Detailed Narrative
Diversification and Product Strategy
Jackson is actively diversifying its product portfolio, with nearly 40% of account values now from spread-based and investment-only variable annuities, a significant shift since separation. The company launched Jackson Income Assurance (FIA) in August 2025 and refreshed its RILA products in mid-2025, contributing to strong sales growth and a balanced product mix. This strategy aims to drive profitable growth and expand distribution reach.
Capital Management and Shareholder Returns
The company maintains a disciplined "earn it, then pay it" capital management philosophy, generating free capital and converting it into free cash flow for shareholder returns. In Q1 FY26, $288 million was distributed to the holding company, and $257 million was returned to common shareholders, an 11% increase year-over-year. Since becoming independent, Jackson has returned nearly $3 billion to shareholders, exceeding its initial market capitalization.
Investment Strategy and TPG Partnership
Jackson's investment strategy focuses on diversification, disciplined credit management, and high-quality assets. The recently announced partnership with TPG brings expertise in asset-based finance and direct lending, complementing PPM's capabilities and enhancing investment returns for spread-based products. While current private credit exposure is low, the partnership allows opportunistic investment at attractive valuations, with capital already being deployed.
Net Flows and Surrender Activity
Net outflows improved by 30% year-over-year and nearly 6% sequentially, driven by significant RILA inflows and lower variable annuity surrenders. The decline in surrender activity reflects recent equity market uncertainty🌐. Management expects continued withdrawal activity from the maturing variable annuity block but notes that higher equity markets could lead to increased surrenders while also supporting AUM growth and fee income.
Hedging Program and Capital Stability
Jackson's hedging program, which moved to a more economic approach in early 2024, aims for consistent outcomes and predictable capital generation. Despite a net hedge loss of $101 million in Q1, primarily from the VA business due to market dislocations and actively managed fund underperformance, Brooke Re's capitalization remains well above internal targets and regulatory minimums. The company views this as a stable and well-managed outcome, underscoring the program's effectiveness in maintaining capital stability.
PPM America's Strategic Role
PPM America, Jackson's wholly-owned asset management subsidiary, manages $95 billion in total AUM, including $59 billion of Jackson's assets and $36 billion for third parties. PPM is crucial for sourcing attractive yields, supporting product competitiveness, and ensuring alignment between investment strategy, asset-liability management, and risk management. Its expanded capabilities in higher-yielding asset classes and oversight of third-party managers like TPG reinforce its strategic importance.