Lincoln National (LNC) reported $4.78 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2025, representing a year-over-year increase of 3.9%. EPS of $2.04 for the same period compares to $2.06 a year ago.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.8 billion, representing a surprise of -0.45%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +10.87%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.84.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- ...

Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 30, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker4Hello and thank you for standing by. My name is Tiffany and I will be your conference operator today. At this time I would like to welcome everyone to the Lincoln National Corporation financial third quarter 2025 earnings webcast. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question duri ...

Earnings Supplement Third Quarter 2025 October 30, 2025 Forward-Looking Statements – Cautionary Language Certain statements made in this press release 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 im ...

Core Insights - Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.36, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 23.6% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 28.3% [1][8] - Adjusted operating revenues rose 4.4% year over year to $4.7 billion, surpassing the consensus mark by 1.2% [1][8] Financial Performance - The strong quarterly results were driven by higher insurance premiums, strong annuity deposits, and solid Group Protection performance [2] - Insurance premiums increased by 3.5% year over year to $1.7 billion, slightly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate [3] - Net investment income grew by 10.1% year over year to $1.5 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $1.4 billion [3][8] - Total expenses decreased by 21.2% year over year to $3.2 billion [4][8] - Lincoln National generated a net income of $699 million, down from $895 million in the prior-year quarter [4] Segment Performance - The Annuities segment's operating income was $287 million, a 3% decline year over year, but above the consensus estimate [6] - The Life Insurance unit reported an operating income of $32 million, improving from a loss of $35 million in the prior year [7] - The Group Protection segment's operating income increased by 33.1% year over year to $173 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate [8] - The Retirement Plan Services segment recorded an operating income of $37 million, down 8% year over year [10] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, Lincoln National had cash and invested cash of $7.1 billion, up from $5.8 billion at the end of 2024 [12] - Total assets increased to $399.1 billion from $390.8 billion at the end of 2024 [12] - Long-term debt decreased to $5.8 billion from $7.1 billion as of December 31, 2024 [12] - Total stockholders' equity rose to $9.5 billion from $8.3 billion at the end of 2024 [12] Outlook - The Group Protection unit is expected to experience a seasonally higher loss ratio in the fourth quarter of 2025 [15] - The Life Insurance segment is forecasted to see favorable mortality results in the third and fourth quarters of 2025 [15] - In 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 [16]

Lincoln National (LNC 11.43%), a major provider of insurance, annuities, and retirement plan services, released its second quarter results on July 31, 2025. The standout headline was non-GAAP earnings per share of $2.36 in Q2 2025, exceeding analyst expectations by 25.5%. However, non-GAAP revenue was $4.308 billion, falling short of the $4.66 billion consensus estimate by 7.6%. The report showed clear improvement in operating margins and segment performance, especially in Group Protection, where operating ...

