Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH)

You're looking at the foundational principles of a financial giant, Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH), and you have to ask: do their Mission, Vision, and Core Values actually drive the numbers, or are they just corporate wallpaper?

It's a fair question, especially when you see the firm managing over $1.1 trillion in Assets Under Management and Administration (AUM/A) as of September 30, 2025, but reporting a Q3 2025 net loss of $(1.3) billion due to a one-time reinsurance deal. Does a mission to help 5 million+ clients secure their financial well-being still hold weight when the market is this volatile?

We need to map their stated values-like Trusted Partnerships-against the hard facts, such as their Q3 Non-GAAP operating earnings of $510 million. How does their focus on 'courage, strength, and wisdom' translate into the strategic decisions that led to returning $757 million to shareholders in the third quarter alone?

Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) Overview

You're looking at a financial services giant with roots stretching back to the Civil War, and honestly, that long history is why Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) has the scale it does today. The company operates a powerful, diversified model focused on long-term financial security, managing over $1.1 trillion in Assets Under Management and Administration (AUM/A) as of the third quarter of 2025.

Equitable Holdings, Inc. began in 1859 as The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, founded by Henry Baldwin Hyde. After decades of growth and a period under AXA Group ownership, the company completed its spin-off in 2018 to become the publicly traded entity you see today. This transition allowed it to sharpen its focus on the US retirement and wealth markets.

The company's current sales, measured by Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) revenue ending September 30, 2025, stood at a substantial $12.015 billion. Its core product offerings are delivered through three complementary segments:

• Retirement: Variable annuities, including the popular Structured Capital Strategies series.
• Wealth Management: Financial planning and advisory services via Equitable Advisors.
• Asset Management: Global investment services through its majority-owned subsidiary, AllianceBernstein.

They're a complex engine built on fees, premiums, and investment income.

Latest Financial Performance: Q3 2025 Analysis

The headline for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, is mixed: strong underlying business momentum, especially in inflows, but a significant one-time charge impacted the GAAP bottom line. Equitable Holdings, Inc. reported Q3 2025 revenue of $1.45 billion, which was a substantial miss against analyst forecasts and a decline year-over-year.

Here's the quick math on the earnings: The company posted a GAAP net loss of $1.3 billion, or ($4.47) per share, primarily driven by a one-time, non-cash impact from a large life reinsurance transaction completed during the quarter. But, if you look at the Non-GAAP operating earnings-which strips out these notable, non-recurring items-the picture is much stronger. Non-GAAP operating earnings per share were $1.67 (excluding notable items), demonstrating the health of the core operations.

The real story is in the client activity, which is defintely a key forward indicator. The Retirement segment reported net inflows of $1.1 billion, and first-year premiums were strong at $5.5 billion, a 3% increase over the prior year. Plus, the Wealth Management business saw impressive advisory net inflows of $2.2 billion for the quarter, signaling robust demand for their financial advice model. They are deploying capital aggressively, too, with $1.5 billion allocated to shareholder value and future growth, including share buybacks and strategic investments.

Equitable Holdings, Inc. as an Industry Leader

Equitable Holdings, Inc. is a clear leader in the US retirement and wealth space, not just because of its long history, but because of its sheer scale and integrated business model. Managing over $1.1 trillion in assets for more than 5 million client relationships globally gives them a massive footprint.

The company's leadership position is cemented by its three-part strategy: the stable cash flow from its legacy insurance/Retirement business, the global reach of AllianceBernstein in Asset Management, and the high-touch, growth-focused Equitable Advisors in Wealth Management. This flywheel structure creates a powerful cross-selling engine that keeps the organic growth momentum strong.

To really understand the strategic depth here, and why the market still values this company despite a volatile quarter, you need to see who is betting on its long-term strategy. You should check out Exploring Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) Investor Profile: Who's Buying and Why? to see the institutional conviction. The focus is on scaling wealth management and private markets for future earnings growth.

Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) Mission Statement

You're looking at a company's mission statement to gauge its long-term stability and strategic focus, and that's defintely the right move. Equitable Holdings, Inc.'s (EQH) mission is clear: to help our clients secure their financial well-being so they can pursue long and fulfilling lives. This isn't just a feel-good phrase; it's the operating blueprint that guides their capital allocation, product development, and advisor training. It's how a company with $1.1 trillion in Assets Under Management and Administration (AUM/A) as of September 30, 2025, directs its entire financial engine.

