Latest news with #RetirementPlanServices
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Alera Group Acquires Trinity Advisors Group
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alera Group, a leading national insurance and financial services firm, announced today it is expanding its Mid-Atlantic footprint with the acquisition of West Chester-based Trinity Advisors Group (TAG), a retirement plan consulting firm. "Michael and his team have earned a reputation for excellence, and we're thrilled to welcome them to the Alera Group family," said Christian Mango, Executive Vice President and National Practice Leader, Retirement Plan Services. For nearly two decades, TAG has delivered qualified retirement-plan consulting to corporate clients across Greater Philadelphia. The firm is led by founder Michael McCabe, who established the company in 2006 and has been consistently recognized for his expertise in the retirement-services industry. "Michael and his team have earned a reputation for excellence, and we're thrilled to welcome them to the Alera Group family," said Christian Mango, Executive Vice President and National Practice Leader, Retirement Plan Services. "Their deep expertise in the Philadelphia market strengthens our capabilities and accelerates our strategic growth in the Mid-Atlantic." Following the asset purchase, TAG will operate within The Ascent Group, an Alera Group company. "Joining Alera Group opens an exciting new chapter for our team and our clients," McCabe said. "We saw in Alera Group a culture that matches our own commitment to exceptional client service. With their expanded resources, we can deliver even greater value to plan sponsors and participants while maintaining the high-touch approach they expect.' ERISA Consultant Carmela Elco and client service professional Tracey Kirby, CPC, CPFA, will in their current roles. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Alera Group Alera Group is an independent financial services firm with $1.5 billion in gross revenue, offering comprehensive property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, wealth services and retirement plan solutions to clients nationwide. Working collaboratively across specialties and across the country, Alera Group's team of more than 4,500 colleagues offer unique solutions, personalized services and proactive insights to help ensure each client's business and personal success. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lincoln National Corp (LNC) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Operating Income and ...
Adjusted Operating Income: $332 million for Q4, $1.2 billion for full year 2024, a 16% increase compared to 2023. RBC Ratio: Ended 2024 with an estimated RBC ratio of over 430%. Group Protection Earnings: Q4 earnings of $107 million, margin of 8.4%; full year earnings increased by more than 50%. Annuity Sales: $3.7 billion in Q4; full year sales increased 7% year-over-year. Retirement Plan Services Earnings: Q4 earnings increased by 13% year-over-year; full year deposit growth of 25%. Net Income: Q4 net income available to common stockholders of $1.7 billion or $9.63 per diluted share. Free Cash Flow Conversion: Increased from 35% in 2023 to 39% in 2024. Alternative Investments Return: 11% annualized return in Q4, 8.9% for the full year. Life Insurance Operating Loss: Q4 operating loss of $15 million. Investment Grade Portfolio: 97% investment grade, with new money invested at a 6.4% yield. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 8 Warning Signs with LNC. Release Date: February 06, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Lincoln National Corp (NYSE:LNC) achieved its highest full-year adjusted operating income in three years, indicating strong financial performance. The company successfully increased its RBC ratio to over 430%, providing added financial flexibility. Group protection business delivered a record fourth quarter with earnings more than doubling year over year. Annuities business reported robust earnings growth and its highest full-year sales in five years. Retirement Plan Services achieved a 10th consecutive year of positive net flows, with full-year deposit growth of 25%. Life insurance segment reported a fourth-quarter operating loss, impacted by elevated severity and the run rate impacts of the fortitude re-transaction. Fixed annuity sales were lower than the record prior year quarter, reflecting a broader industry decline. The favorable macroeconomic conditions that benefited the group protection business may not persist, potentially impacting future margins. Retirement Plan Services faced pressure from stable value outflows and spread compression, affecting earnings growth. The company anticipates some moderation of the record low disability incidents experienced in 2024, which could impact future earnings. Q: Can you provide more color on the decision to raise the top end of the free cash flow outlook for 2026 and how to think about free cash flow in 2025? A: Christopher Neczypor, CFO, explained that the increase in the free cash flow outlook is due to strategic priorities such as building a strong capital foundation and optimizing the operating model. In 2024, Lincoln National made significant progress, including margin expansion and expense management. For 2025, they expect continued investment and momentum, with initiatives like the FABN program and Bermuda reinsurance. By 2026, they anticipate further improvements in free cash flow conversion due to a mix shift towards higher free cash flow segments, capital efficiency in new sales, and actions on legacy blocks. Q: Regarding the leverage ratio being lower, is this due to higher equity growth or reducing the dollar amount of leverage? How are you thinking about capital use above RBC targets? A: Christopher Neczypor, CFO, noted that the leverage ratio improvement is due to confidence in continued equity growth and potential deleveraging options. While opportunistic repurchasing is less attractive now, they are considering ways to manage leverage thoughtfully. Returning to share repurchases is important, contingent on sustainable free cash flow and leverage targets. They aim to reach a 25% leverage level by 2026. Q: Should Alpine be seen as primarily helping with new sales strain, or are there opportunities to internally reinsure some of the enforced business to Alpine? A: Christopher Neczypor, CFO, stated that Alpine is focused on maximizing capital efficiency for new business. While they may consider enforced deals, the primary goal is to enhance competitiveness in key markets. They see opportunities in fixed annuities and retail life, with Bermuda being a key input for growing spread-based earnings and capital efficiency. Q: The expense ratio seems flat for most of 2024. Do you have a target for where it should be over the next year? A: Christopher Neczypor, CFO, mentioned that expense reduction actions taken in 2024 will flow through more in 2025. While net G&A expenses will decrease, they may reinvest savings into growth opportunities, particularly in segments like group protection, to improve margins and invest in business growth. Q: Group protection had strong results, but premium growth was subdued at 2%. What are your thoughts on competitive pricing and top-line growth expectations? A: Ellen Cooper, CEO, emphasized that Lincoln prioritizes profitable growth over top-line growth. The 3% annual premium growth reflects new business priced at appropriate margins and renewal pricing with higher margins. They focus on ensuring business sustainability and meeting customer needs with targeted investments in technology and capabilities. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
