NEW YORK - Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EQH) announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, surpassing analyst expectations for adjusted earnings per share (EPS) but reporting revenue that did not meet the consensus estimate. The company reported an adjusted EPS of $1.43, which was $0.10 higher than the analyst estimate of $1.33. However, revenue for the quarter was $2.23 billion, falling short of the $3.59 billion consensus estimate.
Equitable Holdings experienced a significant uptick in its core businesses, with operating earnings increasing in Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Protection Solutions, Asset Management, and Wealth Management when compared to the first quarter of the previous year. Retirement premiums and deposits saw a substantial rise of 42% versus the first quarter of 2023, contributing to net inflows of $1.5 billion. Additionally, the company's Asset Management segment reported active net inflows of $3.7 billion, primarily fueled by retail momentum.
The company's net income for the first quarter stood at $114 million or $0.30 per share, a decline from the $177 million or $0.45 per share reported in the same quarter of the previous year. Despite this decrease in net income, non-GAAP operating earnings increased to $490 million from $364 million in the prior year's quarter. After adjusting for notable items, non-GAAP operating earnings were $491 million or $1.43 per share.
President and CEO Mark Pearson commented on the results, highlighting the strong sales and net flows across the company's businesses, which have driven increases in both spread- and fee-based earnings. He emphasized Equitable's advantageous position to capitalize on the current environment for growth, particularly in the retirement, wealth management, and asset management sectors.
Pearson also noted the company's focus on delivering against its 2027 financial targets, which include $2 billion of holding company cash flow, 12-15% annual growth in non-GAAP EPS, and a 60-70% payout ratio of non-GAAP operating earnings. The company returned $326 million to shareholders in the quarter, aligning with its payout ratio target.
Looking at year-over-year growth, total assets under management and administration (AUM/A) increased by 13% to $974 billion, driven by higher markets over the prior twelve months. The book value per common share, including accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), was $1.43, while the book value per common share, excluding AOCI, was $26.36.
Equitable Holdings did not provide specific guidance for the upcoming quarter or fiscal year in the press release, nor was there an analyst consensus for future guidance provided. Therefore, comparisons to future expectations could not be made.
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