Voya Financial(VOYA)2023-05-03 20:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Voya Financial reported adjusted operating EPS of 1.55 in the prior year quarter, but adjusted operating earnings per share excluding notable impacts was 69 million, which included approximately 500 million of excess capital and a free cash flow conversion rate of over 90% [8][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth Solutions saw full service recurring deposits grow nearly 10%, with adjusted operating earnings of 94 million [8][18] - Investment Management experienced net outflows largely due to challenging market conditions, but total assets under management increased nearly 30% year-over-year [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported that full service recurring deposits grew 9.6% on a trailing 12-month basis, with expectations for full year deposit growth to exceed 10% [16] - Annualized enforced premiums in Health Solutions grew 15% year-over-year, exceeding the long-term target of 7% to 10% [17][18] - Investment Management's organic growth is expected to be between 2% to 4% in 2023, despite experiencing negative flows in the first quarter [19][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Voya Financial aims to achieve a 12% to 17% annual compound growth in EPS over the three-year period ending in 2024, focusing on executing its plans and integrating acquired businesses [7][25] - The company plans to increase its dividend yield to approximately 2% in the second half of 2023, subject to board approval, and intends to resume share repurchases in Q2 2023 [8][23] - Recent acquisitions, including Benefitfocus and AllianzGI, are expected to drive revenue and earnings growth, enhancing Voya's market position [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in capital generation capabilities, with a focus on maintaining a competitive dividend and managing expenses effectively [28][49] - The company remains optimistic about its growth trajectory, despite macroeconomic challenges, and is committed to delivering strong returns for shareholders [25][38] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing clients' growing health, wealth, and investment needs while maintaining a strong corporate culture [12] Other Important Information - Voya Financial has been recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies for the 10th consecutive year [12] - The company has generated $5.7 billion of capital since 2018, with a significant portion deployed in share repurchases [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What conditions would prevent the resumption of buybacks? - Management indicated confidence in capital generation and plans to resume share repurchases in Q2, contingent on constructive market conditions [26][27] Question: What drove elevated surrenders in the full service business? - Management noted that a large case departure and higher participant surrenders impacted full service inflows, but expressed confidence in the long-term flow story [29][31] Question: Can you discuss the investment management pipeline? - Management affirmed a strong pipeline for investment management, with expectations for organic growth of 2% to 4% in 2023, despite some challenges in institutional flows [33][34] Question: How sustainable is the strong capital generation? - Management expressed confidence in their capital generation capabilities, supported by a capital-light business model and recent interest expense savings [36][38] Question: What drove the uptick in expenses this quarter? - Management explained that seasonal expenses and increased growth-related costs contributed to the uptick, but they expect a decline in expenses in future periods [40][41] Question: What is the outlook for the benefits ratio in the health business? - Management indicated that the strong first quarter experience would influence the full year outlook, but they expect the benefits ratio to revert to long-term targets [55][56] Question: How accurate are the LTVs in the commercial loan portfolio? - Management stated that they maintain a high-quality portfolio with rigorous internal underwriting processes, ensuring confidence in their LTV assessments [51][52]