Key Takeaways Lincoln National stock lags industry, down 7.9% YoY, while trading at a discounted 0.65X P/B ratio.LNC focuses on profitable growth via Life Insurance revamp, pricing actions and investment strategy shifts.LNC's leverage remains high, with 36.5% debt-to-capital ratio, above industry average.Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) is a diversified life insurance and investment management company with a market capitalization of $6.6 billion. It provides a wide range of wealth accumulation and protect ...

Core Viewpoint - Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) is recognized as one of the 15 Best Dividend Leaders to buy currently, indicating strong potential for dividend growth and investment appeal [1]. Group 1: Price Target and Analyst Ratings - Barclays has lowered its price target for Lincoln National Corporation from $45 to $44, maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the shares. This adjustment follows a review of cash flow and private credit exposures within the life insurance sector [2]. - The firm aims to differentiate perceived risks from actual risks in the life insurance group, reflecting a cautious approach to the sector [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Outlook - During the Q4 earnings call, management highlighted updates in the investor supplement, showcasing the company's progress and medium-term objectives, which are presented as potential ranges for the next two years [2]. - Executive VP and CFO Christopher Neczypor stated that initiatives over the next two years are expected to enhance capital generation and free cash flow, which should lead to increased dividends from operating entities to the holding company [3]. - The Group Protection segment is projected to maintain operating margins of "8% or above," while the company plans to grow spread-based annuity account balances and improve free cash flow conversion [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Lincoln National Corporation operates as a holding company with various insurance and retirement businesses through its subsidiaries, including segments such as Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services [4].

