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Equitable Holdings (EQH)
NYSE:EQH

Equitable Holdings (EQH) AI Stock Analysis

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EQ

Equitable Holdings

(NYSE:EQH)

Rating:71Outperform
Price Target:
Equitable Holdings achieves a solid overall score, driven by strong financial performance and strategic initiatives. The company's robust revenue growth, improved profit margins, and effective leverage management are key strengths. While technical analysis and valuation are stable, earnings call insights highlight growth potential amidst challenges in earnings and market conditions.
Positive Factors
Business Model
The multi-channel business model is expected to have long term success through various cycles.
Earnings Growth
Strong flows across most business segments should help support future earnings growth.
Growth Potential
The favorable rate environment, aging population theme, and supportive Investment Management and Wealth Management performances should translate to a favorable runway for durable long-term growth.
Negative Factors
Earnings Miss
Mortality and lower fees contributed to the earnings miss in key segments like Protection Solutions, Individual Retirement, and Legacy.
Earnings Pressure
Elevated mortality and lower markets could put 2025 EPS growth below the expected range, leading to near-term pressure on the stock.
Market Concerns
Despite recessionary concerns reflected in weaker equity markets, investors can find comfort in EQH's strong RBC ratio and capital flexibility.

Equitable Holdings (EQH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Equitable Holdings Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionEquitable Holdings, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates as a diversified financial services company worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Investment Management and Research, and Protection Solutions. The Individual Retirement segment offers a suite of variable annuity products primarily to affluent and high net worth individuals. The Group Retirement segment provides tax-deferred investment and retirement services or products to plans sponsored by educational entities, municipalities, and not-for-profit entities, as well as small and medium-sized businesses. The Investment Management and Research segment offers diversified investment management, research, and related solutions to various clients through institutional, retail, and private wealth management channels; and distributes its institutional research products and solutions. The Protection Solutions segment provides various variable universal life, indexed universal life, and term life products to help affluent and high net worth individuals, as well as small and medium-sized business owners; and a suite of life, short- and long-term disability, dental, and vision insurance products to small and medium-size businesses. The company was formerly known as AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Equitable Holdings, Inc. in January 2020. Equitable Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1859 and is based in New York, New York.
How the Company Makes MoneyEquitable Holdings generates revenue primarily through the sale of its insurance and annuity products. In the Individual Retirement segment, the company earns money from fees associated with its annuity products, which provide clients with guaranteed income for retirement. These fees are typically based on the account value of the annuities. In the Group Retirement segment, Equitable Holdings generates income from administrative fees and asset management fees on retirement plan products. Additionally, the company benefits from investment income, which is derived from managing the reserves backing its insurance and annuity liabilities. Key revenue streams include premiums from life insurance policies, fees from retirement and investment products, and investment income. The company's earnings are also influenced by factors such as interest rates, market conditions, and its ability to manage risk effectively.

Equitable Holdings Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 29, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 7.72%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong net inflows, increased advisor productivity, and solid performance from AllianceBernstein, alongside a robust balance sheet and significant capital return to shareholders. However, there were challenges with a decline in non-GAAP earnings and elevated mortality claims affecting the Protection Solutions segment. The market volatility also posed challenges, impacting fee income and April flows.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
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.
Negative Updates
Decline in Non-GAAP Operating Earnings
Non-GAAP operating earnings were $421 million or $1.30 per share, down 7% year-over-year on a per-share basis. Adjusting for notable items, non-GAAP operating EPS was $1.35, down 3% compared to the prior year.
Elevated Mortality Claims in Protection Solutions
The Protection Solutions segment reported a loss of $17 million due to a very high level of large individual life mortality claims. Elevated mortality claims in the individual life insurance block reduced earnings per share by about $0.20 relative to normal expectations.
Market Volatility Impacts
Market volatility and tax payments have pressured April flows for AllianceBernstein. The decline in average separate account assets and fewer fee days in the first quarter negatively affected fee income.
Company Guidance
During the Equitable Holdings First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, Mark Pearson, President and CEO, highlighted the company's financial performance and strategic moves amidst market volatility. The call disclosed that non-GAAP operating earnings were $421 million, or $1.30 per share, reflecting a 7% year-over-year decline per share. Adjusted for notable items, earnings per share were $1.35, down 3% from the previous year. Equitable's Retirement and Wealth Management divisions showed solid growth, with $1.6 billion in net inflows and a 12% organic growth rate. AllianceBernstein (AB) reported a 19% rise in operating earnings, fueled by higher average assets under management (AUM) and improved margins, reaching a total AUM of $75 billion, up 20% year-over-year. The company returned $335 million to shareholders, representing an 80% payout ratio, and increased its stake in AB to 69% through a $760 million purchase. Equitable plans to execute $500 million in additional share repurchases post a reinsurance transaction with RGA expected to close mid-year, which will release over $2 billion of capital. The company emphasized its strong balance sheet with a combined NAIC RBC ratio of approximately 425% and $1.1 billion in holding company liquidity, ensuring resilience against macroeconomic volatility.

