Shareholders welcome Challenger's $50m buyback

In his maiden speech as chief executive, Brian Benari also told shareholders Challenger was well positioned to achieve its 2013 targets of a 15 per cent increase in retail annuity sales to $2.25 billion, or cash operating earnings of up to $450 million in its life business - up from $436 million in 2011/12.

"The most striking feedback we have is investor horizons have moved, with retirees needing retirement income in the next five to 10 years and beyond as opposed to the next two to four years," Mr Benari said.

Challenger has identified a market for annuity products which defer payments until investors reach a certain age, or when savings run out.

"This type of annuity represents a pure form of longevity insurance, but due to unintended legislative oversights, these products cannot be feasibly offered in Australia. Talks are being held with the government," Mr Benari said.

Challenger's net profit fell by 43 per cent to $148.5 million in fiscal 2011/12, mainly due to the decrease in the value of managed investments in its funds management arm.

"We expect the 2012 negative investment experience to largely reverse over time, because the assets are of high quality and we typically hold them through to maturity," Mr Benari said.

Challenger's share price has suffered from poor investor sentiment, as well as uncertainties around capital requirements.

"Despite strong performance, the proposed capital standards have impacted the share price over the past six months or so," chairman Peter Polson told the meeting.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, which regulates the capital levels held by life and general insurers, has introduced new capital standards which take effect on January 1.

Challenger is now required to increase capital holdings over a transition period of three years. It now holds $719 million in capital which is $41 million higher than last year.

Shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of the company's executive remuneration.