LNC Stock Down Despite Q1 Earnings Beat on Long-Term Disability Results

Core Viewpoint - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) reported a decline in shares by 1.9% following its first-quarter 2025 results, primarily due to a significant rise in total expenses, although this was partially offset by higher insurance premiums and strong annuity deposits [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.60, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.9% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 31.1% [2] - Adjusted operating revenues grew 2.2% year over year to $4.7 billion, but missed the consensus mark by 0.5% [2] - Total expenses more than doubled year over year to $5.7 billion, while net loss amounted to $722 million compared to a net income of $1.2 billion in the prior year [4] Segment Performance - The Annuities segment reported operating income of $290 million, a 12% increase year over year, but fell short of the consensus estimate [6] - The Life Insurance unit incurred an operating loss of $16 million, an improvement from the previous year's loss of $35 million, with operating revenues growing 3% year over year to $1.6 billion [7] - The Group Protection segment's operating income increased by 26.3% year over year to $101 million, supported by favorable long-term disability results [8] - The Retirement Plan Services segment recorded an operating income of $34 million, down 5.6% year over year, with total deposits advancing 8.2% year over year to $4.1 billion [9] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, Lincoln National had cash and invested cash of $4.3 billion, a decrease of 26.2% from the end of 2024 [11] - Total assets were $382.9 billion, down 2% from the previous year-end [11] - Book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, was $61.63, a decline of 14.5% from the end of 2024 [12] Dividend and Outlook - Lincoln National paid out quarterly dividends of $77 million [13] - The company anticipates a seasonally higher loss ratio in the Group Protection unit for the fourth quarter of 2025, while favorable mortality results are expected in the Life Insurance segment [14] Long-term Projections - By 2026, the Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services units are projected to account for 55-65%, 10-15%, 20-30%, and 5-15% of total operating income, respectively [15]