A mission statement's value is in its actionability. For Equitable Holdings, this single sentence breaks down into three core, measurable components that drive their business performance in retirement, asset management, and wealth management. That's the real story behind the numbers.

Component 1: Securing Financial Well-being (The Protection Mandate)

The first component is about providing true financial security, which means protecting clients from the inevitable risks of life. This isn't just selling insurance; it's about building a robust financial defense for their clients. The company's focus here is on stability and risk mitigation, a core function of any major financial services firm.

For example, in the third quarter of 2025, Equitable Holdings reported $1.1 billion in net inflows just in their Retirement segment. This inflow shows clients are actively seeking the stability and protection offered by their annuities and retirement plans. The firm's strategic move to reinsure 75% of its in-force individual life insurance block in July 2025, which generated over $2 billion of value, further strengthens the balance sheet and allows them to focus capital on these core, high-return protection businesses. Simply put, they are optimizing their structure to better deliver on this protection mandate.

Component 2: Empowering Clients and Building Trusted Partnerships

The second pillar centers on the relationship between the client and the advisor, which they frame as empowering clients to make informed decisions. This is where the human element meets the financial product-providing personalized advice and comprehensive financial planning services. It's not about transactions; it's about long-term success.

The success of this partnership model is evident in the Wealth Management segment, which saw advisory net inflows of $2.2 billion in the third quarter of 2025. You don't see those kinds of net inflows without a high degree of trust and effective advice. Furthermore, the company reported a client satisfaction rate of 92% in 2024, which is the tangible proof of their commitment to being a trusted partner. They are investing heavily in their advisor force-Equitable Advisors, LLC has over 4,500 licensed financial professionals-to ensure this high-touch, informed service continues.

Here's the quick math: high satisfaction drives net inflows. You can learn more about who is investing in this model by Exploring Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) Investor Profile: Who's Buying and Why?

Component 3: Pursuing Long and Fulfilling Lives (The Growth and Innovation Driver)

The final component, 'pursue long and fulfilling lives,' is the aspirational part of the mission, and it's what drives their product innovation. This means developing solutions that don't just protect wealth, but actively help it grow to meet future goals, like funding a longer retirement or a child's education. It's the forward-looking strategy.

This commitment translates into a focus on innovative solutions, especially within their core growth drivers: Retirement, Asset Management (AllianceBernstein), and Wealth Management. The underlying financial strength supports this innovation, as evidenced by the Non-GAAP operating earnings of $510 million in Q3 2025 (excluding notable items), or $1.67 per share. This capital base allows them to develop and deliver a competitive product portfolio:

• Retirement: All-weather products to meet varied client needs.
• Asset Management: Leading active management with global reach.
• Wealth Management: Financial planning committed to meaningful advice.

The pursuit of a fulfilling life for clients requires a financially strong and agile partner, and that's what this mission component demands.

Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) Vision Statement

Equitable Holdings, Inc.'s core mission is clear: help clients secure their financial well-being so they can pursue long and fulfilling lives. This isn't just a poster slogan; it's the strategic filter for every capital allocation decision. As of September 30, 2025, the company is managing a massive $1.1 trillion in Assets Under Management and Administration (AUM/A), showing the scale of this commitment. The vision centers on three pillars-Financial Security, Client Empowerment, and Innovative Solutions-to make that mission a reality.

Financial Security: Re-Focusing the Balance Sheet

You need to know that a financial partner is built to last. Equitable Holdings' vision of providing long-term financial security is currently being realized through a strategic shift to higher-growth, capital-light businesses. In February 2025, the company reinsured 75% of its in-force individual life insurance block with RGA Reinsurance Company. This move is expected to generate over $2 billion in value, which is being recycled back into the business via share repurchases and growth investments. That's a clear action mapping to a long-term goal: shedding capital-intensive risk to focus on wealth and retirement. Here's the quick math: deploying that $1.5 billion in capital during Q3 2025, which included buybacks and debt repayment, directly strengthens the balance sheet for future market volatility. A strong balance sheet is your ultimate protection.

Client Empowerment & Expert Guidance: Driving Net Inflows

The vision of Client Empowerment is delivered through Equitable Holdings' premier distribution platform, Equitable Advisors, which has over 4,500 financial professionals. This is where the rubber meets the road. In Q3 2025, the Wealth Management segment reported robust advisory net inflows of $2.2 billion, a direct result of personalized advice helping clients navigate a mixed market. The Retirement segment also saw strong net inflows of $1.1 billion in the same quarter. To be fair, this growth momentum is why the company announced the acquisition of Stifel Independent Advisors in October 2025, which brings c.$9 billion of AUM and over 110 advisors into the fold. This move defintely expands their reach to serve more mass affluent and high-net-worth clients.