Core Insights - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $2.21, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 18.7% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15.7% [1][9] - Adjusted operating revenues rose 5.7% year over year to $4.9 billion, surpassing the consensus mark by 1% [1][9] Financial Performance - The increase in quarterly results was driven by higher insurance premiums, strong annuity deposits, and solid Life Insurance performance, alongside higher net investment income and improved mortality results [2] - Insurance premiums increased by 5.4% year over year to $1.7 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1% [3] - Net investment income grew 11% year over year to $1.6 billion, exceeding the consensus mark by 6.7% [3] - Total expenses rose 35.2% year over year to $4 billion, while net income was reported at $754 million, down from $1.7 billion in the prior-year quarter [4] Segment Performance - The Annuities segment's operating income was $311 million, up 2.6% year over year, with operating revenues increasing by 7% to $1.3 billion [6] - The Life Insurance unit recorded an operating income of $77 million, improving from a loss of $15 million in the prior year, with operating revenues growing 2.2% to $1.6 billion [7] - The Group Protection segment's operating income increased 1.9% year over year to $109 million, with operating revenues totaling $1.5 billion, an 8.3% year-over-year improvement [8] - The Retirement Plan Services segment reported an operating income of $46 million, rising 7% year over year, with operating revenues increasing 4.5% to $352 million [10] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, Lincoln National had cash and invested cash of $9.5 billion, up from $5.8 billion at the end of 2024, and total assets of $417.2 billion, an increase from $390.8 billion [12] - Long-term debt remained stable at $5.9 billion, while total stockholders' equity rose to $10.9 billion from $8.3 billion at the end of 2024 [12] - Book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, was $73.10, up from $72.06 at the end of 2024 [13] Full-Year Update - For the full year 2025, Lincoln National reported adjusted earnings per share of $8.23, a 16.4% increase year over year, with adjusted operating revenues improving 4.1% to $19.1 billion [15] - The operating revenues in the Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services segments saw year-over-year improvements of 1.9%, 3.1%, 6.7%, and 2.4%, respectively [15] 2026 Outlook - In 2026, the Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services units are projected to account for 58-60%, 8-9%, 24-25%, and 8-9% of the company's total operating income earnings, respectively [16] - Management aims to maintain an RBC ratio of over 420% in both 2026 and the long term [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted operating income increased by 31% year-over-year in Q4 2025, marking the highest level in four years [5][25] - Full-year adjusted income from operations available to common shareholders was over $1.5 billion, a 23% improvement compared to 2024 [25] - Net income available to common stockholders for Q4 was $745 million, or $3.80 per diluted share [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annuities sales volumes increased by 25% in 2025, with RILA sales up 35% and fixed annuity sales up 11% [11][12] - Group Protection delivered operating earnings of $493 million for the full year, up 16% from 2024, with a margin improvement to 9% [28] - Life Insurance operating earnings improved to $77 million for Q4, compared to an operating loss of $15 million in the prior year [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Protection now accounts for approximately 25% of business unit earnings, up from 18% in 2023 [45] - Spread-based annuity account balances increased to 30%, up from 25% in 2023 [46] - Average account balances in Retirement Plan Services increased nearly 9% year-over-year to $124 billion [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing risk-adjusted returns, reducing volatility, and growing its franchise through strategic realignment and operational execution [7][10] - There is an emphasis on products with higher risk-adjusted margins and stable cash flows to strengthen business resilience [9][14] - The company aims to maintain expense discipline while investing strategically to support long-term priorities [8][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver long-term value despite potential market volatility [10][22] - The company is committed to improving the quality and durability of earnings while focusing on profitable growth [21][36] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for continued earnings growth and capital return to shareholders [49] Other Important Information - The investment portfolio delivered an annualized return of nearly 12% for Q4, exceeding targets [24][42] - The company completed the consolidation of several Life Insurance captive entities, which is expected to improve free cash flow [43][69] - Holding company liquidity ended the year at approximately $1.1 billion, providing financial flexibility for future capital returns [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital return guidance and buybacks - Management indicated that capital deployment priorities include maintaining excess capital in operating entities and preparing for optimal handling of preferred securities [52][54] Question: Excess cash and potential uses - The excess cash at the holding company is primarily aimed at managing preferred securities and increasing capital return to shareholders [56] Question: Life Insurance captive consolidation impact - The consolidation of captives is expected to reduce reserve financing costs and improve the free cash flow profile of the legacy Life block [68][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted Operating Income increased by 31% year-over-year in Q4 2025, marking the highest level in four years [5] - Full-year Adjusted Operating Income available to common stockholders was over $1.5 billion, a 23% improvement compared to 2024 [25] - Net income available to common stockholders for Q4 was $745 million, or $3.80 per diluted share [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annuities delivered operating income of $311 million for Q4, with total sales volumes up 25% year-over-year [11][30] - Group Protection's full-year operating earnings increased by 16% to $493 million, with a margin improvement to 9% [28] - Life insurance delivered operating earnings of $77 million for Q4, a significant improvement from an operating loss of $15 million in the prior year [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RILA sales increased by 35% in 2025, reflecting strong customer demand [12] - Fixed Annuity sales increased by 11%, while Variable Annuity sales rose by 27% year-over-year [12] - Group Protection's full-year premium growth was nearly 7%, driven by strong sales and persistency [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing risk-adjusted returns, reducing volatility, and growing its franchise [7] - Strategic realignment efforts are aimed at optimizing the operating model and enhancing capital efficiency [9] - The company is prioritizing profitable growth over top-line sales growth, particularly in annuities [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver long-term value despite potential market volatility [10] - The company expects to sustain momentum in earnings growth and improve the quality of earnings over time [22] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining expense discipline and optimizing the investment strategy [41][42] Other Important Information - The investment portfolio delivered an annualized return of nearly 12% for Q4, exceeding targets [24] - The company completed the consolidation of several life insurance captive entities, which is expected to improve free cash flow [43][69] - Holding company liquidity ended the year at approximately $1.1 billion, providing financial flexibility for future capital returns [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital return expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that capital deployment priorities include maintaining excess capital in operating entities and preparing for preferred stock redemption [52][54] Question: Future remittances and shareholder returns - Management confirmed that remittances are expected to grow, and there is potential for increased capital return to shareholders in the future [60][61] Question: Impact of captive consolidation on earnings - Management noted that the captive consolidation completed in Q4 provided a $10 million benefit to life earnings and is part of broader efforts to improve free cash flow [69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted Operating Income increased by 31% year-over-year for Q4 2025, marking the highest level in four years, with full-year Adjusted Operating Income exceeding $1.5 billion, a 23% improvement compared to 2024 [5][25][26] - Net income available to common stockholders for Q4 was $745 million, or $3.80 per diluted share, driven by favorable market conditions [26] - The company reported a strong alternative investments portfolio return of nearly 12% for the quarter [25][42] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annuities delivered operating income of $311 million for Q4, with total sales volumes up 25% year-over-year, driven by a shift towards spread-based products [10][31] - Group Protection achieved operating earnings of $493 million for the full year, up 16% from 2024, with a margin improvement to 9% [28][30] - Life insurance operating earnings improved significantly to $77 million for Q4, compared to an operating loss of $15 million in the prior year [36][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RILA sales increased by 35% in 2025, while Fixed Annuity sales rose by 11%, reflecting strong market demand [11][12] - Group Protection's full-year premium growth was nearly 7%, with strong sales across all products and segments [19][30] - Retirement Plan Services reported average account balances increasing nearly 9% year-over-year to $124 billion, despite net outflows of approximately $1 billion for the quarter [35][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving risk-adjusted returns on capital, reducing volatility, and growing its franchise through strategic realignment and operational enhancements [6][7] - There is an emphasis on products with higher risk-adjusted margins and stable cash flows to strengthen business resilience [8][9] - The company aims to maintain disciplined expense management while investing strategically to support long-term priorities [7][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver long-term value, despite potential market volatility and economic changes [9][23] - The company is committed to enhancing capital efficiency and optimizing its operating model to support sustainable growth [22][48] - Looking ahead to 2026, management expects continued earnings growth and a focus on profitable growth over top-line sales growth [12][16] Other Important Information - The company completed the consolidation of several life insurance captive entities, which is expected to improve GAAP earnings by approximately $25 million to $30 million in 2026 [71] - Holding company liquidity ended the year at approximately $1.1 billion, providing financial flexibility for future capital returns to shareholders [44][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Capital return expectations for 2026 - Management indicated that capital deployment priorities include maintaining excess capital in operating entities and preparing for optimal handling of preferred securities [52][54] Question: Excess cash management at the holding company - Management confirmed that excess cash would primarily be used for managing preferred securities and increasing capital return to shareholders [56][57] Question: Life insurance business improvements - Management discussed the benefits of captive consolidation and ongoing efforts to enhance the free cash flow profile of the legacy life block, projecting further improvements in earnings [70][71]

