Aegon Ltd. - AEG STOCK NEWS

Aegon Asset Management has announced a strategic partnership with Lakemore Partners to enhance its US CLO platform and expand Lakemore's global institutional client base. This collaboration aims to leverage both firms' strengths, with Lakemore investing in Aegon AM's CLO capabilities and gaining preferred access to new CLO transactions. Aegon AM, managing assets worth $311 billion, seeks to offer attractive alternative fixed income products amidst a volatile economic climate. Lakemore, a private credit investment firm, brings extensive experience in managing leveraged loans, enhancing Aegon AM's market access for CLO opportunities. The partnership is expected to bolster growth prospects for both firms.

AM Best has affirmed Aegon N.V.'s Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of 'a+' (Excellent) for its U.S. life/health subsidiaries. The outlook for these ratings is stable, reflecting Aegon USA’s strong balance sheet and adequate operating performance. Despite past challenges, including lower fee income and capital volatility, Aegon USA is expected to maintain its solid capitalization. The recent sale of Aegon's Dutch operations is anticipated to have minimal effect on its U.S. business strategy.

Aegon has completed its share buyback program initiated on September 17, 2021, aimed at counteracting the dilution from the 2021 interim dividend paid in shares. Between October 1 and October 26, 2021, Aegon repurchased shares totaling EUR 96 million, acquiring 21,531,927 common shares at an average price of EUR 4.46. These shares will be retained as treasury shares for future dividend payouts. This investment enhances shareholder value by mitigating dilution effects.

Aegon Asset Management has expanded its Responsible Investment Team, adding three new specialists, bringing the total to 17. Andy Woods joins as a responsible investment manager focusing on voting activities within portfolios, while Curtis Zappala and Jamie McAloon will serve as responsible investment associates, focusing on ESG integration and sustainable product analysis, respectively. These appointments aim to enhance the team's expertise following Aegon AM's 30-year commitment to responsible investing and support its asset management of USD 463.8 billion.

Aegon and Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) faced a setback as the Budapest Metropolitan Court rejected their appeal against the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior's decision blocking VIG's acquisition of Aegon's Hungarian business. Aegon expressed regret over the court's ruling but plans to appeal to the Hungarian Supreme Court within 30 days. The acquisition, valued at EUR 830 million, was initially agreed upon on November 29, 2020. Aegon aims to achieve financial stability and growth through strategic partnerships and acquisitions in various regions.

Aegon has announced a share repurchase program worth EUR 96 million to offset the dilution from its 2021 interim dividend of EUR 0.08 per share, which 58% of shareholders opted to receive in shares. The buyback will start on October 1, 2021, and is expected to conclude by October 26, 2021. These shares will be held as treasury shares for future dividend payouts. This action is a strategic move to bolster shareholder value and manage capital effectively.

Aegon Bank has published its first half 2021 report, detailing its interim financial performance. The report is accessible online and showcases the bank's operations under the Knab brand, focusing on retail and self-employed customers. Aegon Bank develops savings and investment products, contributing to Aegon's mission of financial security. It also plays a role in the Dutch mortgage market, boasting an A credit rating from S&P Global.

Aegon Bank has released its first half of 2021 report, detailing key financial metrics and company performance. The report is accessible for download online. Aegon Bank operates mainly under the Knab brand, focusing on online banking services for retail and self-employed customers. The Dutch bank is recognized for its savings and investment products and plays a significant role in the mortgage sector in the Netherlands, boasting an 'A' credit rating by S&P Global.