• Retirement: $1.1 billion Q3 2025 net inflows.
• Wealth Management: $2.2 billion Q3 2025 advisory net inflows.
• Advisors: Over 4,500 financial professionals driving advice.

Innovative Solutions: Adapting to Market Needs

Innovation isn't a buzzword here; it's about building better mousetraps for retirement risk. The company's commitment to 'Innovative Solutions' is best seen in its product development in the annuity space. In September 2025, Equitable expanded its suite of registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) with the launch of Structured Capital Strategies® Premier (SCS Premier). This product is a concrete example of a solution designed to capture greater market upside while still offering a level of downside protection-a critical need for pre-retirees today. Also, in January 2025, they launched the Equitable Retirement Access pooled employer plan (PEP), making 401(k)s more accessible and cost-efficient for small and medium-sized businesses. This is how a financial firm stays relevant: by solving real-world problems with precise tools. You can dive deeper into the firm's overall health and strategic position by reading Breaking Down Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) Core Values

You're looking for the operating manual behind a financial giant, not just the balance sheet. For Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH), the core values aren't just posters on a wall; they are the filter for every strategic decision, especially as the market shifts. Their mission is clear: to help clients secure their financial well-being so they can pursue long and fulfilling lives. This mission is anchored by principles like Client Focus, Integrity, and Innovation, which drive their near-term actions and long-term value creation.

Here's the quick math: with $1.1 trillion in assets under management and administration as of September 30, 2025, the principles need to scale. That kind of scale requires a defintely disciplined approach to values.

Client Focus

Client Focus means placing the client's unique financial goals at the center of the business, which is the only way to build lasting, trusted partnerships. In a financial world that often feels transactional, Equitable Holdings understands that sustained growth comes from solving complex, long-term problems for individuals and institutions.

This commitment shows up directly in their flow numbers. In the second quarter of 2025, the Wealth Management segment reported positive net flows of $2.0 billion, and Retirement saw $1.9 billion in net flows. That capital movement is a direct vote of confidence from a substantial client base-more than 5 million client relationships globally. A key action point for them is making sure those relationships translate into tangible security.

• Retirement net flows: $1.9 billion (Q2 2025).
• Wealth Management net flows: $2.0 billion (Q2 2025).
• Global client relationships: Over 5 million.

Integrity and Financial Stewardship

Integrity, for a holding company like Equitable Holdings, means upholding the highest ethical standards while also being a responsible steward of capital for shareholders and clients. This value is less about soft policy and more about hard risk management and transparency. They use an economic fair value approach to risk management, which protects both the clients and the company's balance sheet.

A concrete example of this stewardship is the strategic reinsurance transaction closed on July 31, 2025, with RGA Reinsurance Company. This move reinsured 75% of the in-force Individual Life insurance block. What this action did was generate over $2 billion of value and reduce the company's exposure to mortality volatility by 75%. This kind of proactive risk reduction is how you create long-term value for all stakeholders, including the shareholders who received $318 million in capital return in Q2 2025 alone.

Innovation

Innovation is Equitable Holdings' commitment to improving its products, services, and processes to address the evolving needs of its clients. This isn't just about new technology; it's about developing solutions that provide tailored financial strategies leveraging expertise and technology.

You can see this in their product and platform development throughout 2025. In September 2025, they expanded their suite of registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) with the launch of Structured Capital Strategies® Premier (SCS Premier). This new product is designed to allow clients to capture greater upside potential in the market while maintaining a level of downside protection, which is a critical need right now. Also, on the operational side, they launched a new Plan Build API capability in July 2025, integrating it into their digital EB360® employee benefits platform to help brokers and clients set up benefits plans with greater speed and efficiency. That's a clear action to reduce friction.

• Product Innovation: Launch of Structured Capital Strategies® Premier (SCS Premier) in September 2025.
• Operational Innovation: New Plan Build API capability launched in July 2025.

This focus on continuous improvement is why the company is positioned as a leader in retirement and wealth management solutions. To understand more about how these values have shaped the company's trajectory, you can read about the firm's history and structure here: Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money.