Strong Net Inflows and Advisor Productivity
The Retirement businesses produced $1.6 billion in net inflows in the first quarter. There were $2 billion of advisory net inflows in the Wealth Management business with advisor productivity up 8% and a 12% organic growth rate on a trailing 12-month basis.
AllianceBernstein Performance
AB operating earnings rose 19% year-over-year, driven by higher average AUM and improved margins. AB delivered positive net flows across each of its three distribution channels, with total active net inflows of $2.7 billion and AUM up 20% year-over-year to $75 billion in the private markets business.
Capital Return to Shareholders
Equitable returned $335 million to shareholders in the first quarter, representing an 80% pay-out ratio. The company also purchased $760 million of AB Holding units, increasing ownership in AllianceBernstein to 69%.
Robust Balance Sheet
Equitable's year-end combined NAIC RBC ratio was approximately 425%, with $1.1 billion of holding company liquidity before factoring in the $2 billion benefit from the reinsurance transaction.