mid-single-digit growth, with investments impacting total capital generation [24] Question: Strategic assets and capital employed in financial assets - Management noted a reduction in capital employed in financial assets due to favorable equity markets and the implementation of a base fee hedge [29][61] - Earnings on in-force for various segments were down due to margin pressure and mortality movements [32] Question: Stranded costs and payout ratio - Management indicated that stranded costs are a consideration in financial asset management, with further guidance expected at the Capital Markets Day [37] - The payout ratio is expected to improve over time as the quality of businesses enhances [36] Question: Variable annuities and retirement plans - Management is monitoring the flooring sensitivity in variable annuities and has not taken action yet, but will explore options if necessary [46] - The U.S. retirement plans business is showing strong written sales and a solid pipeline, despite volatility in net flows [44][45] Question: Cash movement and mortality exposure - Management outlined three broad buckets for achieving the cash capital target of $1 billion by 2026, including deleveraging and funding initiatives [74] - Mortality exposure is being managed through strategic purchases and reinsurance transactions, with current assumptions trending as expected [75][76]