10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2020

AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2020

Filed November 9, 2020For Securities:AMP

Summary

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (AMP) reported a net loss of $140 million ($1.14 per diluted share) for the third quarter of 2020, a significant decline from a net income of $543 million ($4.04 per diluted share) in the same period of 2019. This downturn was largely driven by substantial "unlocking" adjustments and negative market impacts on variable annuity guaranteed benefits, which collectively amounted to a $454 million unfavorable impact, compared to a $16 million unfavorable impact in the prior year. Despite the quarterly loss, the company's financial condition remains robust, with total assets increasing to $158.7 billion and total equity growing to $6.1 billion. Management highlights strong performance in the Advice & Wealth Management segment, with revenues up 6% driven by higher average wrap account balances and net inflows. However, the Retirement & Protection Solutions segment experienced a significant decline in adjusted operating earnings, largely due to the aforementioned unlocking and market impact adjustments. The company also continues to manage its capital effectively, with substantial share repurchase authorizations remaining. Investors should note the significant non-cash adjustments impacting quarterly earnings, primarily related to actuarial assumption updates and market volatility. The company's core Advice & Wealth Management business demonstrates resilience, while the insurance and annuity segments are more sensitive to market movements and actuarial assumptions.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.01B
Operating Expenses$3.19B
Net Income-$140.00M
EPS (Basic)$-1.14
EPS (Diluted)$-1.14
Shares Outstanding (Basic)123.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)124.90M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net loss of $140 million ($1.14 per diluted share) for Q3 2020, compared to a net income of $543 million ($4.04 per diluted share) in Q3 2019.
  • 2Significant unfavorable impact of $454 million from "unlocking" and market impacts on variable annuity guaranteed benefits in Q3 2020.
  • 3Total assets grew to $158.7 billion, and total equity increased to $6.1 billion.
  • 4Advice & Wealth Management segment showed resilience with a 6% increase in management and financial advice fees, driven by higher wrap account assets and net inflows.
  • 5Retirement & Protection Solutions segment reported an adjusted operating loss of $89 million, impacted by unlocking and market adjustments.
  • 6Company maintained substantial liquidity with $7.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents (excluding CIEs and restricted cash).
  • 7Share repurchase program remains active, with $2.7 billion remaining under authorizations as of September 30, 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the net loss in the third quarter of 2020 was a substantial unfavorable impact of $454 million from "unlocking" adjustments and market impacts on variable annuity guaranteed benefits. These are largely non-cash items related to actuarial assumption updates and market volatility.

The Advice & Wealth Management segment demonstrated resilience with increased revenues. However, the Retirement & Protection Solutions segment reported an adjusted operating loss, heavily influenced by the aforementioned "unlocking" and market adjustments. The Asset Management segment saw a modest increase in adjusted operating earnings, while the Corporate & Other segment continued to report a significant adjusted operating loss.

Ameriprise Financial maintained a strong financial position, with total assets reaching $158.7 billion and total equity at $6.1 billion. Liquidity remained robust, with $7.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents (excluding certain entities and restricted cash), and the company continued its share repurchase program.

The company notes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause economic disruption and market volatility, impacting investment performance, client behavior, and potentially other areas such as mortality and morbidity in insurance lines. While the company has adapted its operations, uncertainty remains regarding the duration and severity of its impacts.