Earnings Supplement Fourth Quarter 2025 February 12, 2026 1 Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language Certain statements made in this presentation and in other written or oral statements made by Lincoln or on Lincoln's behalf are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"). A forward-looking statement is a statement that is not a historical fact and, without limitation, includes any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or ...

Core Insights - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) is positioned for growth due to strong performance across all segments, new product rollouts, and expense management, with shares increasing by 28.1% over the past six months compared to the industry's 7.1% rise [1][9] Company Overview - LNC has a market capitalization of $8.5 billion and operates as a diversified life insurance and investment management company, offering a variety of wealth accumulation, protection, and retirement products [2] - The trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) ratio for LNC is 0.89X, which is below the industry average of 2X [2] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LNC's 2025 earnings is $7.89 per share, reflecting an 11.6% year-over-year increase, with revenues projected at $19 billion [3] - LNC has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the past four quarters, averaging a surprise of 12% [3] Growth Drivers - LNC operates through four segments: Annuities, Life Insurance, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services, with revenues supported by a balanced business mix and higher insurance premiums [4] - The Annuities segment benefits from strong demand and favorable equity markets, while Life Insurance is gaining traction through improved operating efficiency [5] - Group Protection shows steady premium growth due to pricing discipline, and Retirement Plan Services is seeing positive net flows and increasing account balances [5] Strategic Focus - The company is enhancing its business mix towards higher-margin growth and investing in digital tools and technology modernization to improve service capabilities and customer experience [6] - LNC's financial foundation is strong, with cash and invested cash at $10.7 billion as of September 30, 2025, an increase of 83.9% from the previous year, and total debt at $5.8 billion [7] Financial Stability - LNC's dividend yield stands at 4%, higher than the industry average of 3.1%, supported by a rising cash balance and declining debt levels [7][9] - However, LNC has a higher total debt-to-capital ratio of 35.6% compared to the industry average of 14.6% [10]

Core Insights - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) is enhancing its market reach and shareholder value through strategic partnerships and a positive financial outlook [1][5] Financial Outlook - Piper Sandler has set a price target of $48 for LNC, suggesting a potential price increase of approximately 4.03% from the current trading price of $46.14, reflecting the company's strong financial health [2] - LNC's stock has shown volatility, with a year's high of $46.70 and a low of $27.58, indicating investment opportunities [4] Strategic Partnerships - LNC has partnered with FOX Sports as the first-ever Game Break sponsor for the Women's Sports Desk, aligning with its mission to promote financial confidence and empowerment among women [3] - This multi-year sponsorship aims to enhance LNC's visibility and commitment to diversity and inclusion [3] Market Performance - LNC's current market capitalization is approximately $8.76 billion, with a trading volume of 1,101,742 shares, demonstrating solid presence and active investor interest in the financial services industry [4]

Industry Overview - The insurance industry has gained 7.9% year to date, driven by better pricing, exposure growth, and accelerated digitalization despite an active catastrophe environment and three rate cuts [2][4] - Macroeconomic conditions remain favorable, with the Federal Reserve projecting 1.7% growth in 2025 and an unemployment rate averaging 4.5% [5] - Global life insurance gross written premiums are expected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2026, with emerging markets likely to expand faster due to low insurance penetration [10][12] Company Performance - Insurers such as Travelers Companies (TRV), Axis Capital Holdings (AXS), Jackson Financial (JXN), Lincoln National (LNC), and Globe Life (GL) have outperformed the market in 2025 and are expected to continue their growth in 2026 [3][11] - Strong underwriting, capital positions, and digital upgrades have enabled these insurers to thrive despite catastrophe losses [11] Specific Company Insights - **Travelers Companies (TRV)**: Expected to grow due to strong renewal rate changes and a solid capital position, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings per share at $26.40 on $50.5 billion in revenues [14][16] - **Axis Capital Holdings (AXS)**: Focuses on higher-margin segments, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings per share at $12.66 on $6.8 billion in revenues [17][18] - **Jackson Financial (JXN)**: Anticipates an 11%-27% increase in capital return to shareholders in 2025, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings per share at $23.85 on $7.8 billion in revenues [19][20] - **Lincoln National (LNC)**: Benefits from a recovering Group Protection business, with a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings per share at $8.03 on $19.5 billion in revenues [21][23] - **Globe Life (GL)**: Focuses on niche markets and has a consensus estimate for 2026 earnings per share at $15.04 on $6.3 billion in revenues [23][24]