Here's Why Investors Should Retain Lincoln National Stock for Now

Core Insights - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) is a diversified life insurance and investment management company, providing a range of wealth accumulation, protection, and retirement products. The company has outperformed the industry average with a year-to-date increase of 9.1% compared to 3.7% [1][2]. Company Overview - LNC is headquartered in Radnor, PA, with a market capitalization of $5.9 billion. The company operates through four business segments: Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services. Its trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) ratio is 0.82X, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.02X [2]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LNC's 2025 earnings is $7.11 per share, reflecting a 0.6% year-over-year increase. Revenue estimates for 2025 are projected at $18.7 billion. LNC has consistently beaten earnings estimates over the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 10.7% [4]. Growth Drivers - LNC's revenue growth is driven by strong performance in its Annuities and Group Protection segments, supported by higher insurance premiums and fee income. The company is enhancing its in-force book and margin expansion initiatives, positioning itself well for future growth [5]. - The Annuities segment saw a 33% year-over-year increase in total sales, reaching $3.8 billion in Q1 2025. The company is shifting towards a more balanced mix of products, focusing on spread-based offerings [6]. - The Group Protection business reported a 26% year-over-year increase in income from operations in Q1 2025, with improved underwriting results and prudent acquisitions contributing to its growth. The segment's operating margin improved by 120 basis points [7]. Strategic Initiatives - LNC has formed a long-term strategic partnership with Bain Capital, aimed at enhancing private asset origination and accelerating value creation across various streams. This partnership is part of LNC's efforts to reshape its life product portfolio and improve its retirement business capabilities [8]. Shareholder Returns - In Q1 2025, LNC allocated $77 million for dividend payouts, maintaining a quarterly dividend of 45 cents per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.2%, which exceeds the industry average of 3.2% [9].