Equitable Holdings Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Equitable Holdings displays strong financial recovery with robust revenue and profit growth, improved operating margins, and enhanced cash flow generation. Despite a low equity ratio, the company effectively manages leverage and maintains substantial liquidity, indicating stability and growth potential.
Income Statement
80
Positive
Equitable Holdings exhibited strong revenue growth with a substantial increase from $10.53B in 2023 to $14.78B in TTM, indicating a robust upward trajectory. Gross profit margin remained healthy at 74.02% in TTM. Net profit margin improved to 9.41% in TTM compared to lower past performances, demonstrating enhanced profitability. The EBIT margin recovered to 14.16% after previous losses, and EBITDA margin stood at 19.49%, both showing significant improvement in operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company maintains a strong liquidity position with $127.07B in cash and equivalents in TTM. Debt-to-equity ratio improved to 1.80, indicating better leverage management compared to previous years. However, the equity ratio remains low at 0.83% in TTM, suggesting potential risk due to limited equity buffer. ROE was notably high at 57.92% in TTM, reflecting effective use of equity to generate income.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Equitable Holdings improved its cash flow stability, with operating cash flow increasing to $1.88B in TTM. Free cash flow grew significantly, evidenced by a positive $1.61B in TTM, recovering from previous negative figures. Operating cash flow to net income ratio of 1.35 in TTM indicates efficient cash conversion. The free cash flow to net income ratio of 1.16 highlights the company's ability to generate free cash flow relative to net income.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
14.78B12.44B10.53B12.64B11.04B12.41B
Gross Profit
10.94B10.00B2.86B5.38B6.57B807.00M
EBIT
2.09B2.34B738.00M2.99B1.56B-1.97B
EBITDA
2.88B3.20B1.78B3.83B3.37B864.00M
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.26B1.31B1.30B2.15B1.75B-648.00M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
4.41B83.61B9.41B4.96B5.19B87.82B
Total Assets
249.87B287.63B276.81B252.70B292.26B275.40B
Total Debt
4.11B3.83B5.63B5.23B5.12B4.12B
Net Debt
-294.00M-1.01B-2.61B950.00M-66.00M-1.75B
Total Liabilities
234.38B284.06B271.66B249.11B278.70B258.08B
Stockholders Equity
13.54B1.58B2.65B1.40B11.52B15.58B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
1.61B1.85B-325.00M-417.00M-313.00M-168.00M
Operating Cash Flow
1.88B1.64B-208.00M-250.00M-193.00M-61.00M
Investing Cash Flow
-14.37B-15.86B-4.85B-7.49B-12.69B-7.82B
Financing Cash Flow
9.72B12.44B9.00B7.04B11.95B9.67B

Equitable Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price54.68
Price Trends
50DMA
50.60
Positive
100DMA
51.55
Positive
200DMA
48.04
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.93
Negative
RSI
60.85
Neutral
STOCH
87.66
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For EQH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 54.68 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 53.22, above the 50-day MA of 50.60, and above the 200-day MA of 48.04, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.93 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.85 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 87.66 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for EQH.

Equitable Holdings Risk Analysis

Equitable Holdings disclosed 51 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Equitable Holdings reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Equitable Holdings Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
HIHIG
79
Outperform
$36.74B12.8918.49%1.56%7.55%14.16%
PFPFG
73
Outperform
$17.21B16.459.70%3.79%5.84%-10.64%
73
Outperform
$35.80B9.4718.42%25.29%-23.19%
EQEQH
71
Outperform
$16.66B14.9056.67%1.76%12.41%14.76%
AEAEG
70
Neutral
$11.23B15.979.36%4.09%-5.03%
AIAIG
68
Neutral
$50.34B19.516.13%1.88%-44.30%-33.09%
64
Neutral
$12.83B9.787.78%16985.64%12.26%-7.81%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
EQH
Equitable Holdings
54.68
14.40
35.75%
AEG
Aegon
7.21
1.19
19.77%
AIG
American International Group
84.33
11.22
15.35%
ACGL
Arch Capital Group
89.77
-4.52
-4.79%
HIG
Hartford Financial
124.90
27.15
27.77%
PFG
Principal Financial
76.76
1.28
1.70%

Equitable Holdings Corporate Events

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Equitable Holdings Stockholders Approve Key Proposals
Neutral
May 28, 2025

At the recent Annual Meeting, Equitable Holdings‘ stockholders approved several key proposals, including the amendment of the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance. Additionally, the stockholders elected ten directors to serve until the 2026 annual meeting and ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditor for fiscal year 2025. These decisions reflect the company’s strategic direction and governance priorities, impacting its operational framework and stakeholder engagement.

The most recent analyst rating on (EQH) stock is a Buy with a $45.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Equitable Holdings stock, see the EQH Stock Forecast page.

Stock BuybackDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Equitable Holdings Reports Strong Q1 2025 Results
Positive
Apr 29, 2025

Equitable Holdings reported its first quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting positive net flows across its Retirement, Wealth Management, and Asset Management segments, with net income of $63 million and Non-GAAP operating earnings of $421 million. The company is on track to close a strategic life reinsurance transaction with RGA by mid-2025, which will free over $2 billion of capital, enhancing its financial flexibility and allowing for further capital returns to shareholders, including share repurchases and dividend increases.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Equitable Holdings Increases Stake in AllianceBernstein
Positive
Apr 3, 2025

On April 3, 2025, Equitable Holdings announced the final results of its tender offer to purchase up to 46 million units in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., which expired on April 1, 2025. The company accepted 19,682,946 units for approximately $757.8 million, increasing its economic interest in AllianceBernstein L.P. to about 68.6%. This move solidifies Equitable Holdings’ position in the investment management sector, potentially impacting its market influence and stakeholder interests.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Equitable Holdings Increases Stake in AllianceBernstein
Positive
Apr 2, 2025

On April 2, 2025, Equitable Holdings announced the preliminary results of its tender offer to purchase up to 46 million units in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P., which expired on April 1, 2025. The company expects to acquire approximately 19.77 million units for around $761 million, increasing its economic interest in AllianceBernstein to 68.6%. This move is significant for Equitable Holdings as it strengthens its position in the investment management industry and impacts stakeholders by consolidating its control over AllianceBernstein.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.