Core Insights - Lincoln National (LNC) reported $4.73 billion in revenue for Q2 2025, a year-over-year increase of 4.4% and an EPS of $2.36 compared to $1.84 a year ago, exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates for both revenue and EPS [1] Financial Performance - Revenue of $4.73 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.67 billion, resulting in a surprise of +1.23% [1] - EPS of $2.36 exceeded the consensus estimate of $1.91, delivering a surprise of +23.56% [1] Key Metrics - Net Flows - Life Insurance: $633 million, exceeding the estimate of $622.2 million [4] - Net Flows - Retirement Plan Services: $-585 million, worse than the estimate of $-140.99 million [4] - Loss Ratio - Group Protection: 65.9%, better than the estimate of 70.5% [4] - Net Flows - Annuities: $-1.16 billion, matching the average estimate [4] - Fee Income: $1.34 billion, slightly below the estimate of $1.35 billion, with a year-over-year change of +0.1% [4] - Insurance Premiums: $1.68 billion, in line with the estimate, reflecting a year-over-year change of +3.5% [4] - Net Investment Income: $1.47 billion, exceeding the estimate of $1.39 billion, with a year-over-year change of +10.1% [4] - Life Insurance Revenue: $1.6 billion, surpassing the estimate of $1.58 billion, with a year-over-year change of +6% [4] - Group Protection Revenue: $1.54 billion, exceeding the estimate of $1.52 billion, with a year-over-year change of +6.7% [4] - Other Operations Revenue: $41 million, below the estimate of $53.37 million, with a year-over-year change of +5.1% [4] - Retirement Plan Services Revenue: $331 million, slightly above the estimate of $327.13 million, with a year-over-year change of +1.2% [4] - Annuities Revenue: $1.21 billion, below the estimate of $1.23 billion, with a year-over-year change of +0.4% [4] Stock Performance - Lincoln National shares have returned -2.2% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +2.7% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted operating income increased by 32% year over year, reaching $427 million or $2.36 per diluted share [4][27] - Net income available to common stockholders was $688 million or $3.80 per diluted share, reflecting positive market risk benefits [27] - The estimated RBC ratio remained above 420%, consistent with the company's strategy to maintain a capital buffer above the 400% target [43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group Protection business achieved record earnings of $173 million, up 33% year over year, with a margin increase to 12.5% [28][18] - Annuities generated operating income of $287 million, slightly down from $297 million in the prior year, primarily due to traditional variable annuity outflows [35] - Life Insurance reported operating earnings of $32 million, a significant improvement from an operating loss of $35 million in the prior year [40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - All four business segments delivered double-digit sales growth in the first half of the year, with notable contributions from previously non-key products [8] - Retirement Plan Services saw first-year sales increase by nearly 50% year over year, with total deposits up by 10% [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing risk-adjusted returns, reducing volatility, and growing its franchise through a disciplined growth strategy [5][24] - Strategic investments are being made in higher-margin products and segments, enhancing digital capabilities, and optimizing the operating model [7][8] - The company aims to deepen its strategic moat and evolve into a more agile, scalable organization [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, emphasizing the importance of disciplined execution and strategic clarity [25][48] - The economic backdrop remains volatile, but the company is committed to delivering long-term value and sustainable growth [8][24] Other Important Information - The company has launched a Bermuda-based reinsurance subsidiary to enhance its investment strategy [7] - The alternative investment portfolio achieved a 10% annualized return, contributing positively to overall earnings [27][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: On group and the shift into smaller local markets and supplemental health products - Management highlighted the successful execution of a targeted segment strategy, particularly in local markets and supplemental health, which are expected to drive margin expansion [50][51] Question: On the restructuring of the Life Captives - Management indicated that specifics on the impact of restructuring on earnings and free cash flow would be provided once more concrete details are available, with potential impacts expected in the following year [62][64] Question: On RILA product sales and market competition - Management reported a 32% increase in RILA sales year over year, attributing growth to the introduction of a second-generation product and expanding distribution segments [67][69] Question: On free cash flow conversion guidance - Management expressed confidence in the long-term free cash flow conversion rate being above previous targets, especially with the deployment of Bain Capital [74][76] Question: On distribution strategies in the group business - Management emphasized the importance of strategic broker relationships and investments in digital capabilities to enhance competitive differentiation and drive growth [80][82] Question: On external reinsurance solutions - Management is exploring options for external reinsurance focused on the legacy life block, with the potential for less reliance on structured deals due to deployable excess capital [88]

Financial Performance - Adjusted operating income increased by 32% year-over-year (YoY), marking the fourth consecutive quarter of YoY growth[7, 13] - Adjusted operating income was $427 million, or $2.36 per share[12] - Group Protection achieved record earnings, up 33% YoY, with a record margin of 12.5%, a 250 basis points increase[13] - Life Insurance reported earnings of $32 million, supported by in-line alternative investment income and favorable mortality[7, 13] Sales and Growth - Annuities sales increased by 5% YoY, driven by a diversified product mix[7, 13] - Group Protection sales increased by 16% YoY, fueled by local market and supplemental health sales[13] - Life Insurance sales increased by 15% YoY, driven by momentum in risk-sharing products[13] - Retirement Plan Services experienced strong deposit growth, up 10% YoY[13] Capital and Leverage - Estimated Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratio is greater than 420%, exceeding the 400% target[7, 13] - Leverage ratio improved by 330 basis points YoY to 25.6%, primarily due to equity growth[7, 13] - The company issued $1 billion in P-Caps, increasing access to on-demand capital and extending duration to 2055[13]

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].

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]